DESTINATIONS © Fred ©
DESTINATIONS © Fred © Fred Mangareva Aukena and Mangareva The Gambier Archipelago Islands “at the edge of the world” lure visitors with the sheen of Pacific pearls Located 1,600 km from Tahiti, choosing Gambier Island as one’s destination is a guarantee to experience a completely different type of vacation. Beyond the spectacular scenery - five islands and a dozen motu around a fabulous lagoon – one is taken in a spiral where the peaceful way of life is contagious and the visitor is literally enthralled by the incredible heritage of this amazing spot. To say the Gambier archipelago is off the beaten track is a major understatement. Travellers visiting this area feel privileged as they are warmly greeted by the friendly local community. The islands are still secluded and offer natural and cultural treasures to be discovered with delight alongside friendly Mangarevan inhabitants. This creates a perfect alchemy, beyond description, of well-being and a unique change of scenery. NATURE Let’s make things clear: the lagoon, hosting the entire archipelago, is probably the most beautiful of French Polynesia. Both transparent and sandy, turquoise and dotted with coral heads, it displays a range of blues marvellously contrasting with the surrounding lush green mountains. Hiking is a favourite activity to make the most of this unique scenery. ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE Although Mangareva hosts some pre-European remnants of marae and other cultural witnesses of the past, Mangareva is renowned for its fascinating religious 19th Century heritage. One says that faith can move mountains. In Gambier, it moved tons of corals! As the cradle of the Catholic religion, the missionaries and the recently converted islanders, built hundreds of religious buildings between 1840-70: churches, presbyteries, convents, schools, and observation towers. They can still be visited in Rikitea, ’Akamaru, ’Aukena and Taravai. The largest and oldest monument of French Polynesia proudly stands in Rikitea. Saint Michael’s Cathedral (1848) was renovated in 2012. MUST SEE PEARL FARMS Mangareva is the heart of the Pinctada Margaritifera, the best place to cultivate the famous black pearls. you cannot miss the occasion to visit one of the pearl farms located in the beautiful lagoon to touch unique jewels produced by nature and handicrafts that can be found only in The Islands of Tahiti. On site, you can directly admire incredible pearls characterized by vibrating purple and iridescent green shades or grey, blue and rosy reflections. KEY ASSETS Authenticity - a genuine history-filled archipelago, with untouched nature, friendly islanders and a rich heritage Pearls - high value and good quality pearls of unmatched shades mostly thanks to the purity of the lagoon waters Activities - land and water activities for all: hiking, leisurely strolls, lagoon tours, snorkelling, relaxing, or visiting a pearl farm 24 SMART GUIDE French Polynesia
DESTINATIONS © Tahiti Tourisme © Tahiti Tourisme Rurutu Rurutu Austral Islands Lands of tradition – untouched and mysterious The Austral Islands.... Untouched and mysterious lands, a land of tradition where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons... Although this group of islands is off the beaten track, it will offer travellers a memorable and genuine experience. Discovered by the Europeans in the 18th Century, the Australs are located 600 km south of Tahiti’s capital city. The archipelago is made up of 7 islands, 5 of them are inhabited and the other 4 are within reach by air. RURUTU (the island of whales) The island was formed in an interesting way, thanks to two consecutive volcanic hot spots, which created unusual mountains circled with coral cliffs; hence its name “Rurutu”: the gushing rock. Basaltic rocks and a limestone belt offer surprising stalactites and stalagmites around the former lagoon, now a coral reef. The cool climate is auspicious to lush vegetation covering the island’s rocks. The curvy road will lead you through a poetic and impressive tour, combining long white sand beaches, beautiful bays and various plantations. This pristine environment is home to just 2,404 inhabitants. TUBUAI (a tropical Eden) The first explorers were struck by the island’s beauty. Wallis, then Cook towards the end of the 18th Century, particularly liked the lush vegetation and crystalclear water of the island. However, it did not look appropriate for good anchorage given the large barrier reef around the coast. This disadvantage turned into an incredible advantage in the eyes of the famous mutinies of the Bounty. Led by Christian Fletcher, they tried, to no avail, to settle and built Fort George, which no longer exists. RAIVAVAE (the first island) “Raivavae” or “the open sky” is universe for various noises such as sea birds’ songs, the swell and the wind. often considered as the most beautiful island of the pacific, the magnificent sceneries live up to the island’s reputation as the Garden of Eden. Floating over an emerald lagoon, the island shelters amazing remnants from the past such as a laughing tiki. The local people have chosen to keep their island untouched and have developed an eco-tourism concept welcoming travellers in a warm and simple manner. Aside from handicrafts, Raivavae is the only island where sewn outriggers are still made, ensuring the visitor a step back in time feeling while on the island. MUST SEE DON’T MISS A WHALE WATER BALLET AT RURUTU, attracting nature and whale lovers each year along with many scientists. They come very close to the coast to give birth. Adventurous snorkelers will have the opportunity to share a very special moment with these sea giants. KEY ASSETS Isolation – way off the beaten track Nature - the untouched look Deeply authentic nature – here, nothing is fake! SMART GUIDE French Polynesia 25
