10 Days In The Austral Islands itinerary

French Polynesia’s “deep south” may be off the overwater bungalow tourist radar, but its pristine natural beauty and friendly locals, who still live life in the slow lane, make it one of the most interesting stops on a South Pacific voyage. In this Austral Islands itinerary, we’ll head to three of the chain’s islands: majestic Rurutu, lush Tubuai, and forgotten Raivavae. 

About This Austral Islands Itinerary

I finally made it to the Austral Islands on my fifth visit to French Polynesia in September 2020. Though it was tough to piece together a journey across the archipelago, I managed to spend over a week in the Australs, beginning in Rurutu, followed by a visit to Tubuai and Raivavae. This Austral Islands itinerary is based on my experience on the islands and on some of the lessons learned while exploring them. 

Mount Hiro summit Raivavae - Austral Islands - French Polynesia panoramic view

Heading to French Polynesia? In-depth island guides to all 5 archipelagos await you, including sample itineraries and essential travel tips & tricks.

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Tahiti, Tailor Made!

The Islands of Tahiti are among the last places to be colonized by mankind, 118 islands, each with its unique personality.

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Further Reading About The Austral Islands

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Austral Island Itinerary Map

All points of interest mentioned in this Austral Islands itinerary can be found on this map. Simply click on the image to open it in Google My Maps. 

Austral islands itinerary french polynesia
Quick Finds

Part 1: Four Days In Rurutu

Our Austral Islands itinerary begins in Rurutu, the most visited island in the chain. Rurutu’s interesting geology has created one of the most diverse islands in French Polynesia, home to a coral reef, high peaks, lush valleys, and hundreds of caves. But with all due respect, what draws visitors to Rurutu are the whales. Rurutu is one of the best places in the world for observing and swimming with humpback whales. 

Monster Cave interior panoramic view - Rurutu - Austral Islands - French Polynesia

Day 1: Arrival & Around Moeari Village

Most flights from Tahiti land in Rurutu in the afternoon so you’ll likely have just enough time to settle in and do a bit of sightseeing. The airport is on the north side of the island and your hosts will arrange a pickup.  

I highly recommend staying at Vaitumu Village, a beautiful lodge on the west side of the island not far from the airport. This gorgeous property is perfect for both sunsets and whale watching. Traditionally decorated yet modern bungalows are spread around a lush garden and the friendly staff will take care of all of your needs. Meals are served buffet style and there’s even a cocktail bar! Other options include Le Manotel, Pension Teautamatea, and Heiata Guesthouse

Vaitumu Village - Rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia - pool
locals playing music in Vaitumu Village - Rurutu - Austral islands - French Polynesia
Vaitumu Village - Rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia - garden bungalow
Vaitumu Village - Rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia - bedroom

If there’s enough time before sundown for an excursion, go for it. If not, head to Moerai, Rurutu’s main village. Moerai was the place of residence of the last chief of Rurutu and it has an interesting architecture that’s worth checking out such as the church and a few pastel-colored homes. There’s a small communal market from 8 am to 3 pm (not sure on which days), two snacks (local restaurants), grocery shops, and an ATM. Ask locals for directions and head to the Tropicbird Lookout for some awesome views of the area. If the hike isn’t for you, find a picnic table on Moerai’s waterfront and look for some whales.

snack in rurutu austral islands french polynesia
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Pro Tip

If you’re staying at Vaitumu Village, you can walk or cycle to Marae Tararoa and explore the most impressive remains of an ancient ceremonial site found in Rurutu. It lies on the property of Pension Teautamatea so just ask for permission. Naturally, if you’re staying at this pension, it’s a no-brainer to see this site.

Day 2: Swimming With Whales & Island Tour

Every year, humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica to give birth and to mate in the warm Polynesian waters. Their journey takes them via the Austral Islands, where they can be observed from late July until the end of October. Rurutu is renowned for the quality of whale-watching because the whales are easily observed close to the coast and due to the island’s clear waters. Swimming with whales is, by far, the top thing to do in the Austral Islands so it’s best to book your excursion well ahead of time. 

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Excursions range from 9,000-13,000 XPF and you’ll have the chance to be in the water for a few hours with the whales. I personally went with Raie Manta Club and we ventured into Avera Bay where we found a few pairs of mother and calf. From time to time, a male would emerge to check up on his family. The calf would often breach the surface of the water for that “classic” whale shot. 

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swimming with humpback whales - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia - whale breaching 2
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humpback whale and calf - Rurutu - Austral Islands - French Polynesia

After a quick lunch back at the lodge or pension, head on a guided half-day island tour to see Rurutu’s main island through the eyes of a local (~4,500 XPF). A half-day tour offers ample time to explore the island on its 30km of road. Highlights include the majestic Ana A’eo, better known as “Mitterrand’s Cave”, Avera Bay Lookout and Avera Village with its craft center and taro fields, and the lovely beaches on the southern end of the island (Toa Tara Tara Beach – also known as “lovers beach” and Naairoa Beach). 

ana aeo - Mitterrand Cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia - interior
avera bay lookout 2 - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
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Day 3: Monster’s Cave Hike

Besides whales, Rurutu is famous for its caves. Different tectonic movements have uplifted the island’s once-submerged coral reef dozens of meters into the air. The huge blocks of fossilized limestone, eroded by rainwater and ocean waves, are now peppered with caves that are richly decorated by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The most famous cave to visit in Rurutu is Ana Taupe’e, better known as the “Monster’s Cave”. 

The Monster’s Cave is reached via a hike along the “lost trail” and it should be done with a guide (~4,500 XPF). The trail begins at low tide on the beach of Auti Village. The first cave on the trail is Ana Mōuo, with its deep amphitheater-like cavern, stalactites and stalagmites, and generous calcium deposits that have formed shapes and patterns over the ages. 

The lost trail - hiking in rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
entrance to Ana Mouo - hiking in rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
Raised coral cliffs with caves - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia

The second cave on the lost trail is the Monster’s Cave. Looking at it from the exterior, it’s easy to understand how this cave got its nickname, resembling the full head of a dinosaur or dragon of some sort. Inside the cave, the “monster’s teeth” are to be carefully negotiated. The Monster’s Cave is often featured in publications promoting tourism in French Polynesia, so this is the “money shot”. 

the monster cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
hiking guide in monstre cave Rurutu - Austral Islands - French Polynesia
monster cave interior Rurutu - Austral Islands - French Polynesia

A third cave is visited on the trail before descending to the coast close to Moeari Village. It makes sense to arrange with your guide to stop in the village for lunch. If you want to continue the adventure, ask your guide to take you to the Secret Cave (an additional ~4,500 XPF). Located close to Avera Bay Lookout, to reach the cave, you’ll need to head underground, carefully making your way down to the bottom of the cave where millennia of rainfall has accumulated in a crystal clear natural pool surrounded by untouched stalactites and stalagmites.  

entering secret cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
peering through secret cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
stalactites in secret cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
closeup of stalactites in secret cave - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia

Day 4: Manureva Hike & Beach Time

On your last day in Rurutu, put on your hiking shoes and climb the island’s three highest peaks. You don’t need a guide for this hike but you will need a ride to the trailhead and a map drawn by your hosts to find the right path back to the main road, from where you’ll either hitchhike or walk back. 

The well-marked trail leads to the peaks of Mount Ta’ati’oe, Manureva (the highest peak at a height of 389m), and Te’ape. All three peaks afford panoramic views of the island and especially of picturesque Avera Bay. If you hang around long enough, you should be able to spot some whales breaching the bay’s waters. 

me at the summit of mount manureva - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
taro patches from mount manureva hiking - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
hiking trail in rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
bench on hiking trail - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
Avera Bay from summit of mount manureva hike - rurutu - austral islands - french polynesia
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Pro Tip

If horseback riding is your thing, hire a guide to take you to some of these sites on the back of Rurutu’s most cherished mode of transportation.

Back on level ground, head to one of the island’s swimming beaches. If you’re staying at Vaitumu Village or  Pension Teautamatea, head to the beach just across the road from Marae Tararoa. It’s a safe swimming beach backed by casuarina trees and picnic tables. 

beach and lagoon in Rurutu - Austral Islands - French Polynesia