10 Days In The Austral Islands itinerary

Part 3: Three Days In Raivavae

Raivavae is an up-and-coming destination in French Polynesia, though it is still extremely low key and very few tourists make it here. It’s located in the southern end of the Austral Islands, beyond which is only lonely Rapa Island. Those who know say that Raivavae feels the way Bora Bora was a few decades ago. The airport was dug out of the lagoon in 2002 but the pace of life still hasn’t picked up. The island is slowly getting used to welcoming outsiders and still retains its traditional charm.

Day 8: Arrival & Island Tour

Much like in Tubuai, the first day in Raivavae will be used for settling in and touring the island with your host. I stayed with Clarisse Paulin at Pension Vaimano, not too far from Vaiuru Village. Her pension has four bungalows perched on a hillside facing Motu Piscine. Clarisse is not only a very gracious host who bakes delicious coconut bread in the morning, but also well-known across the Austral Islands for her tifaifai. 

Other recommended options in Raivavae are Raivavae Tama Resort, Pension Ataha, and Pension Chez Linda. You’ll also find a few low-key options on Airbnb and a few other pensions that are more of a homestay type of accommodation. 

On the island tour (3,500 XPF), Clarisse didn’t spare any effort and showed me all of Raivavae’s major highlights, along the coast and in the lush interior of the island. We stopped at several marae, in which Clarisse was very knowledgeable about the ancient tradition and the specific use of each ceremonial site. In Antonu Village we stopped to see the whitewashed Protestant church and the workshop where traditional wooden canoes are still made. Completing the rounding of the island, we stopped at beautiful Plage Ruatara and the famous smiling tiki. 

Day 9: Mount Hiro Hike & Beach Time

At an elevation of 437m, Mount Hiro is the highest peak in Raivavae, and hiking to its summit is one of the best hikes in French Polynesia. The hike begins with a challenging ascent up to the ridgeline but from here until the summit, it’s nothing but one endless treat for the eyes. Up here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of Motu Piscine, the coastline, and the “S” shaped ridge that slices through the middle of the island. Prepare to spend a few blissful hours up here. 

In the afternoon, head to relax on one of the main island’s beaches. The easiest to reach would be Plage Ruatara, which was visited as part of the island tour, but for a bit of adventure, head to Motu Hotuatua. This high islet rises close to the shore of the main island. It might remind you of a small Thai island. There’s a small and dreamy sandy beach on this motu. Inquire with your hosts about permission to kayak there. 

Day 10: Motu Piscine

When picturing a South Pacific beach, you’re likely seeing Motu Piscine. Translating to “swimming pool islet”, this jewel has untouched landscapes and more than a mile of beaches lined with vegetation. With its blues of indigo and turquoise, this place is the perfect postcard scene and one of the best beaches in French Polynesia. All pensions can arrange day trips to Motu Piscine that include a picnic lunch. If you really want to “go Robinson Crusoe”, you can even spend the night here. 

What’s Next?

This Austral Islands itinerary should give you a pretty good taste of what this archipelago has to offer. Check out the following guides for more information about the Austral Islands and French Polynesia.

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