Austral Islands, Archipelago in French Polynesia, Pacific Ocean.
The Austral Islands consist of five main islands—Tubuai, Raivavae, Rimatara, Rurutu, and Rapa—scattered across the southern Pacific Ocean. These islands were formed by volcanic activity and have varied landscapes that shape how people live there.
Polynesian settlers arrived on these islands long before Europeans reached them in the 1700s. Early contact with outsiders shaped the course of island life.
The communities here keep traditional Polynesian ways alive through music, dance, and crafts made from pandanus fiber. You can see these practices woven into how people gather and celebrate together.
Most visitors fly from Tahiti to reach individual islands, as direct connections are limited. Ferries do link the islands, but service is infrequent, so plan for slower travel.
Each island grows its own crops—taro, yams, and coffee—in volcanic soil, and fishing remains a key part of daily life. This self-sufficient way of living shows how the islands have stayed connected to the land and sea.
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Bora Bora
924.9 km
Tetiaroa
790.5 km
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
926.1 km
Rangiroa
975.5 km
Mont Orohena
721.9 km
Otemanu
924.4 km
Taputapuatea marae
873.4 km
Tupai
950.9 km
Paul Gauguin Museum
706 km
Maupihaa
1024.7 km
Papeete Tahiti Temple
732.9 km
Manuae
1097.5 km
Apataki
949.1 kmStade Pater Te Hono Nui
732.4 km
Arutua
960 km
Îles Maria
757.3 km
Papeete Market
733 km
Papeete Cathedral
732.8 km
Hiti
884.4 kmRobert Wan Pearl Museum
732.9 km
Nengonengo
847.1 km
Mount Tohivea
739.3 km
Mont Aorai
723 km
Musée de Tahiti et des Îles
724.3 km
Haraiki
838.2 km
Pointe Vénus Lighthouse
735.7 km
Mount Temehani
878.5 km
Maison James Norman Hall
733.2 km
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