House of travel Tahiti Brochure 2017 | Page 45

Other Islands The Austral & Gambier Archipelagos More than 600 kilometres from Tahiti the remote and mysterious Austral Archipelago is a haven of authentic Polynesian culture and tradition. It includes Rurutu, where the humpback whales come to breed; Tubai, perfect for kite and windsurfing, and the off the beaten track islands of Rimatara and Raivavae, two hidden paradises. The Gambiers are located more than 1700 kilometres east of Tahiti and are remote, rugged and charming. Mangareva is the only inhabited island and produces the most beautiful pearls in all of Polynesia. The Society Archipelago The Society Archipelago is a group of high tropical islands surrounded by lagoons. Aside from Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, the Society Archipelago also includes Huahine, the magical Garden of Eden island; Raiatea, the cradle of Polynesian culture and spirituality; Taha’a, the vanilla island and Maupiti, the preserved island. The Marquesas Archipelago The appeal of the Marquesas is its powerful landscape of cliffs, sharp peaks and deep valleys. You will discover archaeological sites, unforgettable dives and elements of Marquesan culture including tattoo, sculpture and handicrafts. Nuku Hiva, the Mythical Island is home to many archeological ruins. Hiva Oa offers 320 square kilometres of striking mountains and majestic valleys where wild horses are in abundance. It is also the resting place of Paul Gauguin. The Tuamotu Archipelago The Tuamotus comprise 78 sandy atolls over several hundred kilometres. It includes Rangiroa, the largest atoll and a mecca for scuba divers; Tikehau, with its stunning pink sand beaches; Manihi, famous for its pearl farms; Fakarava, an untouched paradise and Makemo, with its amazing dive passes. 3hrs 45min MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO 4hrs 30min 3hrs 45min N W E S Tikehau SOCIETY ARCHIPELAGO Ahe Rangiroa 45min TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO 1hr Makemo 1hr 10min Tahiti 1hr 30min Rurutu AUSTRAL ARCHIPELAGO Manihi 1hr 15min 55min Tupai Maupiti Taha’a 40min Bora Bora Tetiaroa Raiatea Huahine Moorea Rimatara Nuku Hiva Ua Huka Fatu Huku Hiva Oa Ua Pou Motane Tahuata Fatu Hiva Tubuai Raivavae Fakarava Tenararo 4hrs 25min GAMBIER ARCHIPELAGO Mangareva 43