Islands Adventures

Rurutu

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Rurutu, situated 574 km to the south-west of Tahiti, is part of the Austral Islands, which has a cooler climate than the other archipelagos. The island is surrounded by an almost unbroken reef very close to the shore and featuring many attractive little pools. There are magnificent white sand beaches. Certain stretches of the coast do not have a reef and are suitable for nautical activities, in particular the observation of whales and their calves from July through to the end of October. The contour of the island presents stretches of high limestone cliffs in which mother Nature has sculptured caves with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. The principal village is Moerai situated at 4 km from the airport. Rurutu is also famous for its local handicraft, objects of traditional basket-work, and especially for the gorgeous tifaifai or brilliantly colored patchwork quilts. The inhabitants have remained faithful to their traditions and they organize cultural events several times a year ("Tere", great marriage ceremonies, rock lifting, etc...).

Photo gallery

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Districts :

Moerai, Unaa, Vitaria, Avera, Paparai, Narui, Naairoa, Auti and Peva.

Population :

2 098 inhabitants.

Surface area :

36 sq km.

Do not miss :

• The handicrafts centers, (closed on Sundays, except at the airport for the arrivals and departures),
• The old lime kilns,
• archeological sites,
• Caves with stalactites and stalagmites,
• The grave of the French sailor Eric de Bishop, < br >
• The copy of the famous " Tiki ' a'a ", the ancestor of the gods of Rurutu, which is in the city hall of Moerai and the original of which is exposed at the British Museum of London
  
• the whales (july to October)

Things to do :

• Marine activities and excursions : scuba diving (activity available punctually, make sure beforehand of the monitor presence),
  
• whale watching only from July-August to November (It is advised to inquire about their presence before leaving if they are the main purpose of your journey)
  
• Land based activities : hiking, bicycle or horse riding, car drive, vehicle rentals, circle island tour with guide, cave visit.
• Other activities : go to a church service; hymn singing in the Austral Islands is famous.

Practical information :

• Banks : yes.
• Post Office : yes.
• Call box : yes.
• Shops : yes. Several grocery stores. At Moerai airport and on the sea front traditional handicraft is sold. Possibility of purchasing locally made goats cheese.
• Restaurants :Apart from Lodges there are very few possibilities of getting a meal (some snacks only). We recommend to book half board at your lodge (breakfast and dinner).

Flight schedule :

AIR TAHITI time-table and fares

Our accommodations in Rurutu :

Our suggested single island packages

Our suggested island combos