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Austral Islands
Journey to the Austral Islands
Aboard Aranoa
Prices From
$14,099NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
Depart: Fri 06 Aug 2027
Return: Sat 21 Aug 2027
Duration: 15 nights
Enquire Now
Set sail on a unique adventure through the remote and enchanting Austral Islands aboard the new ship Aranoa.
Discovered by Europeans in the 18th century, the Austral Islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti. Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand meets intense blue lagoons, breathtaking landscapes of sheer mountains and fertile valleys, and islands renowned for their traditional farming heritage.
Your journey takes place aboard Aranoa, a custom-built mixed cargo-passenger vessel which offers all the latest amenities, combining the romance of cruising with authentic island life.
Visit charming villages, witness traditional dances, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a small-ship voyage.
The Austral islands will certainly offer a memorable and unique experience.
Your travel itinerary
Friday 06 August
Auckland – Tahiti (Papeete)
Depart Auckland early evening, cross the International Dateline to arrive in Papeete the same day. After a warm Tahitian welcome, transfer to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort. This afternoon, visit Tahiti’s East Coast including waterfalls and Venus Point. Tonight, meet for a welcome drink in the bar. The resort offers a range of dining options for dinner (at own expense).
Saturday 07 August
Papeete – Embarkation Aranoa - Moorea
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast board the Aranoa and set sail. This afternoon visit Moorea before cruising this evening to the Austral Islands.
Sunday 08 August
At Sea
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to Rimatara. Onboard lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands will give you a complete overview of this civilization.
Monday 09 August
Rimatara (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Disembark at Taanini dock on this small circular volcanic plateau, the last island discovered in the archipelago. Rimatara preserves old traditions and its own dialect, and is home to the endemic Kuhl’s Lori, a colourful parakeet. After a purification smoke ceremony, an ancient tradition of welcome, tour the main villages by mini-bus. Visit the ancient cemetery where island royalty rests. Enjoy a beach barbecue at Motuaura and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
Tuesday 10 August
Rurutu (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
One of French Polynesia’s two largest raised atolls, Rurutu surprises with its unique geology — basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves, lush volcanic jungle, white sand beaches, and stunning bays. The island is renowned for exceptional basketry, such as hats, bags, baskets and rugs crafted from pandanus leaves. Enjoy lunch on board before an afternoon visit to the village of Moerai.
Wednesday 11 August
Tubuai (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Tubuai is the most populated island of the Austral Islands. Arrive by barge at the landing stage of Bloody Bay, welcomed with flower wreaths and local music. Watch demonstrations of pandanus weaving and shell necklace-making. Tour cultural sites by truck including PO TUI TUI marae and Fort George, the mutineers’ refuge from the Bounty in 1789. Enjoy afternoon snorkelling at Bloody Bay.
Thursday 12 August
Raivavae (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Known as the ‘Bora Bora of yesteryear’, Raivavae boasts what many consider the most beautiful lagoon in Tahiti and her islands. This preserved Garden of Eden casts an irresistible spell. Disembark by tender onto Mahanatoa beach and tour the island by bus, visiting the ‘Smiling Tiki’ and scattered marae. Enjoy a typical buffet on the beach, then explore the village or snorkel in the lush lagoon.
Friday 13 August
Raivavae (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Enjoy extended time on this island to stroll through the village or discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel.
Saturday 14 August
Rapa (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accessible only by sea, Rapa is French Polynesia’s southernmost inhabited island — next stop, Antarctica. This crescent-shaped land mass features a fjord-like coastline with 12 deeply indented bays. Disembark at Ahurei dock for a flower wreath welcome. Visit the cultural centre to watch locals craft reed hats and bamboo items. Enjoy a local meal on land.
Sunday 15 August
Tubuai (Austral Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Set off by truck to discover the Vaitauarii marae, Fort George - refuge of the Bounty mutineers - and the sites of their battles. Barbecues, swimming and optional diving punctuate this day of history and nature.
Monday 16 August
At Sea
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
A day to relax on board, as Aranoa returns to the Society Islands.
Tuesday 17 August
Raiatea (Society Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Considered the cradle of Polynesian civilisation, Raiatea (formerly Havai’i) is where migrations to New Zealand, Hawai’i, and Easter Island began. Visit Taputapuatea marae, a 1,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual centre of all Polynesia. After lunch, explore Uturoa town and its waterfront shops and crafts.
Wednesday 18 August
Bora Bora (Society Islands)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Arrive in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon, greeted by majestic Mount Otemannu. Enjoy a beach day and barbecue on private Motu Tapu surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Departure in the evening for Papeete.
Thursday 19 August
Tahiti (Papeete)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to the Polynesian staff and guides and disembark the Aranoa. Transfer to the hotel before a farewell dinner tonight (at own expense).
Friday 20 August
Papeete – Auckland
Early morning flight to Auckland. Cross the International Dateline.
Saturday 21 August
Arrive Auckland
Inclusions
- Return economy class flights Auckland to Papeete on Air New Zealand
- All tourist, cruise and port taxes
- Two nights’ accommodation in Papeete, including American breakfast
- Transfers as specified
- Twelve nights on board Aranoa
- All meals on board Aranoa
- Limited wine with lunch and dinner
- 24 hour availability of tea and coffee
- All shore excursions each day in port off Aranoa, except optional activities
- Half day tour of Papeete including entrance fees to the Museum
- Pukekohe Travel escort, subject to 15 people travelling
- Airline taxes $196 per person
Cost
|
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Stateroom | $14,099 | $19,525 |
| Superior Deluxe | $17,159 | $23,095 |
| Junior Suite (1 Only) | $17,355 | $24,290 |
| Royal Suite (1 Only) | $18,725 | $26,279 |
| Business Class Upgrade |
Price on request |
| Premium Economy Class Upgrade |
Price on request |
| Early Booking Discount (31 August 2026) | $150 |
| Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Exclusions
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel Insurance – please ask for a quote
Booking Conditions
- A non-refundable deposit of $1500 (standard cabin) per person or $3,500 (deluxe or suite cabins) per person will secure a place on the tour.
- Full payment due no later than 4 December 2026
- This is the date we are required to release all our allocated cabins.
Cancellations
- From date of booking until 4 December 2026 – loss of deposit
- After 4 December 2026 – no refund
Travel Insurance
It is compulsory all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, medical evacuations on tour and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.
General Information
Currency / Money
- The ship accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- The currency of the islands is the XPF – the Pacific Franc (approx 61 XPF to the NZD)
Clothing
- Informal, comfortable and easily washable is the order of the day
- Good walking shoes/sandals are a must and reef shoes available
- A warm jumper / sweatshirt is advisable for cooler evenings
Temperatures Min Max
- Papeete 20 29
- Austral Islands 20 27
Documentation
- A current New Zealand passport is required, valid for six months beyond return date of travel.
- A visa is not required for New Zealand Passport holders – all other nationalities – please ask.
Schedule - The primary function of the vessel is to carry freight. Timing of ports of call differ to the printed time – the company endeavours to keep to the planned schedule.
Health and Mobility
- A good standard of health and fitness is required as walking and standing are an important part of this itinerary.
- Travellers should be able to walk unaided on uneven surfaces and to board the tenders for transfers to the islands.
- Please note that mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted on our tours.
- Currently there are no compulsory inoculations required.
- There is a doctor on board.
- It is expected you arrive fit, healthy and ready to travel.
Ship Information - Aranoa
Aranoa is a new mixed passenger-freighter ship – sister ship to the Aranui 5.
Aranoa offers comfortable , air-conditioned accommodation for approximately 198 passengers and is equipped with all the mod cons and the latest technology for passenger comfort and to limit environmental impact.
Passengers can relax on board at the fitness centre, spa, two bars and restaurants or enjoy a dip in the onboard whirlpools.
VESSEL PARTICULARS
- Length: 116 m. Width: 21 m.
- Built: 2026
- Cabins: 91
- Capacity: 198 passengers
STANDARD STATEROOM
Exterior cabin (17–20 m²) with porthole (no balcony), featuring a king bed or twin beds, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
SUPERIOR DELUXE
Exterior stateroom (16 m²) with a 5 m² private balcony, featuring a bedroom with sitting area, king bed or twin beds, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Junior Suite
Exterior stateroom (18 m²) with a 6 m² private balcony, featuring a king bed or twin beds, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Royal Suite
Exterior suite (31 m²) with a 7 m² private balcony, featuring a bedroom with king bed or twin beds, separate living room with sofa bed, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Terms and Conditions
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change
Prices From
$14,099NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
- Depart: Fri 06 Aug 2027
- Return: Sat 21 Aug 2027
- Duration: 15 nights
Early Booking Discount
Save $150 if your deposit is paid by 31 Aug 2026
Previous Client Discount
Our previous International Tour clients can save a further $100 per person
