oceania | regions
its lush botanical garden and the region’s only navigable river: perfect for outrigger canoe rides.
Day 6: Raiatea to Huahine JOURNEY: 25-MINUTE FLIGHT Comprising eight villages across two islands, crowd-free Huahine is considered one of the Society Islands’ best-kept secrets. Keen ramblers can attempt the 1,500ft Pohue Rahi and 2,194ft Mount Turi. And, on a 4WD tour, it’s possible to explore the island’s rushing waterfalls and the vanilla plantations of Haapu village. Diving and watersports abound here while spots like Ava Mo’a Pass and Parea attract avid surfers. Maeva village’s ancient maraes (temples) are
an essential sight. Various artifacts are displayed in the fare pote’e, a traditional Polynesian stilted
house. Hillside trails lead to Lake Fauna Nui, home to ancient fish traps. Art buffs can stop by Gallery Umatatea to see vibrant paintings depicting local Polynesian life.
Day 9: Huahine to Bora Bora JOURNEY: 25-MINUTE FLIGHT The famous volcanic island of Bora Bora has a unique topography, thanks to the atoll that frames its 31sq mile lagoon. A sailing trip here is particularly beautiful at sunset when the silhouette of the island’s 2,385ft Mount Otemanu creates a dramatic backdrop for photographs — or a glass of bubbly. Glass-bottomed catamarans offer a peek at the
marine life while divers can glimpse parrotfish, moray eels, manta rays and reef sharks in the island’s Coral Gardens. Secluded Matira Beach is
a beautiful spot for snorkeling while adventure can be found via trips through hibiscus-filled valleys and one-of-a-kind helicopter tours.
Day 12: Bora Bora to Tahiti JOURNEY: 50-MINUTE FLIGHT A day on the black sand beaches of Tahiti’s east, or the white sand beaches of Tahiti’s west, is the perfect end to this adventure. Traditional dance shows are performed at many of the capital’s venues while, during June and July, the annual Heiva i Tahiti event brings fire-walk ceremonies, cultural dancing and a festival atmosphere.
From left: Mount Rotui and Opunohu Bay at sunset, Moorea; a hermit crab, which is native to French Polynesia; Chapelle de l’Évêché, Papeete
Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25 | ASTA | 117
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
