Discover the remote beauty of the Austral Islands with our all-inclusive 18-day Aranui 5 Cruise Package. This exclusive journey includes flights from Australia, transfers, pre- and post-cruise accommodation, and a 12-night cruise aboard the Aranui 5. Your ARANUI cruise features three daily meals, a bottle of wine shared among four passengers during onboard dining, lunches at local restaurants, guided shore excursions to traditional villages and archaeological sites, cultural dance performances, and onboard lectures. Located 600 km south of Tahiti, the Australs are a breathtaking and untouched paradise of white sands, vibrant lagoons, rugged mountains, and rich farming heritage offering a unique and unforgettable Polynesian experience.
Aranui 5: Austral Islands Hidden Paradise & Tahiti Stay – 18-Day Package 2026
18 Days-
19930
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3 Nights Pre- and 2 Nights Post-Cruise at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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Economy Airfares Flights with Air Tahiti Nui
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12-night Aranui 5 cruise through the Austral Islands with meals, excursions, cultural shows, and lectures included.
Overview
Departure dates
Voyage Dates
2026
- Voyage N°03: Saturday 14 February – Thursday 26 February
- Voyage N°06: Saturday 28 March – Thursday 09 April
- Voyage N°18: Saturday 12 September – Thursday 24 September
- Voyage N°21: Saturday 24 October – Thursday 05 November
Your ARANUI Cruise Holiday Includes
- Return economy airfares to Papeete with Air Tahiti Nui (including checked luggage, meals and beverages)
- Meet & greet with flower lei upon arrival in Tahiti
- Transfer from Tahiti International Airport to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
- 3 nights’ accommodation in an Ocean View Room at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts 4*
- Buffet breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
- Transfer from Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts to to Aranui Dock
- 12 nights’ cruise aboard Aranui 5 in a Stateroom "Obstructed"
- Aranui 5 Cruise includes: 3 meals per day, a bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals, lunches in local restaurants, planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites, cultural dance shows, lecturers onsite and onboard.
- Transfer from Aranui Dock to to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts 4*
- 2 nights’ accommodation in an Ocean View Room at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
- Daily buffet breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
- Transfer from Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts to Tahiti International Airport
Cabin Upgrade Options
Stateroom “Obstructed”: $8,262 per person, twin share
Upgrade Options (per person, twin share)
- Stateroom (No Balcony): +$405
- Deluxe (with Balcony): +$2,035
- Superior Deluxe (with Balcony): +$2,838
- Junior Suite (with/without Balcony): +$3,091
- Premium Suite (with Balcony): +$3,549
- Royal Suite “Obstructed” (with Balcony): +$4,095
- Royal Suite (with Balcony): +$4,623
- Presidential Suite (with Balcony): +$7,989
Itinerary
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Day
01
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Day
03Arrive in Papeete
Meet & greet with flower lei upon arrival in Tahiti.
3 nights’ accommodation in an Ocean View Room with Hot Tub at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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Day
04Departure from Tahiti (Papeete).
Departure from Papeete in the afternoon, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.
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Day
05Rurutu, Austral Islands
Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure which is surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basketry, such as beautiful hats, bags and baskets or rugs made of pandanus leaves and other natural materials. The Aranui at anchor, off Rurutu, passengers will disembark, after lunch on board, by tender on the “Moerai”
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Day
06Rurutu, Austral Islands
On the sixth day, a flower welcome accompanied by Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars and drums will captivate you. Board the trucks, it’s time to visit the wonders of the island. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are suitable for growing coffee and taro. A traditional and typical Rurutu meal will be served at the mayor’s house with the opening of the “umu’ai”. Enjoy the white sandy beach of Vitaria and its lagoon. Every year, from August to September, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu where they come to mate and give birth. The Aranui 5 being there in September, it should be a delight for your eyes and ears. This activity is offered as an option with the visit of the Mole’e cave, nicknamed “the mouth of the monster” for experienced hikers (registration at the reception).
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Day
07Rimatara, Austral Islands
The Aranui disembarks at the “Taanini” dock. A small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island of the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, has preserved its old traditions, including its own dialect. It is home to an endemic bird, the amazing and colorful Kuhl’s Lori, the “Ura”, which is also found in the Cook Islands.After passing through a purification smoke ceremony, an ancient tradition of welcome, discover the main villages, Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the old cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, lies the entire lineage of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An old legend says that you should never make faces in front of the royal tomb, otherwise you will remain disfigured for the rest of your life. A barbecue will be served on the beach of Motuaura. Its crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel. Covered with taro plants and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flower garden with a fresh water well. A bird watching excursion to discover the red parakeet “Ura” is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).
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Day
08Tubuai, Austral Islands
Tubuai is the most populated island of the Austral Islands. Arriving by tender at the landing stage of Bloody Bay, passengers are welcomed at the town hall with a wreath of flowers, to the sound of local music. You will be able to attend art and craft demonstrations of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, specific to the island. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Among the day’s activities: the visit of the cultural sites of the island by truck, the marae of “PO TUI TUI”, Fort George, the first refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty from July to September 1789 and Bloody Bay, witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch will be served on board. The beach of Bloody Bay invites you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel.
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Day
09At sea
A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to Rimatara. Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands will give you a complete overview of this civilization. During the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars and drums.
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Day
10Rapa, Austral islands
As you approach Rapa, only accessible by sea, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica”. As the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia, this crescent shaped land mass — with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays —is as remote as it gets. Rapa is Easter Island’s little sister. It has a temperate climate, no coral or coconut trees, but fruits and vegetables other than tropical ones are plentiful here: apples, peaches, nectarines… The Aranui will disembark at the dock in Ahurei. Passengers will be greeted with flower wreaths, to the typical sounds and rhythms of Rapa. Trucks will be waiting for you, heading to the cultural center. You will discover how the “mamas” make local crafts: hats and baskets made of reed (a fragile material) and bamboo crafts. A local meal will be served on land. On Rapa, we propose a two and a half hour walk to Fort Morango Uta. Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or in the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on the weather conditions.
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Day
11Rapa, Austral Islands
Among the other activities on offer during our one and a half day stopover in Rapa, you will visit Ahurei, the main village of the island, explore ancient fortresses, visit an agricultural production centre, discover local arts and crafts, meet the inhabitants of this isolated island, and share a ma’a over a wood fire in the village.
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Day
12Raivavae, Austral Islands
It is said that Raivavae is the “Bora Bora of yesteryear” and that its lagoon is the most beautiful in Tahiti & her islands. A jewel preserved by its inhabitants; the island is a veritable garden of Eden where visitors fall under
her spell. When the Aranui is at anchor, passengers disembark by tender onto Mahanatoa beach where they will be welcomed with wreaths of flowers, to the sound of Raivavae songs and rhythms. Departure by bus for a tour of the island. Do not miss the visit of the “Smiling Tiki” and the marae scattered around the island. Of course, its inhabitants will serve you a typical Raivavae
buffet on Mahanatoa beach. Take advantage of the remaining time to walk around the village or to discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel. The discovery of Mount Hiro will be offered as an option (sign-up at the reception). -
Day
13At sea
A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean on our return to the Society Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the passenger-freighter Aranui 5 will give you a complete overview of the philosophy and valuable contributions made by the company. Faithful to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains traditional: initiation to Polynesian songs, Tahitian dance, without forgetting our shows and dances under the stars.
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Day
14Raiatea, Society islands
In the Polynesian triangle, Raiatea, formerly known as Havai’i, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first Polynesian island to be populated by sailors and navigators, it is here that all migrations to the three points of the triangle, New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island, began. The Aranui will disembark at the dock, and passengers will be greeted, with a tiare flower, to the sounds of the “to’ere”. Buses will be waiting for you to visit the most spectacular marae in the Polynesian triangle, Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old open-air temple now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the religious and spiritual center of all Polynesia. After lunch, you will enjoy your afternoon visiting the town of Uturoa, its stores and crafts on the waterfront.
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Day
15Bora Bora, Society islands
As you arrive in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic “Mount Otemannu”, the highest peak on the island. You can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters, the “Motu Tapu”. You can also choose from a veriety of option excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, boat and motorized canoe tours of the lagoon, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on a 4X4 tour. Departure in the evening for Papeete.
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Day
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Day
18Post-cruise stay in Papeete followed by departure from Papeete.
Enjoy a 2 nights’ accommodation in an Ocean View Room with Hot Tub at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, followed by your flight back to Australia.
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts has a unique location only ten minutes from downtown Papeete, facing a beautiful black volcanic sand beach of Lafayette and an amazing view of Matavai Bay.
This hotel allows you to take advantage of everything that French Polynesia has to offer. Indulge yourself, relax and make the most of your stay at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resort
Terms and Conditions:
*Conditions apply. Package available for purchase until 31 July 2026 and valid for selected travel dates as listed. Prices are ‘from’ per person, based on double occupancy unless specifically noted. Single supplements apply. Prices shown are in Australian Dollars and are subject to adjustment without prior notification. Package prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. The package prices are based on travel from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne. Airfares from other Australian cities, such as Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, and Perth, are available; however, please note that there may be an additional cost associated with flights from these cities. Conditions, amendments, and cancellation fees apply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Planning to Travel Over a Year from Now?
International flights can typically be booked up to one year prior to the departure date. If your intended travel dates are beyond this window, you are encouraged to secure your cruise reservation now, as availability is limited and demand is high. Once your travel dates fall within the airline booking window, we will assist you in adding international flights to your package as soon as they are released by the airline.
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