Flights to Rimatara

With a surface area of 9 km² and a circumference of 8.5 km, Rimatara is the smallest of the Austral Islands, 665 km southeast of Tahiti. The opening of the airport in 2006 and the construction of the first structures for receiving visitors in 2008 have led to the gradual development of tourism on the island.

Rimatara has its own special charm, with its sublime landscapes, many assets and gentle way of life. It is a bit like a miniature Rurutu: beautiful beaches of white sand, an encircling reef, small inlets coated in feo (fossilised coral) emerging from the limpid waters of the lagoon, and a few small cliffs, mean it has no reason to be jealous of its sister islands. You will have no trouble finding a spot to enjoy the sun and a peaceful bathe. Meanwhile, the centre of the island, which forms a plateau no higher than 83 m, is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Its exuberant vegetation (abundant fruit trees, flowering plants, taro plantations, pandanus, nono) is home to two rare endemic species that will be sure to delight birdwatchers and the curious alike: the Rimatara reed warbler and, in particular, the Kuhl's lorikeet or ura (which means "red" in Polynesian).

A veritable rainbow, the ura is easily recognisable by its bright colours: red, yellow, greens and blues. It is especially fond of banana, lychee and kapok trees. Sacred in pre-European times, the ura's feathers were used in the making of objects of prestige for the powerful leaders of the past. This magnificent creature is the emblem of Rimatara and, in 2007, it was reintroduced to the Cook Islands, from where it had disappeared, in particular to the island of Atiu.

Rimatara is also well known for its unique local crafts, which are one of the island's main sources of income, together with the cultivation of coprah, taro, nono and pandanus, which goes on to be used throughout Polynesia. In the island's three villages, Anapoto, Motuaura and Amaru, you will be able to see the patient activity of weaving (baskets, peue, hats, etc.), the preparation of fara or pandanus, and the making of pupu or shell necklaces, known for their elegance and diversity of colours. The wood carving of the Austral Islands, still little known, is highly elaborate. It is now taught at the Centre for Young Adolescents (CJA), thereby helping to perpetuate this rare art form.

There are also a number of tourist and archeological sites, such as the Teruatavai caves, the royal burial places, the island's pito and the marae of Hirirua. Rimatara is the ideal destination if you're looking for a tranquil setting and are keen to get off the beaten track to explore an island offering many charms.