Flights to Rurutu
Looking for a flight to Rurutu? Air Tahiti can take you to one of Tahiti’s most astonishing islands, in the Austral archipelago.
Located 574 km southwest of Tahiti, the island of Rurutu, traditionally known as Eteroa, is very different from the other islands of our destination in that it was partly underwater in geological times and has now risen 150 m high, giving rise to splendid cliffs made of coral.
When you book your ticket to Rurutu, you're heading for an island of surprising landscapes, punctuated by countless caves, mountains dotted with trails criss-crossing the island and valleys embellished mainly by large taro plantations.
On Rurutu, everything grows, thanks to a temperate climate. Some examples of these include coffee, letchis, oranges, grapefruit, lemons and other fruits and vegetables.
After a 1.5-hour direct flight to Rurutu, we invite you to visit one of the island's 3 main villages: Moerai, Avera or 'Auti, to immediately immerse yourself in the culture. Refined craftsmanship, varied and splendid basketry, sumptuous “tifaifai” (patchwork blankets), traditional weddings and stone-lifting competitions, an ancestral sport in which the Rurutu people excel, the Tere, a tout of the different villages held once a year, etc.
Rurutu is a great island for walks and hikes along the coast, discovering refreshing little pools along a shallow lagoon. In the mountains, enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the island, and in the plains, discover plantations as well as picturesque villages.
Depending on the time of year you visit Rurutu, you may also have the opportunity to see humpback whales, which are particularly fond of the island from July to late October. A number of service providers offer excursions to meet these majestic giants of the ocean. You may also have the opportunity to take part in a “Tere” (in January), to tour the island with the locals, visiting villages and decorated houses, watch stone lifting (a famous local sport) and experience traditional weddings, unforgettable moments with the islanders.
One thing's for sure... Rurutu will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Use our Air Tahiti air Pass to benefit from cheap flights to Rurutu.
Enjoy your trip to the Austral Islands !
Flight Duration :
1h30
Distance :
571 km
Airport Code :
RUR
Practical information
Rurutu airport
Rurutu airport is located approximately 15 minutes by car from the main village.
There is no shuttle service, so to get to the village you will need to go by car.
If you have booked tourist accommodation, find out from your hosts whether they can arrange your outward and return transfer.
Services available
- Air Tahiti agency
- Snack bars
- Souvenir shop
- Art and craft exhibition
- Telephone kiosk
- Toilets
Population : +2404 inhabitants
Surface area : 12,64 sq. miles (32,75 km²)
Main village : Moerai
Minimum flight duration : 1h30
Distance from Tahiti : 571 km
Rurutu used to be called Eteroa, which means "Large Basket" in Polynesian language. It was later renamed Rurutu.
French navigator Eric de Bisschop is buried on the island.
The best-known work of art produced in the Austral Islands is the A'a statue, a wooden sculpture, originally from Rurutu island and usually exhibited at the British Museum in London. There is a reproduction of this statue on the island, at the Iareta Moeau cultural centre at the airport.
Te 'Ana Taupe'e cave, also called the "monster's mouth" due to its amazing shape, is without any doubt the most spectacular of all.
The Rurutu language is particular and is characterized by the absence of the letters "f" and "h".
Air Tahiti magazine
The good reasons to visit Rurutu
The good reasons to visit
- A beautiful island with unique scenery, consisting of steep cliffs and chalk caves, lush green hills and superb beaches alongside small pools of clear water.
- A temperate climate suited to crop cultivation (coffee, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, lychees, taro, etc.).
- Weaving (hats, mats, baskets and other articles) and tifaifai (patchwork), the speciality of the island's womenfolk.
- Colourful, picturesque villages.
- A lively culture and a population attached to its traditions : numerous traditional events (find out the dates) including "house visits", the "Tere" in January (tour of the island and the various villages with cultural activities and in particular stone lifting), the religious festivals of "Me" (month of Me), the traditional weddings, the July festivals with horse races on the beach.
Do not miss
- The circle island tour, including many points of interest,
- The coral-lime kilns,
- The Tomb of the Kings of Rurutu,
- The Protestant church dating from 1865-72,
- The grave of French navigator Eric de Bisschop,
- The copy of the famous "Tiki 'A'a", the ancestor of the gods of Rurutu, which is located at the Iareta Moeau cultural center near the airport and whose original is on display at the British Museum in London,
- The whales (July to October): observation platforms, magnificent panoramic views and crystal-clear waters are ideal for whale watching.
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