Sunday 17th March - French Polynesia

[ianfisher 101]

A very slow and low adventure this week around the South pacific Islands of French Polynesia.

The Islands are an overseas collective of France and its sole overseas country. It comprises 121 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) in the South Pacific Ocean. The total land area of French Polynesia is 3,521 square kilometres (1,359 sq mi) with a population of 278,786 (Aug. 2022 census) of which at least 205,000 live in the Society Islands and the remaining population lives in the rest of the archipelago.

French Polynesia is divided into five groups of islands:

The Society Islands archipelago, comprising the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. Among its 121 islands and atolls, 75 were inhabited at the 2017 census. Tahiti, which is in the Society Islands group, is the most populous island, being home to nearly 69% of the population of French Polynesia as of 2017. Papeete, located on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia.

We start our adventure this week on Maupiti, which is a truly authentic Polynesian Island. Maupiti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Polynesia. The multiple shades of turquoise and blue will simply take your breath away. The coral reef teems with marine life in all shapes, colours and sizes. The white sand of the seabed can be clearly seen through the shallow water, letting you explore its beauty in complete tranquillity. Well-known for its hiking trails, Maupiti also offers a range of other activities through which you can discover some of the island’s magnificent scenic viewpoints. The welcoming population will be delighted to teach you all you need to know about the copra trade, traditional arts and crafts, local culture and the cultivation of the island’s principal source of revenue, melons and watermelons.

Our first stop after leaving Maupiti is the island of Tupai. It's often dubbed the most romantic atoll in the world because of it's heart-shape. Welcome to the island of “Pere,” goddess of fire and passion, a place so untouched and pristine that visiting it is a privilege. It hosts a double lagoon and motu covered with coconut trees. Many birds have chosen to live on the island and sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach from November onward. Tupai has no residents and, therefore, no accommodations. But, if you’re up for a few hours on a romantic, deserted island, you can take a short visit to raise a glass of champagne or celebrate your wedding surrounded by breath-taking scenery.

Just 12 miles further on is our next stop and the jewel of French Polynesia, Bora Bora, the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’. Beautiful, white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon, ringed with a multitude of small palm covered motu. A dream destination famous for its water sports, relaxation and romance. You can enjoy all kinds of water sports, from kayaking to scuba diving, or you can simply relax in the warm sun and gentle breeze on the magnificent Matira beach, with the hibiscus-covered slopes of Mount Otemanu rising majestically in the background. There’s so much to do in Bora Bora, with a wide range of activities whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or just a little rest and recuperation. Go diving in the pass, take a boat trip to a private island for lunch, or spend the day sunbathing by the pool or on the beach. Most hotels and guesthouses are equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, masks and tubas etc. for you to use on the lagoon. Perhaps you’d prefer being pampered during a session of traditional Polynesian well-being care at a luxury spa. And if you want to add a little excitement to your stay, take a helicopter flight over the island and its magnificent lagoon.

The birthplace of Polynesian culture. The ‘sacred’ island, Raiatea, is our next stop. Formerly called Havai’i, it's considered to be the birthplace of the gods and houses numerous archaeological treasures which tell the history of a unique people and their culture. The first island in the region to be inhabited, it is also home to the most spectacular and important marae in the Polynesian Triangle, the marae of Taputapuatea, which was once the centre of religious and political power in all of Polynesia, including Hawaii, New Zealand Easter Island and the Cook Islands. Raiatea abounds with natural treasures, such as its magnificent lagoon, rocky mountain cliffs and lush, unique vegetation. An ideal destination for lovers of nature and anyone interested in history. Although less famous than its illustrious neighbours Bora Bora and Moorea, Raiatea will surprise and delight you by the strength of its mana and the beauty of its scenery.

Our final stop today is Huahine located 66 miles northwest of Tahiti. Formerly called Matairea, the island is actually composed of two islands joined by a bridge: Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti. The main village of Fare is in the north of Huahine Nui. It is an ideal destination for those looking for tranquillity and authenticity. Huahine is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon where you can dive or go snorkelling to explore the multi-coloured coral gardens. Superb beaches, such as the one at Fare, are perfect for basking in the sun and relaxing. The marine life in the lagoon is fascinating. Divers can observe myriads of tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks and dolphins. Nautical activities include sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. It is also a very beautiful island, where hiking trails pass through luxuriant vegetation over the hills and valleys, leading to mountains with superb views over the ocean and the neighbouring islands.

Meet at: 1930z for a 2000z departure.

Meet on: Digital Theme Park on JoinFS.

Comms through A2A Discord channel.

Start at: NTTP (relocate to the lagoon 200m due West of 08)

Aircraft: J3

Local take-off time: 0900

Weather: Live.

https://skyvector.com/?ll=-16.379702017 ... TTR%20NTTH