Located between 600 and 1300 km South of Tahiti, the Australes archipelago includes, on a total superficy of about140 km2, 5 islands: Rurutu(36 km2), Rimatara(8 km2), Tubuai (45 km2, administrative center of the Australes), Raivavae and Rapa (Rapa Iti little sister of Easter Island-Rapa Nui), and the atoll of Maria. Only Rurutu and Tubuai have an airport.
The temperate climate of these islands allowed the culture of many european vegetables exported to Tahiti like the Potato.
Austral islands weaving and crafts in general are reknown for their finesse.

To visit:
In Tubuai: under water diving sites, the reconstructed fort Georges (reminder of the settling tentative of the mutineers of the Bounty).
In Rurutu: from July to October (austral winter) the ballet of hump-baked whales and their newborn whale calves, the cave of Anae Aeo with its giant stalagmites, the cave of Peva from where you can see Moerai Bay and its village, Hina's cave, Moko's cave, the "Tere" -legendary pélerinage aound the island, the Heiva in July, especially the rock lifting event.