With its 8 square kilometers, Rimatara is the smallest of the Australs islands. And one must approach pretty close to observe the peak of Mount Vahu (83 meters) with its gentle slopes. Without a lagoon, its is however surrounded by coral reefs that prevent boats from docking.
Rimatara is the least known Austral island and it welcomes the very few tourists that heard about Amaru, its main village where is located the Mayor’s office. The visit of the tiny villages of Anapoto and Mutuaura requires you to walk by foot through twisting tracks. The atmosphere you will discover there is totally out of time … when it is only 538 km away from Tahiti !
On this happy land are living 929 inhabitants, waiting with an amused impatience for the Tuhaa Pae III cargo ship that comes every 2 to 3 weeks. It fills up with supplies smaller whaleboats which, once loaded, use the waves to cross the reef and reach the beach. Sometimes, some passengers disembark too; they will easily find an accommodation in the friendly available guest houses.
One will find here all the joys of a healthful and peaceful life away from civilization, where hotels, bars, restaurants or vehicle rentals are not available…
Source :
GIE Tahiti Tourisme
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.pf