The magic of Polynesia, between lagoons and ancestral customs

The cathedral was erected in 1977 on the Tohua Mauia. An original architectural work, all the stones used for its construction come from the islands of the archipelago: the red tuff of Hiva Oa, the white sandstone of Nuku Hiva, pumice stones from Tahuata, and other stones from Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva. Statues of St. Peter and St. Paul carved in rosewood adorn the façade. Inside, a sculpture made with “Tou” wood by Monseigneur Dordillon pays homage to the Bishop of the Marquesas.

Take the ferry to South Island through the superb Marlborough Sounds - and drive south from Picton via Kaikoura. Make sure you stop off often at the beaches south of Kekerengu (excellent café to stop off at) and view the seal and penguin colonies. Food trucks positioned along the seafront sell crayfish fresh off the grill (like lobster, but better). In Kaikoura, a whale watching trip is a must-do. Several species of whale migrate a stone's throw from the coast in what is one of the ocean's deepest trenches.

On Polynesia's motus–its small, coral sand islets–a cultural phenomenon thrives: the region is renowned for its farm-raised pearls. The first transplant was carried out in the lagoon of Bora Bora in 1961. Since then, some 600 farms throughout the archipelago have emerged to cultivate some of the most beautiful pearl oysters in the world. During a visit to a pearl farm, you'll learn that each pearl requires at least two years of intense, meticulous attention in order to flourish. And yet, everything about its final size, shade and luster remains unpredictable.

Tikehau offers various dive sites for all levels of experience. Whether you prefer snorkeling or scuba diving, you're sure to discover myriad colorful fish among its coral reefs. In the lagoon, you can swim with eagle rays or manta rays, or small white-tip sharks, as curious as they are harmless. Schools of fish follow one another endlessly outside the lagoon and around the extraordinary Tuheiava Pass (once frequented by Commander Cousteau). The site known as ‘Shark Hole' will delight all lovers of the species.