Aranoa’s Tuamotu Escape: Pearls, Reefs & Island Rhythms

Highlights

Cruise through the pristine Tuamotu archipelago aboard Aranoa – a new eco-conscious vessel offering comfort and cultural immersion.

Swim, snorkel, and picnic on untouched motus – surrounded by jade-green lagoons and coral reefs.

Explore Makatea, Anaa, and Mataiva – each with unique features like sacred caves, fossilized coral blocks, and vibrant village life.

Discover pearl heritage, historic churches, and local crafts – with guided excursions and warm Polynesian hospitality.

Start and finish your island escape at Maitai Express Tahiti, ideally located in the heart of Papeete. Explore the vibrant waterfront, browse bustling local markets, and indulge in authentic Tahitian cuisine at nearby restaurants and the iconic roulottes.

Entire Bonus

BONUS: Free Transfers in Tahiti

Peace of Mind, Every Step of the Way
This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination.

Australia’s Only Industry‑Accredited Tahiti Specialists
Tahiti Travel is Australia’s only industry‑accredited Tahiti specialist, combining genuine destination expertise with the strength and stability of an established travel group - so you can book with total confidence.

8 days

From

NZD 6,077

per person, twin share

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Travelling with kids? Read more

All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Set sail on a serene 5-day voyage through the Tuamotu Islands aboard Aranoa, a new eco-friendly passenger-freighter designed for immersive exploration.

This unique itinerary blends cultural discovery with lagoon-side relaxation as you visit remote atolls such as Makatea, Anaa, and Mataiva. Explore sacred caves, fossilized coral formations, and the heritage of pearl farming, with plenty of time for daily swims, snorkelling, and tranquil beach picnics.

Your journey begins and ends with a 3-night pre-/post-stay at Maitai Express Tahiti, where Polynesian warmth, modern comfort, and lagoon views set the perfect tone. With guided excursions, onboard hospitality, and breathtaking scenery, this experience takes you deep into the untouched beauty of French Polynesia.

Inclusions

Return economy airfares from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne with Air Tahiti Nui

4-night cruise aboard Aranoa in a Standard Cabin (Obstructed View)

3 nights at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King - ★★

Airport meet & greet with traditional flower lei

All transfers between airport, hotel, and cruise terminal

All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Daily Continental breakfast at Maitai Express Tahiti

Wine included during onboard lunches and dinners

All shore excursions with English-speaking guides

Port charges and government taxes

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Airport Maitai Express Tahiti

Upon arrival at Faa’a International Airport, you will be transferred to Maitai Express Tahiti. Perfectly located in downtown Papeete, the hotel offers easy access to the waterfront, local markets, and the city’s lively dining scene. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling dinner from the famous food truck “roulottes” or taking a stroll along the harbor.

Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.

Day 2 Maitai Express Tahiti

Spend a relaxing morning at the Maitai Express Tahiti perhaps taking a dip in the stunning pool with views over to Moorea. Take a swim in the stunning lagoon or enjoy the bars and restaurants the resort has to offer.

Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.

Breakfast

Day 3 Maitai Express Tahiti Papeete Moorea

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Maitai Express Tahiti before checking out of the hotel.

At the Papeete Cruise Terminal, you’ll board in true Polynesian style, greeted with fragrant flower garlands, lively ukulele music, and warm smiles. As the ship sets sail, the lush mountains of Tahiti gradually fade into the distance, making way for your next Pacific adventure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Maitai Express Tahiti → Papeete → Moorea

Day 4 Makatea

Surrounded by cliffs rising nearly 240 feet, Makatea is the only atoll in the Tuamotus with potable water from underground caves. Once prosperous from phosphate mining (1917–1964), it is now sparsely inhabited, with locals living from copra cultivation, fishing, and trading the coconut crab (Kaveu).

Passengers will disembark by tender at Temao Wharf and explore the island on foot or by car. Highlights include the sacred caves and the remains of Makatea’s phosphate mining era. A picnic is served under the cliffs or on the beach.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aranoa

Day 5 Mataiva

Mataiva is a stunning atoll, known for its unique lagoon and white-sand beaches, offering an authentic and tranquil experience with minimal tourism. Locals are warm and welcoming.

Passengers will disembark by tender at Pahua Wharf and be greeted with a traditional “Orero” performance. The village is just a 5-minute walk from the dock and can be explored at your leisure.

Optional excursions include visits to Turtle Rock, the Paure marae, the phosphate pond, the bird motu, and the “pito” of Mataiva (sign-up at reception). 4×4 vehicles will transport guests to a private beach for a picnic and lagoon activities.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Anaa

Anaa, birthplace of Tahiti’s Pomare royal family, is renowned for its sparkling jade lagoon and white-sand motus. Most locals are engaged in copra production or fishing, supported by a sustainable fishing program. Look out for the feo, the giant fossilized coral blocks unique to the atoll.

Passengers will disembark by tender at Tukuhora Pier. Explore the village by bus or on foot, and try fly-fishing in the shallow, crystal-clear lagoon. A picnic lunch is served on the beach in Tukuhora village.

Optional activities: Swimming and discovery at the “Ogoogo” pito.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Papeete Maitai Express Tahiti

This is the end of our journey. It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.

Morning arrival into Papeete by around 7:00 AM and guests disembark. Our representative will be waiting for you as you disembark to transfer you to the Maitai Express Tahiti. Spend a relaxing afternoon, wander through scenic coastal spots, admire local architecture, and explore open-air viewpoints and historic sites that capture the island’s charm.

Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.

Breakfast

Day 8 Maitai Express Tahiti Airport

It's time to wrap up our journey. Please check out and take the transfer to Tahiti International Airport for your international flight back home.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Aranoa

Aranoa will offer voyages to the Austral Islands — Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, and Rapa — known for their lush mountains, turquoise lagoons, and white sandy beaches. Like the Aranui 5, it will be a mixed passenger-freighter vessel carrying fewer than 200 guests, designed for comfort and minimal environmental impact. Continuing Aranui’s 40-year legacy of inclusive tourism, Aranoa aims to support the Austral Islands by fostering sustainable tourism, promoting inter-island connections, and showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich Polynesian culture.

Specifications:

Length: 116m
Breadth: 21m
Number of passengers: 198
Number of cabins: 93, including 62 with balcony
2 Restaurants
2 Bars
2 Whirlpools
1 Boutique
1 Spa & Tattoo area
1 Fitness centre

Photo | Credit: ©Aranui Cruises

Maitai Express Tahiti

Discover the new "express" version of the Maitai hotel chain. Offering quality services comparable to the first three establishments, Le Maitai Express Tahiti stands out for its exclusive accommodation and breakfast offer. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Papeete, it allows guests to enjoy the culinary diversity of the surrounding restaurants and famous food truck "roulottes". It also offers easy access to all the capital's tourist attractions (waterfront, Papeete market, shopping malls) as well as the city's nightlife (bars and nightclubs). Its double-glazed rooms offer a pleasant, functional setting, ideal for a relaxing stopover in the heart of the bustling city. This touch-and-go concept is perfect for travellers in transit between international flights and the surrounding islands.

Additional information

International flights included in this package are based on lead-in fares and are subject to limited availability. Our team will advise you of any airfare differences to the advertised package price, if necessary. Please note that actual fares may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, seat availability, and airline policies. Additional charges may apply for flight upgrades or changes.

Excluded

Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Local City Taxes (where applicable - payable locally on check in)
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package i.e. mandatory festive dinners
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATIA and CATO Accredited. The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

Aranoa’s Tuamotu Escape: Pearls, Reefs & Island Rhythms

Tahiti

From NZD 5,679pp

4.9 stars, 79 reviews

From NZD 6,077pp

Enquire

Aranoa’s Tuamotu Escape: Pearls, Reefs & Island Rhythms (Tour code: 15409)

Highlights

Entire Bonus

In partnership

Overview

Inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1 Airport Maitai Express Tahiti

Day 2 Maitai Express Tahiti

Day 3 Maitai Express Tahiti Papeete Moorea

Day 4 Makatea

Day 5 Mataiva

Day 6 Anaa

Day 7 Papeete Maitai Express Tahiti

Day 8 Maitai Express Tahiti Airport

Accommodation

Aranoa

Maitai Express Tahiti

Additional information

Excluded

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Is there a cooling-off period?

What is Freedom of Choice?

What is Book Now?

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

Can you book my international airfares?

Should I take travel insurance?

What should I do before travelling?

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

Connect with us

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