In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, who works with French Polynesia’s Ministry of Culture, sharing what travellers should know about marae temples, tiki traditions, local etiquette, and how culture has evolved over centuries. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best places to begin if you want an expert to plan an Austral Islands voyage or extension with the right cultural context and respectful pacing. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard Aranui 5 while sailing deeper into the Australs, and it’s one of those rare interviews where history, travel, and practical guidance come together in a way that’s immediately useful.

Mark begins by explaining his path into archaeology—growing up in New Zealand with early interest in Māori history, then studying Polynesian marae temples at university. He shares how a major collaborative research effort brought him to Tahiti: fieldwork in the Papenoo Valley, where a proposed hydroelectric dam intersected with a landscape full of archaeological sites. That experience shaped his career and led to long-term work documenting and researching sites across French Polynesia. His perspective is grounded not only in artifacts, but in the lived reality that modern development, conservation, and cultural protection often collide.

Mark explains that the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands were historically a unified cultural and language zone, later divided into different territories. He describes work he has done across Rimatara and Tubuai—surveying marae sites and excavating settlement history—and then introduces one of the most intriguing cultural distinctions in the region: Raivavae’s tiki tradition. In Raivavae, tiki figures are associated with deified female ancestors, contrasting with other islands where male ancestors are more commonly represented. Mark also discusses how settlement influences appear to differ across the archipelago, with Raivavae showing clear ties to Marquesas settlement patterns while other islands align more strongly with Society Islands origins.

Travelers will appreciate how Mark links archaeology to what you actually notice on the ground. He describes the Australs as remarkably natural and lightly developed, with small populations and a subtropical climate that feels fresher than Tahiti or the Marquesas. Daily life still revolves around plantations and fishing, with a strong family and community solidarity that shapes everything from work patterns to how food and resources are shared.

The most important practical section of the episode is Mark’s guidance on respectful visiting. He explains the Polynesian concept of taboo and why marae sites remain sacred places, even in Christian communities today. His advice is straightforward: photograph freely, but don’t climb on sites, don’t touch or rearrange stones, and never remove anything. He also mentions that certain places—such as royal cemeteries—should be observed from outside only, respecting local boundaries

The conversation closes with some standout discoveries from Mark’s career: a red volcanic tuff tiki tied to sacred symbolism of the color red across Polynesia, an ancestor figure found reused within a house alignment that suggests how belief systems shifted during early Christian conversion eras, and turtle petroglyphs revealed only after a restored stone stood upright and caught sunset light at the right angle. For travellers, these stories create a richer lens for visiting museums and sites—and Mark even points listeners to the importance of museum collections for viewing Austral artifacts that are difficult to access or have been lost over time. If you want to explore the Australs with deeper insight and the right logistics, Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the full journey so you experience the islands respectfully, comfortably, and with context that stays with you long after you return home.

In this episode, we talk about Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands—why it’s one of the country’s most important regions for travelers who want a mix of history, living culture, and natural beauty. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand welcomes listeners to a Guadalcanal-focused conversation and speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what visitors can expect when they explore the island beyond a quick stop in Honiara.

The episode begins with context: Guadalcanal is described as one of the biggest islands in the Solomons and home to Honiara, the nation’s capital. The guest shares that multiple languages exist on the island and emphasizes a key point for trip planning—Guadalcanal isn’t culturally “one-note.” Different areas of the island have different traditions and ways of living, and travelers can notice these differences as they move from one region to another. That sets up one of the most rewarding visitor experiences discussed: village visits. The guest highlights villages that are open to visitors, where travelers can experience traditional crafts, food preparation, and everyday life, including the way communities grow food and practice sustainability. For many travelers, these interactions become the moments that make a destination feel personal and memorable.

Nature is another central pillar of the conversation. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as a standout attraction—described as the largest waterfall in the Solomon Islands—and positioned as a must-see for travelers who want an inland adventure that complements time on the coast. The guest also mentions the variety of natural experiences available: coastal beaches for swimming and relaxing, and ocean activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing for travelers who want to add time on the water. Inland, the discussion touches on mountain areas where hiking and caves can be part of the experience, including a cave location noted for large numbers of bats and dramatic scenery nearby. The overall message is that Guadalcanal can deliver both “easy” nature days and more adventurous excursions, depending on your travel style.

Of course, Guadalcanal’s global recognition is closely tied to WWII history, and the guest addresses that directly. Guadalcanal is described as a major WWII battleground, with places travelers can visit that include memorials and historic areas around Honiara and farther out. The guest references sites such as the Mount Austen area (including a Japanese memorial), a US memorial location near central Honiara, and the Henderson area near the airport, along with additional places outside the city where war relics can still be seen. For travelers, the key is weaving history into an itinerary without losing the broader story of the island—its people, languages, and landscapes.

If you’re considering the Solomon Islands, this episode offers a simple planning framework: combine village-based cultural experiences, at least one signature nature day like Tenaru Waterfall, and thoughtfully paced historic touring around Guadalcanal. When you’re ready, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to design an itinerary that fits your pace and helps you experience Guadalcanal with depth and confidence.

In this episode, we talk about the Aranui 5 shore excursions and island experiences that make a deluxe freighter cruise feel so different from standard cruising. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are your best resources if you want an expert to plan the right sailing and help you match the onboard rhythm with the kinds of days ashore you’ll enjoy most. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard with Lehi, a guide who has spent 14 years helping guests experience the Marquesas and beyond in a way that’s cultural, immersive, and surprisingly personal.

Lehi explains what many first-time passengers don’t realize until they arrive: Aranui includes excursions at every port, which creates a consistent framework for the trip. There’s always something organized and meaningful to do, even before you consider optional upgrades. He walks through what that looks like on a classic Marquesas itinerary, starting with Nuku Hiva—often a full-day experience that can run from morning into late afternoon. Guests head out in local jeeps and four-wheel drives, visit key sites such as a cathedral and archaeological areas, and then share lunch ashore where island hosts often welcome everyone with songs and dance. It’s not a performance at arm’s length; it feels participatory and warm, and that warmth is a big part of why guests return.

The episode also highlights the practical side of running excursions in small, remote places. Lehi describes how transportation resources vary by island—some locations can handle vehicles for all passengers, while others require more careful logistics. Normand and Lehi talk candidly about guest expectations, too: on hot sunny days, people sometimes rush outside, grow impatient, or feel overwhelmed when buses and vehicles don’t appear instantly. Hearing this from someone who manages the flow is useful because it reframes the experience: you’re visiting places where infrastructure is limited by design and by scale, and the best experience comes from pacing yourself and leaning into the island rhythm rather than fighting it.

You’ll also hear how Aranui supports different needs without losing authenticity. When meals happen ashore, the cooking methods and flavors can be distinctly local, including traditional earth-oven styles in some places. At the same time, Lehi explains that special diets are supported by preparing appropriate food onboard and bringing it ashore so travelers can still participate fully in the day. That detail matters for anyone traveling with dietary restrictions who worries that “remote” automatically means “I can’t eat.”

Lehi mentions Rangiroa options such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat style activities as examples of add-ons that are available even though Aranui already includes core excursions at ports. In Bora Bora, the journey can culminate in a motu picnic experience that many guests anticipate as a highlight—less about adrenaline and more about shared celebration at the end of the voyage. For hikers and active travelers, the Fatu Hiva crossing is one of the most memorable days: a 15 km route from Omoa to Hanavave for those who want the panoramic reward, with alternatives for those who prefer a less strenuous approach, including a four-wheel-drive option or sailing around to meet the ship on the far side.

The conversation also touches on cultural points many guests seek out, such as the Hiva Oa day connected to Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, with options to hike and pass through the cemetery or take bus transport that may be shared with local school resources. Above all, Lehi describes the “family” feeling onboard—how crew and passengers blend together over 13 days in a way he doesn’t see on other ships. If you’re ready to plan an Aranui 5 trip with the right balance of included experiences, optional upgrades, and personal pace, Far and Away Adventures can design and book the full itinerary end to end.

In this episode, we talk about exploring the Solomon Islands with help from local experts—covering Guadalcanal’s famous WWII history, cultural traditions, and nature experiences that belong on a first-timer’s list. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can begin planning with a specialist, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand sits down with Sunila from Guadalcanal Travel Solomons to learn what travelers can expect on the ground and how itineraries come together across Guadalcanal and surrounding islands.

We start with the number-one reason many travelers come: World War II history. Sunila describes popular Guadalcanal touring and the kinds of battlefield areas and relics that visitors often want to see near Honiara, including historic points of interest tied to the wartime story. From there, we expand beyond history into culture—how cultural performance and ceremonial experiences can be added to a trip so travelers don’t only “see sites,” but also connect with living traditions. Sunila shares details about traditional attire and the continued use of shell money in certain provinces, illustrating how customs differ across the country.

Next, we dive into the natural side of the Solomons. Sunila recommends waterfall trekking and calls out Tenaru Falls as a must-add for travelers who want a rewarding outdoor day near Honiara. We also talk seasonality and why timing matters for comfort and logistics, especially if you’re trying to combine multiple islands or day tours.

Finally, Sunila shares a standout “lesser-known” idea: a full-day volcanic tour on Savo Island—reached by a short boat ride from Honiara—and why it’s such a memorable contrast to the WWII-focused visits many guests start with. If the Solomon Islands are on your bucket list, this episode offers a simple framework: combine history, culture, and nature, and let experts help you build a plan that actually flows. Reach out to a Far and Away Adventures specialist when you’re ready to design your itinerary.

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Aranoa ship and what it signals for the future of small-ship cruising in French Polynesia—especially in the remote Austral Islands. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are featured early because this is exactly the kind of specialized, logistics-heavy trip where expert planning makes the experience smoother and more rewarding.

Normand Schafer sits down with Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how a new ship concept moves from an idea to steel in the shipyard—and eventually to real sailings that serve both travelers and island communities. Leo shares how Aranoa is designed to carry forward the Aranui model: a combined passenger-and-cargo vessel that supplies remote islands while also delivering one of the most authentic travel experiences available in the South Pacific. Rather than separating “tourism” from “real life,” these voyages put them together—passengers see the operations, feel the rhythm of the route, and understand why the ship matters beyond sightseeing.

We discuss how Aranoa is intended to differ from Aranui 5 without losing the spirit that made Aranui iconic. Leo explains that the ship is planned to be smaller than Aranui 5, reflecting the realities of the Australs—fewer residents means less freight volume, and the ship’s scale can match the needs of the region. The onboard experience is also shaped by the passenger-to-crew feel Leo describes, which hints at a service style that’s personal and attentive rather than mass-market.

Because the Australs sit in a part of the Pacific that can see significant swells depending on southern weather systems, Leo talks about planned comfort and operational features such as stabilizers to reduce rolling. He also explains dynamic positioning—technology that can help a ship maintain position without anchoring, which can be especially relevant in places where protecting the seabed matters. These are the kinds of details travelers don’t always hear about, yet they can meaningfully shape both comfort and the environmental footprint of a visit.

The conversation also highlights why flexibility is part of responsible cruising in remote regions. Leo shares an example of leaving a bay during a tsunami alert—showing that conditions, safety guidance, and local authority direction can require changes even on well-planned itineraries. Finally, we touch on the realities of shipbuilding and commissioning: validating systems, checking drawings, and catching small issues early so crews don’t inherit preventable problems later.

If you’re considering Aranui 5 now—or you’re intrigued by what Aranoa could bring to the Australs—this episode offers a grounded perspective on what’s coming and why it matters. When you’re ready to plan, Far and Away Adventures can help you choose the right sailing, build smart pre/post stays, and coordinate the full French Polynesia journey with less stress and better flow.

In this episode, we talk about the freight-and-cargo reality that powers the Aranui experience, and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you plan the right sailing, cabin category, and pre/post island time to match your goals.
Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise in French Polynesia, to understand why this voyage feels so unlike a typical cruise: it’s a passenger experience built on top of a working maritime operation that serves remote communities.

Charles begins with his personal path—years working on other cruise ships around the world before deciding to shift toward sailing closer to home and choosing French Polynesia as a place he wanted to discover. What follows is an operator’s perspective on why the ship’s culture feels so tight-knit. Normand observes the “family atmosphere” onboard, and Charles reinforces it: crew members across roles know each other well and create a familiar environment for guests too. That human side matters, because it’s the same teamwork that makes complex cargo operations possible in remote settings.

Charles’ explanation that Aranui isn’t purely a cruise ship and isn’t purely a cargo ship. A traditional cargo vessel might carry passengers in basic accommodations, but without the hospitality layer guests expect—no comparable dining, no bar, and a different overall onboard life. Aranui, as described here, is designed so guests can experience the cargo reality while still enjoying an elevated passenger journey. That’s why Normand uses the phrase “deluxe freighter cruise,” and Charles agrees the mix creates something rare: you’re watching real deliveries unfold while also traveling in comfort.

Charles describes the practical side: cargo holds, cranes, forklifts, and the daily work of managing freight while maintaining passenger safety systems. A standout operational detail is how deliveries happen when there’s limited or no pier access. Charles explains that the ship may anchor and use cranes to load barges, then transfer heavy items to shore—an operation made more complicated by swell, tide, and changing sea states. Normand shares a vivid memory of seeing a car loaded onto a barge while the ocean rises and falls, which captures exactly what guests often find mesmerizing: a complex, high-stakes procedure happening in plain sight.

The episode also explores the “what” of freight—sometimes surprisingly personal. Charles notes that animals are transported at times—horses, cows, dogs—using specialized containers placed on deck, with crew members feeding and monitoring them. Then comes the unpredictable story that feels almost scripted, but isn’t: a shipment of seven sheep where one gave birth onboard, so the paperwork that began with seven ended with eight delivered. These moments underline what makes this voyage different: it’s built around real life and real community needs, not just guest entertainment.

Finally, Charles discusses what moves back from the islands: limited freight overall, but some exports like fruit—lemons and very large citrus (pamplemousse is mentioned). Normand connects this to the broader island network, including stops that can include places like the Tuamotus and Bora Bora, where imported fruit can be valuable. Charles mentions refrigerated containers and how goods may transfer onward via smaller ships to reach additional islands. For travelers, this supplies context: the itinerary is a travel experience, but it’s also an active logistics chain.

If you want to experience French Polynesia in a way that feels culturally immersive and operationally real, Episode 2 is a strong primer on what you’ll be watching from the deck and the shore. And if you want it planned well—sailing choice, cabin fit, island extensions, and a trip flow that makes sense—Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com is where you start to build the voyage around your priorities, not around guesswork.

In this episode, we talk about how Aranui 5 (and the Aranoa) delivers an experience that feels deeply local—because the real story isn’t only the itinerary, it’s the people making each day happen. If you want an expert to plan a French Polynesian freighter voyage from start to finish, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews onboard guide Spencer Hata Utuya to explore what guides do before guests ever step onto a shore excursion, and what happens when island plans shift in real time.

Spencer’s entry into the Aranui world is refreshingly honest. He studied business management and marketing and didn’t expect to work in tourism or hospitality. After returning home, he set simple criteria for his next step—independence, stability, and basic needs covered—then found a guide job online and started in September 2022. By November 2025, he’s spent years learning the rhythm of these sailings, and he shares what that growth really looked like: a steep learning curve, constant studying, and the humility of realizing that travelers sometimes arrive with deep knowledge of French Polynesia already in hand.

That learning curve becomes a key theme because it’s what allows guides to deliver the immersion guests rave about. Spencer explains he reviews his “technical notes” about each island nightly, even when he feels confident, so his delivery stays sharp and accurate. He describes how preparation matters not just for storytelling, but for adaptability: when assignments change due to illness, accidents, or personal emergencies among the guide team, the person who prepared can step into another role without missing a beat. That kind of cross-coverage is invisible to guests, but it’s one reason voyages feel smooth.

Then the conversation moves into the reality of logistics. Spencer shares how the next voyage’s program starts getting prepared during the current sailing—often a few days before arrival back at the end of the trip. The team drafts the structure, including and optional excursions, and key connections, but keeps “room for adjustments,” because island operations can change due to local organizations, contractors, tourism offices, and community needs. He makes a point that nothing is set in stone—plans are “in pencil”—and even the night before arrival a change can happen. That’s not said as a warning; it’s said as an honest description of travel across remote communities where real life comes first.

Two stories bring that to life. On a Marquesas sailing, a local dance performance was expected, included in the program, and then didn’t happen because the performers had a family situation. Spencer describes how guides manage not only the schedule, but the mood: explaining what happened, setting expectations, and helping guests stay engaged with the destination even when a highlight changes. On an Australs sailing, a bus tour ran into a series of disruptions: the bus ran out of gas, a replacement bus required a driver to retrieve keys from home, and guests waited.

Normand adds an observation many past guests echo: Aranui feels different because the staff are from French Polynesia, sharing culture from lived experience rather than from a script. Spencer’s advice to first-time visitors reinforces that: arrive with an open mind, set aside preconceived ideas, and be ready for warm Polynesian hospitality. He also shares practical packing guidance—good shoes, water shoes, repellent, a raincoat—and a caution to be mindful around coral environments. If Aranui 5 or Aranoa is on your list, this episode offers a grounded, behind-the-scenes lens that helps you understand what you’re actually signing up for: a culturally immersive voyage powered by preparation, relationships, and a guide team that can pivot when the ocean—and the islands—set the pace. For help choosing the right sailing and building a seamless plan, connect with Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

What if paradise felt like home?

In this episode, Normand checks into Niu Beach Hotel, one of Moorea’s newest boutique lagoon-front properties, with Sylvia Martino. Located on the quiet west coast of the island, Niu Beach Hotel offers calm waters, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from large resorts.

Sylvia shares how the hotel was designed with just 16 spacious bungalows—each with a kitchen—to give guests independence, comfort, and flexibility. We discuss why this concept appeals to families, couples, and travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic Moorea experience, and how local staff and cultural connections play an important role in the guest experience.

If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia and want a stay that balances modern comfort with island tranquility, this episode is for you.