In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, exploring what archaeology reveals about Polynesian temples, settlement history, tiki traditions, and the living culture travelers encounter today. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are your best resources if you want to plan South Pacific travel that goes beyond scenery—travel that is culturally informed, respectful, and designed around the realities of remote island logistics. Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 while sailing in the Australs, and this conversation provides exactly the kind of deep context that helps travelers understand why these islands feel so different from more familiar South Pacific routes.

Mark begins by explaining his academic pathway and how it brought him to French Polynesia: early interest in Māori history in New Zealand, graduate research on Polynesian marae temples, and then fieldwork in Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley through an international collaboration. He describes archaeology as work that often happens at the intersection of preservation and modern change, which is an important frame for South Pacific travelers.

The episode then focuses on the Australs as part of a wider South Pacific story. Mark explains that the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands were historically one cultural and language zone, later divided into different territories, with historical trajectories separating from around 1900 onward. His work spans Rimatara, Tubuai, and Raivavae—surveying marae, excavating settlement sites, and researching tiki traditions. Raivavae stands out in particular: Mark explains that its tiki figures represent deified female ancestors, a unique cultural expression compared with other islands that emphasize male ancestors.

Mark then describes what visitors notice when they arrive: the Australs remain 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, supported by strong extended-family structures and a community solidarity that shapes how work and resources are shared. He also notes the importance of the cash economy and how artistry supports livelihoods. Women specialize in pandanus weaving—mats, hats, fans—and Mark highlights a modern renaissance in wood carving as young men study museum motifs and revive historic design traditions once suppressed by missionary influence

One of the most practical sections of the conversation is Mark’s guidance on visitor behavior. He explains the concept of taboo and why marae remain sacred spaces even in Christian communities today. He advises visitors to observe and photograph, but not climb, touch, rearrange stones, or remove anything. He also notes that certain places—such as royal cemeteries—should be respected from outside only. Mark then expands into cultural etiquette: the Australs are conservative and strongly Protestant, and modest dress away from the beach is a sign of respect.

The episode closes with standout discovery stories that illustrate how archaeology can reveal unexpected layers of history: a red volcanic tuff tiki tied to sacred symbolism of the color red across Polynesia, an ancestor figure found reused in a house alignment that suggests belief systems shifting during early conversion eras, and turtle petroglyphs that became visible only when a restored stone was upright and the sunset hit at the right angle. These stories not only deepen your understanding of the Australs—they also encourage a more thoughtful way of traveling across the South Pacific. When you’re ready to plan a culturally rich South Pacific journey, Far and Away Adventures can design and book an itinerary that fits your interests and respects the places you’re privileged to visit.

In this episode, we talk about Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands and why it deserves a closer look for travelers who want the South Pacific to feel deeper than just beautiful scenery. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand introduces Guadalcanal as a major cultural and historic region, then speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what visitors can do across the island—from village culture to waterfalls to WWII history.

The episode begins with a practical frame: Guadalcanal is described as one of the larger islands in the Solomon Islands and home to Honiara, the national capital. But the key insight is cultural diversity inside the island itself. The guest shares that multiple languages are spoken on Guadalcanal and that traditions differ by region—particularly between western areas and central areas—so travelers can notice different ways of living and communicating as they explore. This matters for South Pacific travelers because it means you can create variety without overcomplicating the itinerary: you can experience contrasting cultures, landscapes, and daily life while still using Guadalcanal as a main base.

One of the clearest ways to engage with that cultural variety is through village experiences. The guest highlights villages that are open to visitors, offering opportunities to see traditional crafts, learn about food preparation, and understand how communities grow food and maintain sustainable practices. For many travelers, these encounters are the difference between “seeing an island” and “meeting an island.” They add context to everything else—especially to history and nature experiences—because you understand how people live in relationship to the land.

Nature is then presented as a major travel pillar. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands and recommended as a standout attraction for visitors. The guest also notes coastal opportunities—beaches for swimming and relaxing, and ocean activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Inland, the conversation touches on mountain areas where hiking and caves can be part of the itinerary, including a cave site described as having thousands of bats and scenic waterfall surroundings nearby. For travelers mapping South Pacific destinations, this coast-plus-interior mix is a strong differentiator: Guadalcanal is not only a coastal destination; it’s also an inland adventure destination.

Guadalcanal’s WWII significance is addressed directly. The guest describes the island as a major battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic areas around Honiara and beyond. The conversation references locations such as the Mount Austen area and memorial sites near central Honiara, plus the Henderson area near the airport, and additional places outside the capital where war relics remain visible. These history stops can be paced as short visits for context or expanded into more in-depth touring depending on traveler interest.

If you’re building a South Pacific itinerary and want a destination that combines living culture, inland nature, and globally significant history, Guadalcanal belongs on your shortlist. Connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to plan a Guadalcanal-centered itinerary that balances village experiences, Tenaru Waterfall, coastal time, and WWII landmarks at a pace that feels both immersive and relaxed.

In this episode, we talk about Aranui 5 shore excursions with Lehi, including how included tours, optional add-ons, and island-to-island differences shape a South Pacific journey that feels deeply human. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best resources if you want help planning French Polynesia in a way that respects distances, embraces local rhythm, and matches your preferred activity level. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard, and Lehi’s perspective—14 years guiding on Aranui—captures what many travelers struggle to describe: the South Pacific isn’t just beautiful, it’s warm, relational, and unforgettable when you travel in a way that lets the culture lead.

Lehi begins by explaining the Aranui difference in simple terms: it’s a deluxe freighter cruise, and it doesn’t feel like other cruise ships in French Polynesia. A major reason is the shore program. Aranui includes excursions at every port, so each island day starts with something meaningful and well-coordinated—particularly important in remote places where transportation options are limited, and timing is influenced by ship operations. That baseline also makes it easier for travelers to choose optional upgrades selectively instead of feeling pressure to “buy the whole trip” one excursion at a time.

The conversation paints the Marquesas days vividly. Nuku Hiva often begins the experience with a full-day safari-style outing using local four-wheel drives, visits to key sites such as a cathedral and archaeological areas, and a shared lunch ashore where locals welcome guests with music and dance. Lehi emphasizes the emotional difference he felt when he first arrived in the Marquesas: the greeting felt deeper than words, and the sincerity of the welcome stayed with him. That’s a powerful South Pacific travel lesson—each island group is related, but each expresses identity through its own language, customs, and tone of hospitality.

Normand and Lehi expand the lens beyond the Marquesas into other parts of the region. In the Tuamotus, the topography can be flat and the experience more lagoon-centered, which naturally changes the excursion menu. In places like Rangiroa, Lehi mentions optional add-ons such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat-style outings, reflecting how some experiences fit best as upgrades even when core excursions are included. In Bora Bora, the trip can feature optional aquatic activities and a motu picnic that many guests remember as a celebratory highlight—especially because it often arrives near the end of the voyage when everyone feels bonded.

The episode also touches on the Australs and even Pitcairn, focusing less on a checklist and more on what changes culturally and practically. Lehi notes that the biggest difference he feels is language, while the warmth and friendliness remain recognizable across Polynesia. He also points out how landscape changes the feel of the day: the Marquesas can be mountainous with hikes and big viewpoints, while other archipelagos offer gentler terrain or different kinds of exploration. That framing helps travelers plan honestly—choosing the sailing that matches what they want to do, not just what they want to see.

Two practical themes run through the conversation: food and logistics. Meals ashore can be cooked differently than onboard, sometimes in traditional styles, but special dietary needs can still be supported by preparing meals onboard and bringing them along. Logistics can be challenging when guests rush, stand in the sun, and get stressed when transportation isn’t immediately visible. Lehi’s advice is implied but clear: slow down, stay comfortable, and let the island rhythm improve your day. If you want help choosing an Aranui 5 sailing and shaping a South Pacific plan that flows smoothly, Far and Away Adventures can handle the details so you can focus on the experience.