TWOTTERING Through The Tuamotus
Jun 3, 2016 9:09:54 GMT
aerofoto - HJG Admin, gus, and 3 more like this
Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Jun 3, 2016 9:09:54 GMT
Even I .... I must admit .... have to (like to I mean) take a break from HJG .... sometimes (when I can) .... despite how busy myself and our "Core Group" are working on various new projects being developed behind the scenes .
I wasn't sure (at first) how to title this presentation.
"PISSING AROUND THE PACIFIC" was an early thought .... but .... didn't have quite the right ring about it
"TWEAKING THE TWOTTER" was another early idea too .... since quite bit of that was was undertaken whilst flying the aircraft subject of this presentation.
"TWOTTERING AROUND TAHITI" was yet another early thought as well .... but .... I later considered such a title was w-a-y t-o-o vague considering the actual geographic location featured within this presentation .... and it's distance way from Tahiti.
SO THEN .... I eventually coined "TWOTTERING THROUGH THE TUAMOTUS" .... as being probably the best/most appropriate name for t-h-i-s p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r presentation .... given both the aircraft type subject as well as the geographic region featured.
And that's the brief, and creative, story behind this latest creation/presentation of mine
Les Archipel des Tuamotu .... or .... the Tuamotu Archipeligo are an extensive chain of atoll islands located within Polynesie Francaise/the French Polynesian region .... both to the geographic north and extending well to the east of Tahiti.
The Tuamotus form the largest chain of low lying coral atoll islands (essentially high sand bars formed over coral reefs) in the world and cover an area of the Pacific Ocean that's almost equivalent to the size of Western Europe.
Given how far the Tuamotu Archipeligo actually extend acros the north asnd east of Tahiti, and their relatively close proximity to one'another .... forming and almost unbroken barrier .... it's a wonder that WALLIS, BEAUGANVILLE, COOK, BLIGH, and earlier European navigators of the Pacific region during 1700's, weren't wrecked during the course of their voyages exploration and discovery.
The Tuamotu Archipelago consists of 8 principle groups which are composed of some 70 islands/atolls as follow ....
"Disappointment Islands" - Puka-Puka, Napuka/Pukaroa, and Tepoto.
"Duke of Gloucester Islands" - Hereheretue, Anuanuraro, Anuanurunga, and Nukutepipi.
"Far Eastern Tuamotus Group" - Fangatau/Nakaierua, Fakahina, Tatakoto, Akiaki, Vahitahi, Nukutavake, Vairaatea, Pinaki, Reao, Pukarua, Vanavana, Tureia, Tematangi, Moruroa, and Fangataufa.
"Hao Group" - Rekareka/Tehuata, Tauere, Amanu, Hao/Haorangi, Paraoa, Nengonengo, Manuhangi, and Ahunui.
"Hikueru Group" - Tekokota, Hikueru, Reitoru, Marokau, and Ravahere.
"King George Islands" - Ahe, Manihi/Paeua, Takaroa/Takapua, Takapoto/Tuapoto/Oura, and Tikei.
"Palliser Islands" - Fakarava, Niau, Toau, Arutua, Apataki, Kaukura, Mataiva/Tepoetiriura, Tikehau, Rangiroa, and Makatea/Mangaiatevaitamae.
"Raeffsky Islands" - Anaa/Nganaanui/Araura, Faaite, Tahanea, Motutunga, Takume, Raroia, Taenga, Nihiru, Makemo/Rangikemo/Te Paritua, Katiu, Tuanake, Hiti, Tepoto, Marutea, Haraiki, Aratika, Kauehi, Taiaro, and Raraka.
With the exception of the island of Makatea .... each of these are low lying coral island/atolls (most are just a few meters above sea level) with large, and and sometimes fully enclosed, lagoons featuring an abundance of islets .... the majority of which are very heavily forested with coconut palms and other tropical vegetation. Most of these island/atolls feature very little land area, at all, in comparison with the enormity of each of their individual water bodies/lagoons.
Not all of these atolls/islands are inhabited .... or have airstrips (a number of which don't even feature navigation aids) .... and among those that do (some of which are private strips) their RWY's are composed of either concrete, ashphalt, or coral surfaces .... the majority of which are also "pretty short" too .... hence the "TWOTTER"/DHC-6 TWIN OTTER, with it's STOL performance, is absolutely ideal for getting in .... and out again
1.The Palliser Group
Makatea Island .... sometimes also known as Mangaiatevaitamae .... is a raised coral platform located some 79 km southwest of Rangiroa .... among island/atolls of the Palliser group which form the western Tuamotus. Makatea rises to a elevation some 80 m above sea level and is surrounded by spectacular cliffs. This island is 8 km in length and 7 km across its broadest extremety. It's one of the only 4 locations among the Tuamotus (along with Nukutavake, Tikei, and Tepoto) which are not atolls and therefore lack lagoons.
Nearing the island of Makatea (a VFR reference en route between Tahiti and the western Tuamotus) at 7,000 FT, following the 024 radial out of Tahiti (VOR/DME 112.90 NDB 305), enroute towards Rangiroa Atoll (VOR/non-DME 112.30 NDB 358) .... still a wee bit outside the range of Rangiroa's NDB
Phosphate mining drew a sizeable population to Makatea prior to the commencement of nuclear experimentation within the southwest Pacific region by the French Centre d'Experimentation du Pacifique (CEP) . For more than two decades Makatea was commercially active and supported by regular shipping services. Upon the conclusion of phosphate mining the island was virtually abandoned .... with less than 93 inhabitants remaining today. The island is administered by the Commune Associée de Rangiroa. Its principle village is is Moumu. Its small local population subsist on agriculture, copra production, fishing, and a coconut crab trade .... which are a much enjoyed delicacy here and in other parts of the southwest Pacific/Poltynesian region. Makatea has never supported an airstrip but is commonly used as a VFR reference point by air traffic enroute between Tahiti, Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Mataiva.
Mataiva Atoll .... meaning "Nine Eyes" .... is also sometimes referred to as Tepoetiriura .... meaning "Sparkling Pearl". The lagoon of this island/atoll has a width of some 5 km and a length of some 10km and is almost completely enclosed. This lagoon has a surface area of some 16 sq km and opens to the sea at a single natural pass in its surrounding reef which is located at its northwest, but, which is too shallow to be navigated by ocean going supply/service vessels.
Potentially lucrative resources of phosphate deposits .... estimated to be valued in the vicinity of some 10-15 million tonnes .... have recently been discovered within this island/atoll, but, the inhabitants of Mataiva have successfully prevented its exploitation to date. The primary commercial activities on Mataiva are the cultivation of vanilla, copra production, and tourism. This island/atoll has an airstrip which was opened during 1999.
Tikehau Atoll .... meaning "Peaceful Landing" .... lies some 12 km to the east of Mataiva. This island/atolls oval-shaped lagoon is of some 27km in length with a width of some 19 km .... enclosing a lagoon surface area of some 461 sq km.
This island/atoll is composed of two major islands with numerous islets located around the circumference of its almost continuous/unbroken lagoon reef .... which features a single natural pass that is navigable by ocean going supply/service vessels. During 1987 a team led by French Oceanographer/Explorer Jaques COUSTEAU discovered that the Tikehau lagoon supports a greater variety of marine life than elsewhere within the French Polynesian region. Tuherahera is this island/atolls principle village. Tikehau has an airstrip which was opened during 1977. .
Rangiroa Atoll .... meaning "Vast Sky" .... the largest island/atoll within the Tuamotus and one of the largest in the world. This atoll is located approximately 12 Km to the east of Tikehau and supports a population of some 2,500 people ..... Avatoru being the island/atolls principle villege. Some 415 motus (islets and sandbars) are located around the circumference of its lagoon reef which is of some 80 km in length and has a width ranging from 5 - 32km in width .... for a total circumferences of some 200km .... and which features some 100 narrow pssages to the open sea. Rangiroa has a maximum depth of 35 m and encloses a lagoon surface area of some 1,446 km .... and which is so large that this particular island/atoll features its own horizon.
The breeding of pearl oysters in the lagoon .... black/cultured pearls in particular .... is practiced in abundance here. Unusually by Pacific Islands standards Rangiroa is also known for its vineyards which are among the most unique in the world. Grape vines are cultivated on the edge of the lagoon, beneath coconut palms, and produce 2 harvests each year. The winery is located within the heart of this island/atolls principle village .... Avatoru. The airstrip at Rangiroa was opened during 1965.
Arutua Atoll .... also known as Ngaruatua .... is located some 40 km southwest of Rangiroa, and some 16 km to the east of Apataki atoll.
This island/atoll is rougly pentagonal in shape and has a length of approximately 31 km and a width 24 km .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 484 sq km with land area of some some 15 sq km only. This island/atolls lagoon is sufficiently wide and deep to be navigable by ocean going supply/service vessels .... via its single natural reef passage. Arutua supports a population of some 680 inhabitants. It's principle village is Rautini. The airstrip on Arutua was opened during 1984
Kaukura Atoll .... otherwise known as Kaheko .... is located on the western side of the Tuamotu Archipelago .... some 58 km southwest of Rangiroa .... and 15 km east of Arutua Atoll.
This island/atoll is elongated in shape with a length of some 48 km and a width of some 13 km .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 434 sq km .... featuring some 65 islets (the most major of which is Motu Panao) .... and has a total land area of only 11 sq km. The reef at its northern rim is narrow whilst that of its southern rim is broad by comparison .... and has a single navigable pass cutting through its surrouding reef. Kaukura Atoll supports a poulation of some 475 inhabitants. Its principle village is Raitahiti .... and its airstrip was opened during 1994.
Apataki Atoll is located approximately 370 km northeast of Tahiti .... and some 17 km east of Arutua Atoll and 24 km northeast of Kaukura Atoll.
This island/atoll is approximately rectangular in shape .... some 34 km in length and 24 km in width .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 706 sq km which features 2 navigable passes through its surrounding reef .... and has a land area of only some 20 sq km. The principle village on Apataki is Niutahi. This island/atoll supports a population of some 350 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during 1977 .
Fakarava Atoll .... also know as Havaikiteararo, Havai'i, as well as Farea .... is the second largest atoll among Tuamotu Archipelago. It is located some 14 km southeast of Toau Atoll.
Fakarava is roughly rectangular in shape. This island/atoll is some 60km in length and 21 km in width. Its lagoon is both wide and deep .... enclosing surface area of some a 1,112 sq km and which features 2 navigable passes through its surrounding reef one of which (le Passe Garuae) is the largest natural pass in French Polynesia. The principle villege on Fakarava Atoll is Rotoava. This island/atoll supports a poulation of some 855 inhabitants .... and has an airstrip that was opened during 1995.
2.The King George Group
Manihi Atoll .... also known as Paeua .... is one of the northernmost of the Tuamotus .... located within the King George Islands group .... which also include Takaroa and Takapoto. This island/atoll supports a population of some 700 people. Manihi is a relatively large and elongated atoll. Its oval-shaped lagoon has a length of some 27 km and a width of some 8 km .... enclosing a surface area of some 160 sq km and which features numerous islets.
The islands/atolls principle villages are Paeua and Turipaoa. Manihi is the base of extensive pearl farming and is the original home of the commercially lucrative black/cultured pearl. The airstrip on Manihi was opened during 1994.
Takaroa Atoll .... also known as Takapua .... has a length of some 28 km and a width of some 7 km and encloses a lagoon surface areas of some 93 sq km.
The cultivation of pearls is also abundant within the lagoon of this island/atoll. The commune of Takaroa includes the island atolls of Takapoto, and Tikei. The airstrip on Takaroa was opened during 1986.
Takapoto Atoll ..... also known as Tuapoto or Oura .... is located 10 Km southwest of Takaroa. Its lagoon has a length of some 20 km and a width of 7 km and encloses a surface area of some 85 sq km.
Fakatopatere is this islands/atolls principle village. Takapoto supports a population of some 400 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during1973.
3.The Disapointment Group
Napuka Atoll .... also known as Pukaroa .... is located in the Disappointment Islands group among the Tuamotu Archipelago. It is one of the smallest and most isolated of the populated Tuamotus .... located some 170 km north of Fangatau at the far east of the Tuamotus. The lagoon at Napuka has a length of some 11 km and a width of some 4 km .... featuring a completely enclosing a lagoon with a surface area of some 18 sq km.
Napuka supports some 300 inhabitants and is the municipal capital of its own small commune .... which also include the island atolls of Puka Puka and Tepoto. It's principle village is Tepukamaruia. The airstrip on Napuka was opened during 1977.
4.The Far Eastern Group
Fangatau Atoll .... also known as Nakaierua .... is a small island/atoll located within the far eastern Tuamotus group. Its enclosed lagoon has a length of some 8 km and a width 4 km across its broadest extremety .... enclosing a surface area of some 22 sq km.
This island/atoll supports a population of some 145 inhabitants. Teana is the main village. The commune of Fangatau also includes neibouring Fakahina atoll. The airstrip on Fangatau was opened during 1976.
5.The Raeffsky Group
Makemo Atoll .... also known as Rangikemo or Te Paritua .... forms part of the Raeffsky Islands group and is the 4th largest island/atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago. This island/atoll has a lagoon length of some 69 km and a width of some 17 km .... enclosing a lagoon surface area of some 603 sq km.
Makemo supports a population of some 900 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during 1976. Pouheva is this island/atols principle village.
Anaa Atoll .... is located within the north-west of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Its shallow and enclosed oval-shaped lagoon has a length of some 30 km and a width of some 7 km .... with a surface areas of some 93 sq km.
This island/atoll is composed of 11 small islets .... with deeper and more fertile soil than is found on other atolls within the Tuamotus. The atolls principle village is Tukuhora and supports a population of some 500 inhabitants .... whom subsist on primarily fishing, the cultivation of nacre, and copra production. Anaa is also the municipal capital of Faaite atoll and the uninhabited island/atolls of Tahanea and Motutunga. The airstrip on Anaa is was opened during 1976.
Faaite Atoll .... also known as Faaiti .... is located 60 km north of Anaa Atoll. This island/atoll has a length of some 28 km and a width of some 11 km .... with an enclosed lagoon area of some 227 sq km which features a single natural pass to the open sea .... and has a land area of only 7 sq km.
Hitianau is the principle village on Faaite .... which supports a population of some 246 imhabitants .... and has an airstrip that was opened during 1992.
Aratika Atoll .... is located 35 km northwest of Kauehi Atoll. This island/atoll features an almost butterfly shape and is some 21 km in length and 11 km in width .... with a broad and deep lagoon with a surface area of some 145 sq km and which features 2 natural passes to the open sea which are navigable by supply/service vessels. The principle village on Aratika is Paparara.
This island/atoll supports a population of some 160 inhabitants .... and a private airstrip opened during 1998.
6.The Hao Group
Hao Atoll .... also known as Haorangi .... is the principal of the Hao group of island/atolls located within the central Tuamotu Archipelago. It's located some 920 km east of Tahiti. It's lagoon is the 4th largest in French Polynesia (after Rangiroa, Fakarava and Makemo) .... with a length of some 50 km and a width of some 14 km and enclosing a surface area of some 720 km .... with a single navigable passage toward the open sea but which is often frustrated by currents of up to 20 kts.
This particular island/atoll was originally the military support base for nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll. The originally airstrip on Hao was opened for civil use during 2000 and features and unusually long runway .... permitting large military class air transport aircraft to fly in cargos which are eventually destined, by ship, for Mururoa Atoll. The airstrip on Hao Atoll was also a designated emergency landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle. Otepa is this island/atolls principal villege. This island/atoll supports a population of siome 1,000 inhabitants .... with pearl farming being its principal economic activity.
Having visited, and travelled through, the islands French Polynesia, on a number of occasions since the late 1980's, I can personally testify as to the beauty of many of these islands/atolls (if one can adapt to the culture) .... each of which has its own particular character.
Some may be of the opinion that all islands/atolls are alike, but, I beg to differ .... on the basis of my own personal and extensive/many years of experience within the southwestern Pacific region (Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Niue Island).
Are 2 communities ever the same ? .... or .... even 2 people ever alike for that matter also ?
I think "NOT" .... and in fact "KNOW" so .... given what I've been privilleged to see, and experience, at a personal level, among some of these beautiful and hosptiable places along with the Polynesian people of the Pacific
Mark C
AKL/NZ
I wasn't sure (at first) how to title this presentation.
"PISSING AROUND THE PACIFIC" was an early thought .... but .... didn't have quite the right ring about it
"TWEAKING THE TWOTTER" was another early idea too .... since quite bit of that was was undertaken whilst flying the aircraft subject of this presentation.
"TWOTTERING AROUND TAHITI" was yet another early thought as well .... but .... I later considered such a title was w-a-y t-o-o vague considering the actual geographic location featured within this presentation .... and it's distance way from Tahiti.
SO THEN .... I eventually coined "TWOTTERING THROUGH THE TUAMOTUS" .... as being probably the best/most appropriate name for t-h-i-s p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r presentation .... given both the aircraft type subject as well as the geographic region featured.
And that's the brief, and creative, story behind this latest creation/presentation of mine
Les Archipel des Tuamotu .... or .... the Tuamotu Archipeligo are an extensive chain of atoll islands located within Polynesie Francaise/the French Polynesian region .... both to the geographic north and extending well to the east of Tahiti.
The Tuamotus form the largest chain of low lying coral atoll islands (essentially high sand bars formed over coral reefs) in the world and cover an area of the Pacific Ocean that's almost equivalent to the size of Western Europe.
Given how far the Tuamotu Archipeligo actually extend acros the north asnd east of Tahiti, and their relatively close proximity to one'another .... forming and almost unbroken barrier .... it's a wonder that WALLIS, BEAUGANVILLE, COOK, BLIGH, and earlier European navigators of the Pacific region during 1700's, weren't wrecked during the course of their voyages exploration and discovery.
The Tuamotu Archipelago consists of 8 principle groups which are composed of some 70 islands/atolls as follow ....
"Disappointment Islands" - Puka-Puka, Napuka/Pukaroa, and Tepoto.
"Duke of Gloucester Islands" - Hereheretue, Anuanuraro, Anuanurunga, and Nukutepipi.
"Far Eastern Tuamotus Group" - Fangatau/Nakaierua, Fakahina, Tatakoto, Akiaki, Vahitahi, Nukutavake, Vairaatea, Pinaki, Reao, Pukarua, Vanavana, Tureia, Tematangi, Moruroa, and Fangataufa.
"Hao Group" - Rekareka/Tehuata, Tauere, Amanu, Hao/Haorangi, Paraoa, Nengonengo, Manuhangi, and Ahunui.
"Hikueru Group" - Tekokota, Hikueru, Reitoru, Marokau, and Ravahere.
"King George Islands" - Ahe, Manihi/Paeua, Takaroa/Takapua, Takapoto/Tuapoto/Oura, and Tikei.
"Palliser Islands" - Fakarava, Niau, Toau, Arutua, Apataki, Kaukura, Mataiva/Tepoetiriura, Tikehau, Rangiroa, and Makatea/Mangaiatevaitamae.
"Raeffsky Islands" - Anaa/Nganaanui/Araura, Faaite, Tahanea, Motutunga, Takume, Raroia, Taenga, Nihiru, Makemo/Rangikemo/Te Paritua, Katiu, Tuanake, Hiti, Tepoto, Marutea, Haraiki, Aratika, Kauehi, Taiaro, and Raraka.
With the exception of the island of Makatea .... each of these are low lying coral island/atolls (most are just a few meters above sea level) with large, and and sometimes fully enclosed, lagoons featuring an abundance of islets .... the majority of which are very heavily forested with coconut palms and other tropical vegetation. Most of these island/atolls feature very little land area, at all, in comparison with the enormity of each of their individual water bodies/lagoons.
Not all of these atolls/islands are inhabited .... or have airstrips (a number of which don't even feature navigation aids) .... and among those that do (some of which are private strips) their RWY's are composed of either concrete, ashphalt, or coral surfaces .... the majority of which are also "pretty short" too .... hence the "TWOTTER"/DHC-6 TWIN OTTER, with it's STOL performance, is absolutely ideal for getting in .... and out again
1.The Palliser Group
Makatea Island .... sometimes also known as Mangaiatevaitamae .... is a raised coral platform located some 79 km southwest of Rangiroa .... among island/atolls of the Palliser group which form the western Tuamotus. Makatea rises to a elevation some 80 m above sea level and is surrounded by spectacular cliffs. This island is 8 km in length and 7 km across its broadest extremety. It's one of the only 4 locations among the Tuamotus (along with Nukutavake, Tikei, and Tepoto) which are not atolls and therefore lack lagoons.
Nearing the island of Makatea (a VFR reference en route between Tahiti and the western Tuamotus) at 7,000 FT, following the 024 radial out of Tahiti (VOR/DME 112.90 NDB 305), enroute towards Rangiroa Atoll (VOR/non-DME 112.30 NDB 358) .... still a wee bit outside the range of Rangiroa's NDB
Phosphate mining drew a sizeable population to Makatea prior to the commencement of nuclear experimentation within the southwest Pacific region by the French Centre d'Experimentation du Pacifique (CEP) . For more than two decades Makatea was commercially active and supported by regular shipping services. Upon the conclusion of phosphate mining the island was virtually abandoned .... with less than 93 inhabitants remaining today. The island is administered by the Commune Associée de Rangiroa. Its principle village is is Moumu. Its small local population subsist on agriculture, copra production, fishing, and a coconut crab trade .... which are a much enjoyed delicacy here and in other parts of the southwest Pacific/Poltynesian region. Makatea has never supported an airstrip but is commonly used as a VFR reference point by air traffic enroute between Tahiti, Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Mataiva.
Mataiva Atoll .... meaning "Nine Eyes" .... is also sometimes referred to as Tepoetiriura .... meaning "Sparkling Pearl". The lagoon of this island/atoll has a width of some 5 km and a length of some 10km and is almost completely enclosed. This lagoon has a surface area of some 16 sq km and opens to the sea at a single natural pass in its surrounding reef which is located at its northwest, but, which is too shallow to be navigated by ocean going supply/service vessels.
Potentially lucrative resources of phosphate deposits .... estimated to be valued in the vicinity of some 10-15 million tonnes .... have recently been discovered within this island/atoll, but, the inhabitants of Mataiva have successfully prevented its exploitation to date. The primary commercial activities on Mataiva are the cultivation of vanilla, copra production, and tourism. This island/atoll has an airstrip which was opened during 1999.
Tikehau Atoll .... meaning "Peaceful Landing" .... lies some 12 km to the east of Mataiva. This island/atolls oval-shaped lagoon is of some 27km in length with a width of some 19 km .... enclosing a lagoon surface area of some 461 sq km.
This island/atoll is composed of two major islands with numerous islets located around the circumference of its almost continuous/unbroken lagoon reef .... which features a single natural pass that is navigable by ocean going supply/service vessels. During 1987 a team led by French Oceanographer/Explorer Jaques COUSTEAU discovered that the Tikehau lagoon supports a greater variety of marine life than elsewhere within the French Polynesian region. Tuherahera is this island/atolls principle village. Tikehau has an airstrip which was opened during 1977. .
Rangiroa Atoll .... meaning "Vast Sky" .... the largest island/atoll within the Tuamotus and one of the largest in the world. This atoll is located approximately 12 Km to the east of Tikehau and supports a population of some 2,500 people ..... Avatoru being the island/atolls principle villege. Some 415 motus (islets and sandbars) are located around the circumference of its lagoon reef which is of some 80 km in length and has a width ranging from 5 - 32km in width .... for a total circumferences of some 200km .... and which features some 100 narrow pssages to the open sea. Rangiroa has a maximum depth of 35 m and encloses a lagoon surface area of some 1,446 km .... and which is so large that this particular island/atoll features its own horizon.
The breeding of pearl oysters in the lagoon .... black/cultured pearls in particular .... is practiced in abundance here. Unusually by Pacific Islands standards Rangiroa is also known for its vineyards which are among the most unique in the world. Grape vines are cultivated on the edge of the lagoon, beneath coconut palms, and produce 2 harvests each year. The winery is located within the heart of this island/atolls principle village .... Avatoru. The airstrip at Rangiroa was opened during 1965.
Arutua Atoll .... also known as Ngaruatua .... is located some 40 km southwest of Rangiroa, and some 16 km to the east of Apataki atoll.
This island/atoll is rougly pentagonal in shape and has a length of approximately 31 km and a width 24 km .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 484 sq km with land area of some some 15 sq km only. This island/atolls lagoon is sufficiently wide and deep to be navigable by ocean going supply/service vessels .... via its single natural reef passage. Arutua supports a population of some 680 inhabitants. It's principle village is Rautini. The airstrip on Arutua was opened during 1984
Kaukura Atoll .... otherwise known as Kaheko .... is located on the western side of the Tuamotu Archipelago .... some 58 km southwest of Rangiroa .... and 15 km east of Arutua Atoll.
This island/atoll is elongated in shape with a length of some 48 km and a width of some 13 km .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 434 sq km .... featuring some 65 islets (the most major of which is Motu Panao) .... and has a total land area of only 11 sq km. The reef at its northern rim is narrow whilst that of its southern rim is broad by comparison .... and has a single navigable pass cutting through its surrouding reef. Kaukura Atoll supports a poulation of some 475 inhabitants. Its principle village is Raitahiti .... and its airstrip was opened during 1994.
Apataki Atoll is located approximately 370 km northeast of Tahiti .... and some 17 km east of Arutua Atoll and 24 km northeast of Kaukura Atoll.
This island/atoll is approximately rectangular in shape .... some 34 km in length and 24 km in width .... enclosing a lagoon area of some 706 sq km which features 2 navigable passes through its surrounding reef .... and has a land area of only some 20 sq km. The principle village on Apataki is Niutahi. This island/atoll supports a population of some 350 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during 1977 .
Fakarava Atoll .... also know as Havaikiteararo, Havai'i, as well as Farea .... is the second largest atoll among Tuamotu Archipelago. It is located some 14 km southeast of Toau Atoll.
Fakarava is roughly rectangular in shape. This island/atoll is some 60km in length and 21 km in width. Its lagoon is both wide and deep .... enclosing surface area of some a 1,112 sq km and which features 2 navigable passes through its surrounding reef one of which (le Passe Garuae) is the largest natural pass in French Polynesia. The principle villege on Fakarava Atoll is Rotoava. This island/atoll supports a poulation of some 855 inhabitants .... and has an airstrip that was opened during 1995.
2.The King George Group
Manihi Atoll .... also known as Paeua .... is one of the northernmost of the Tuamotus .... located within the King George Islands group .... which also include Takaroa and Takapoto. This island/atoll supports a population of some 700 people. Manihi is a relatively large and elongated atoll. Its oval-shaped lagoon has a length of some 27 km and a width of some 8 km .... enclosing a surface area of some 160 sq km and which features numerous islets.
The islands/atolls principle villages are Paeua and Turipaoa. Manihi is the base of extensive pearl farming and is the original home of the commercially lucrative black/cultured pearl. The airstrip on Manihi was opened during 1994.
Takaroa Atoll .... also known as Takapua .... has a length of some 28 km and a width of some 7 km and encloses a lagoon surface areas of some 93 sq km.
The cultivation of pearls is also abundant within the lagoon of this island/atoll. The commune of Takaroa includes the island atolls of Takapoto, and Tikei. The airstrip on Takaroa was opened during 1986.
Takapoto Atoll ..... also known as Tuapoto or Oura .... is located 10 Km southwest of Takaroa. Its lagoon has a length of some 20 km and a width of 7 km and encloses a surface area of some 85 sq km.
Fakatopatere is this islands/atolls principle village. Takapoto supports a population of some 400 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during1973.
3.The Disapointment Group
Napuka Atoll .... also known as Pukaroa .... is located in the Disappointment Islands group among the Tuamotu Archipelago. It is one of the smallest and most isolated of the populated Tuamotus .... located some 170 km north of Fangatau at the far east of the Tuamotus. The lagoon at Napuka has a length of some 11 km and a width of some 4 km .... featuring a completely enclosing a lagoon with a surface area of some 18 sq km.
Napuka supports some 300 inhabitants and is the municipal capital of its own small commune .... which also include the island atolls of Puka Puka and Tepoto. It's principle village is Tepukamaruia. The airstrip on Napuka was opened during 1977.
4.The Far Eastern Group
Fangatau Atoll .... also known as Nakaierua .... is a small island/atoll located within the far eastern Tuamotus group. Its enclosed lagoon has a length of some 8 km and a width 4 km across its broadest extremety .... enclosing a surface area of some 22 sq km.
This island/atoll supports a population of some 145 inhabitants. Teana is the main village. The commune of Fangatau also includes neibouring Fakahina atoll. The airstrip on Fangatau was opened during 1976.
5.The Raeffsky Group
Makemo Atoll .... also known as Rangikemo or Te Paritua .... forms part of the Raeffsky Islands group and is the 4th largest island/atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago. This island/atoll has a lagoon length of some 69 km and a width of some 17 km .... enclosing a lagoon surface area of some 603 sq km.
Makemo supports a population of some 900 inhabitants and has an airstrip that was opened during 1976. Pouheva is this island/atols principle village.
Anaa Atoll .... is located within the north-west of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Its shallow and enclosed oval-shaped lagoon has a length of some 30 km and a width of some 7 km .... with a surface areas of some 93 sq km.
This island/atoll is composed of 11 small islets .... with deeper and more fertile soil than is found on other atolls within the Tuamotus. The atolls principle village is Tukuhora and supports a population of some 500 inhabitants .... whom subsist on primarily fishing, the cultivation of nacre, and copra production. Anaa is also the municipal capital of Faaite atoll and the uninhabited island/atolls of Tahanea and Motutunga. The airstrip on Anaa is was opened during 1976.
Faaite Atoll .... also known as Faaiti .... is located 60 km north of Anaa Atoll. This island/atoll has a length of some 28 km and a width of some 11 km .... with an enclosed lagoon area of some 227 sq km which features a single natural pass to the open sea .... and has a land area of only 7 sq km.
Hitianau is the principle village on Faaite .... which supports a population of some 246 imhabitants .... and has an airstrip that was opened during 1992.
Aratika Atoll .... is located 35 km northwest of Kauehi Atoll. This island/atoll features an almost butterfly shape and is some 21 km in length and 11 km in width .... with a broad and deep lagoon with a surface area of some 145 sq km and which features 2 natural passes to the open sea which are navigable by supply/service vessels. The principle village on Aratika is Paparara.
This island/atoll supports a population of some 160 inhabitants .... and a private airstrip opened during 1998.
6.The Hao Group
Hao Atoll .... also known as Haorangi .... is the principal of the Hao group of island/atolls located within the central Tuamotu Archipelago. It's located some 920 km east of Tahiti. It's lagoon is the 4th largest in French Polynesia (after Rangiroa, Fakarava and Makemo) .... with a length of some 50 km and a width of some 14 km and enclosing a surface area of some 720 km .... with a single navigable passage toward the open sea but which is often frustrated by currents of up to 20 kts.
This particular island/atoll was originally the military support base for nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll. The originally airstrip on Hao was opened for civil use during 2000 and features and unusually long runway .... permitting large military class air transport aircraft to fly in cargos which are eventually destined, by ship, for Mururoa Atoll. The airstrip on Hao Atoll was also a designated emergency landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle. Otepa is this island/atolls principal villege. This island/atoll supports a population of siome 1,000 inhabitants .... with pearl farming being its principal economic activity.
Having visited, and travelled through, the islands French Polynesia, on a number of occasions since the late 1980's, I can personally testify as to the beauty of many of these islands/atolls (if one can adapt to the culture) .... each of which has its own particular character.
Some may be of the opinion that all islands/atolls are alike, but, I beg to differ .... on the basis of my own personal and extensive/many years of experience within the southwestern Pacific region (Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Niue Island).
Are 2 communities ever the same ? .... or .... even 2 people ever alike for that matter also ?
I think "NOT" .... and in fact "KNOW" so .... given what I've been privilleged to see, and experience, at a personal level, among some of these beautiful and hosptiable places along with the Polynesian people of the Pacific
Mark C
AKL/NZ
