Australs by ship, Moorea, Aitutaki, all, none?

Hi all,

As part of my RTW this/next year I'm planning to drop by to the Cook Islands and/or Tahiti on my way through the Paciffic. As I'm not really into the overly touristy places like Bora Bora I'm thinking about going to the Australs. Unfortunatelly the airfare is kind of a turn off (ok, it really is) so I'm thinking about taking a ship there and back. Did anyone did them via ship? How reliable are the ships, because I might have some hard-to-change tickets. How much time does it take minimum to do them without flying?

Also I'm not really a beach or dive buff, more interested in meeting with local people and some hiking. So does it worth burning money to get to the Australs, or even to Tahiti in general? Or should I skip the Maori experience? I could probably fork out both Tahiti and the Cook Islands, but the Australs and Aitutaki together are a definite no-go (at least to my calculations).

Any input is welcome on the issue.

*(if I buy a LONE4 I actually have to go through RAR)

The only reliable ship I know is the Aranui. It went to the Australs a year ago, but I was told that they wouldn't repeat the experience because of the stormy seas. The problem is not for the ship but for the passengers' boarding in rough seas.

The Aranui goes to the Marquesa Islands 16 times a year at regular intervals. Many passengers go hiking, at least those in shape. As to really meeting the local population, you would have to skip either one tour and pick up he Aranui on its next run or just skip one of the islands and wait for the Aranui's return before it heads back to Tahiti.

Your could also stay on Tahiti and hike in the almost empty interior. You could take the ferry to Moorea and hike there. Moorea has camping facilities. (Nelson's?)

I think that the beauty of the islands is definitely worth the trip.

Thanks, but I wasn't looking for an organized trip, only transport to the islands. :D