Touching down on the coral strip of Anaa brings you into a world where the land is a delicate ring around a bright lagoon. The air carries the scent of salt and coconut palms, greeting you with the quiet energy of a remote atoll that remains largely untouched.
The green lagoon
The centre of the atoll is a shallow basin known for its rare jade-coloured water that contrasts with the deep blue of the surrounding ocean. You can spend hours wading through the clear shallows where the sandy floor feels like silk underfoot.
Feuille de jade
Local artisans create intricate jewellery and carvings from mother-of-pearl and local shells found along the shoreline. These pieces reflect the deep connection between the people of the atoll and the sea that sustains them.
Tukuhora village
The main settlement is a cluster of tidy homes and gardens where the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the tides. Walking through its paths allows you to see the traditional limestone architecture and meet residents who have lived on the atoll for generations.
The ancient marae
Stone platforms hidden among the trees serve as quiet reminders of the spiritual history and social structures of the early inhabitants. These archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the ancestral customs that shaped life on the atoll long before modern travel arrived.
Koku fish parks
Traditional stone fish traps, built with techniques passed down through centuries, still sit in the shallow channels to catch reef fish. Watching these structures work with the natural flow of the water reveals the cleverness of local ecological knowledge.
The floral forests
Away from the coast, the interior of the motu contains dense groves of Mikimiki bushes and tall palms that provide shade for local birdlife. This dense environment is a sanctuary for those who want to hear the sounds of nature without the interruption of city noise.