Predominant winds for the Austral islands are ESE. The best trade wind months are June to October, and can be expected to be very strong (25+ knots) for many days from July through September (winter). Cyclone season (summer) is November through March, so should be avoided. We?ve had many days though of Westerlies, and strong, which was perfect. If there?s any North in the wind it gets very dirty, as it?s coming over Raivavae. So E. SE or W is best.
There are 3-4 pensions on the main island (quite expensive, pretty basic, but nice), no restaurants, several small stores. Some of the friendliest people in the world - you can hitch anywhere, but you?ve got to have a boat to get out to the Motu (which some of the pensions provide). Humpback whales visit the island June to September to birth their calves.
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