BIRD ISLANDS

To the south-west of Ua Huka, two prominent pieces of rock - the motus Hemeni and Teuaua - are home to thousands of sooty terns(kaveka). If you're feeling adventurous, be sure to join the islanders as they harvest their eggs! Your guide will take you by speed-boat to Teuaua (Hemeni is off-limits because it's protected) for an epic day out.

Getting to the island is an adventure in itself: the boat can't get too close to the rocks, so you'll have to reach the rock face by jumping onto a tiny platform, then climb onto the island's plateau via a 6-metre rope (not easy!). So don't forget your pants and sneakers! The sight is quite breathtaking: countless birds cover the whole island with their open-air nests in an indescribable din and stench. The way to harvest these strange, spotted white eggs is singular but effective: your guide will no doubt explain that the eggs must be eaten immediately after laying. But how do you recognize them? All you have to do is cross the island in a line, crushing every egg in your path. When you retrace your steps, the eggs you find are bound to have been laid in the meantime... and you're done! As the birds don't necessarily appreciate the joke, remember to bring a thick cap and glasses if you don't want to play a remake of Hitchcock's Birds. All that's left for you to do is go home and enjoy a delicious omelette... Bon appétit!