French Polynesia

  • S1-E20: Tuamotu Archipelago: Tahiti in Sight A tranquil morning in the Tuamotu Archipelago: HMS Resolution sails past low-lying coral islands, their palm-covered shores glistening under tropical skies.

    In Episode 20 of the voyage, Georg Forster and the crew of the HMS Resolution sail through the remote northern Tuamotu Archipelago, catching sight of flat, palm-dotted atolls after weeks of open ocean. 
  • S1-E21: Tahiti: Reefs and Revelations A tranquil morning in the Tuamotu Archipelago: HMS Resolution sails past low-lying coral islands, their palm-covered shores glistening under tropical skies.

    In Episode 21 of the Pacific voyage, the HMS Resolution runs aground off the coast of Tahiti, leading to a dramatic rescue—and an unforgettable series of encounters.
  • S1-E22: Tahiti: Steps Through Paradise A tranquil Tahitian valley reveals its hidden paradise—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle rhythm of island life welcome the explorers ashore.

    During their extended stay on Tahiti’s southern peninsula, the crew of the HMS Resolution made meaningful efforts to mend relations with the islanders after a tense confrontation. Their peace offering—returning two captured canoes—gradually restored trust and allowed trade to resume. Georg Forster and several officers explored the surrounding landscape, collecting plants and observing local customs.

    A tranquil Tahitian valley reveals its hidden paradise—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle rhythm of island life welcome the explorers ashore.

    A tranquil Tahitian valley reveals its hidden paradise—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle rhythm of island life welcome the explorers ashore – Click on the image to listen to this episode on YouTube.

    They encountered a group of women crafting traditional bark cloth from mulberry trees using wooden hammers and hibiscus-based glue. Later, they were warmly welcomed by a Tahitian man who offered them a meal of breadfruit, coconuts, and Spondias apples—an act of hospitality that deeply impressed the visitors.

    The group continued their walk into a secluded valley and discovered a breathtaking waterfall nestled among fragrant bushes and bright tropical flowers. Resting in the cool shade, they sketched and examined their botanical finds, surrounded by birdcalls and gentle breezes.

    Later, they reunited with Mr. Hodges and Mr. Grindall, who were welcomed with joy by the local community. A young islander proudly carried Hodges' sketch portfolio, a symbol of trust. In a peaceful village hut, Georg witnessed a touching scene of Tahitian family life—marked by dignity, joy, and connection across generations. The locals affectionately renamed him "Teori."

     

    A map of the locations of this episode

    My YouTube VIDEO channel, Voyage to Go, where I visit the places from this travel narrative

    More Episodes of Voyage 2 Go History:

    S1-E1: England: Departure around the world

    S1-E5: Cape Colony: Ocean on Fire

    S1-E9: Southern Ocean: Lost in the Ice

    S1-E10: New Zealand: From Ice to Wilderness

    S1-E16: New Zealand: Whirlwinds and Reunion
  • S1-E23: Tahiti: Meeting the King A tranquil Tahitian valley reveals its hidden paradise—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle rhythm of island life welcome the explorers ashore.

    In Episode 23, the HMS Resolution’s crew experiences a day rich in contrast and reflection.
  • S1-E24: Tahiti: Point Venus Reflections The HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure sailing past Point Venus, where Tahiti’s beauty and memory of past voyages meet.

    During their final days in Tahiti, the crew of the HMS Resolution experienced a remarkable deepening of relationships with the island’s people and rulers. Trust, once fragile, began to grow.
  • S1-E25: Tahiti: Goatly Delight Tahiti’s King graciously accepts a billy and a nanny goat from Captain Furneaux, listens attentively to instructions on their care, and promises not to slaughter or separate them, marking a moment of cultural exchange and trust.

    In episode 25 of Voyage2Go History, the HMS Resolution returns to familiar shores, yet nothing feels routine.
  • S1-E26: Tahiti: Lashes for Peace In front of the assembled Tahitians, one guilty crew member is publicly flogged on the deck of the Resolution to demonstrate the captain’s commitment to justice and to restore the shaken trust of King O-Tu.

    In Episode 26 of the voyage, the HMS Resolution prepares to leave Tahiti—but not before a cascade of final events unfolds.
  • S1-E27 Huahine: Echoes of Endeavour Captain Cook’s crew and Chief Ori’s people exchange gifts and banana saplings in a ceremony recalling Cook’s earlier visit.

    Episode 27 of our journey brings us to a turning point—farewell to Tahiti, the island that offered not only warmth and provisions, but also a glimpse of a society shaped by balance, kinship, and quiet dignity.
  • S1-E28 Huahine: A Hunter Becomes Prey Dr. Sparrmann lies dazed and wounded in the underbrush—once the seeker, now the hunted.

    In episode 28 of our journey with Georg Forster and Captain Cook, the HMS Resolution continues its passage through the Society Islands, revealing both the beauty and the deep emotions of Huahine and Raiatea.
  • S1-E29 Raiatea: Locked in Vanity Dr. Sparrmann lies dazed and wounded in the underbrush—once the seeker, now the hunted.

    As the HMS Resolution explores Raiatea, the crew is invited to a grand ceremonial dance performed by local nobility.
  • S1-E30: Tonga: Melody of `Eua Dr. Sparrmann lies dazed and wounded in the underbrush—once the seeker, now the hunted.

    In episode 30 of Voyage 2 Go History, the crew of the HMS Resolution says farewell to Raiatea and begins a new chapter of exploration.
  • S1-E31: 'Eua: The Enchanted Island A shaded grove deep inland on ʻEua Island reminded the explorers of an enchanted island—lush, serene, and filled with birdsong, just as described in romantic tales.

    In Episode 31, we follow Georg Forster and the crew of HMS Resolution as they explore ʻEua, an island in present-day Tonga.
  • S1-E32: Tonga: Fishers of Men A sailor strikes a fleeing islander with a boat hook, pulling him aboard—only for the wounded man to leap back into the sea and escape, aided by canoes from shore.

    In episode 32 of the journey aboard the HMS Resolution, Georg Forster and Captain Cook explore the island of Tongatapu in the Friendly Islands.
  • S1-E39: Marquesas Islands : Blood for Iron A moment of irreversible consequence: from the deck of HMS Resolution, a musket is fired in haste—below, a fallen islander drifts in silence. The price of a stolen iron bar becomes a fracture between worlds.

    A gift of kava roots. A stolen iron bar. A musket fired in haste.
    As HMS Resolution sails westward from the desolate volcanic shores of Easter Island, hope hangs on the horizon. But at the lush green edge of the Marquesas, a fatal misunderstanding shatters the fragile balance of first contact.