David Attenborough undertakes an expeditionary tour of the South West Pacific in search of disappearing indigenous customs and rituals. David Attenborough was personally invited to the region by none other than the reigning monarch of Tonga, Queen Salote, to attend the Tongan Royal Kava Ceremony. On their way to Tonga, David and his team explore the South West Pacific, travelling to numerous islands and immersing themselves in this exotic culture. The journey starts at the islands of the New Hebrides. In Pentecost, David Attenborough marvels at a diving custom performed by male islanders. From a 100ft (30m) tower vantage point platform, male islanders complete death-defying dry land diving stunts.
David Attenborough encounters a peculiar cult group, while surveying the New Hebrides as part of his expedition to the South West Pacific. In Tanna, David interviews members of the John Frum cargo cult. The group's members take an unusual interest in radio signalling equipment, and they build intricate scarlet gates and crosses throughout the island and across the hazardous volcanic plains.
David Attenborough meets the legendary firewalkers of Beqa Island, Fiji, who captivated both himself and his crew. Their visit is part of an expeditionary tour of the South West Pacific Islands in search of vanishing South Seas rituals and customs.
David Attenborough visits the outer islands of Fiji during his tour of the South West Pacific Islands in search of vanishing South Seas rituals and customs.On the volcanic island of Koro, David Attenborough meets a tribal leader who claims to have extraordinary powers over the creatures of the sea, being able to summon sharks and turtles from the depths of the ocean.
David Attenborough's tour of the South West Pacific reaches Kambara. There he searches for one of the last double canoes in Fiji, in which South Sea Islanders made their immense voyages across the Pacific. The journey continues to Tonga, an island rich in coconut crabs and fruit bats. In the grounds of the Tongan Palace, David Attenborough meets Tu’i Malila, a tortoise from Madagascar presented to the Tongan Royal Family by Captain James Cook in July 1777.
David Attenborough witnesses the Royal Kava Ceremony that he is fortunate enough to attend whilst in Tonga.Few Europeans have ever been permitted to see the regal splendour of this ancient and sacred ceremony, where the female sovereign herself takes part. Attenborough is given unprecedented access to the event and shares his tale.
