Overview

Tahiti’s fabulous islands are scattered across five far-flung archipelagos, each with their own particular character and whose inhabitants have adapted the 21st century to the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun.

The Society Islands (made up of the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands) is a group of high tropical islands, the main one of which is Tahiti, the largest of the Polynesian islands, with Papeete as its administrative capital… officially territory of French Polynesia this overseas territory of France (est. population 220,000) consists of 130 South Pacific islands.

The territory comprises five main groups, the Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Gambier Islands.

Climate…

Tahiti and her islands enjoy a tropical climate, the maximum number of hours of sunshine is close to 3,000 per year in the Tuamotu. The temperature, which is always pleasant, is cooled by the trade winds of the Pacific that blow throughout the year. The average ambient temperature is 27 C. Austral and Gambier, farther away from the equator in the archipelagos down south, enjoy cooler temperatures.

People…

there are 220,000 inhabitants, 75 percent Polynesian, 15 percent European and 10 percent Chinese. The people of mixed Polynesian and European descent are known as Demis.

History…

European contact began in the sixteenth century, and the area was widely explored by the French during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when French missionaries also came to the region.

The Marquesas and Society groups were annexed by France in 1842, Tahiti in 1844 and by the end of the nineteenth century the other islands had come under French administration. Uniform governance of the area began in 1903, and the islands became an overseas French territory in 1946.

France began testing nuclear weapons in some parts of French Polynesia in the 1960s, meeting with widespread local opposition, a series of six tests in 1995-96 was declared by France to be the last. Many inhabitants have sought a greater measure of independence from French control.

French Polynesia is administered by a high commissioner and council and an elected assembly. The territory elects two deputies to the French national assembly and one member of the senate.

The Islands

The main island of French Polynesia is Tahiti Island…

in the Society Islands. Tahiti has fantastic tropical scenery and mountain ranges and lots of organize day tours to visit the waterfalls and rainforests of the interior and great hiking trails. A string of beach resorts line the sunny west coast although there are few good swimming beaches apart from several unusual black sand beaches which have excellent surfing.

The capital Papeete, on the north west coast a few minutes drive north of the international airport is a busy town with a distinct French flavour and a harbour sheltered by reefs. The city of Papeete, which is the political and economic heart of the country, stretches around a narrow coastal strip and up the mountainside in the north and in the west of the island that is now being covered by luxury residences.

In the form of a huge circle, the big island Tahiti Nui is cross crossed by deep, beautiful valleys and is connected to the equally mountainous little Tahiti by the narrow Taravao isthmus. The mountains of Tahiti offer curious visitors charming walks in natural valleys of light and shade in the cathedral of fern trees. You will see impressive waterfalls and discover mysterious grottos and archaeological sites steeped in legends.
The high valley of the Papenoo River, which leads to the Marotoo pass and to the Vahiria crater lake (whose eels have ears!), together with the nature reserve of the Feuna ai’here and its coastal cliffs at Pari on the peninsula, will awaken a sense of marvel in hikers and those who love wild and unadulterated nature.

The rocky coastline on the west side of Tahiti has spectacular views and long black sand beaches of basaltic origin swept by ideal surfing waves. The road twists and winds its way past splendid gardens with their hibiscus hedges, with au ti (cordylines), with bougainvillea or birds of paradise, sometimes under the shade of majestic breadfruit trees whose fruit were at the heart of the story of ‘Mutiny on the Bounty”.

Papeete is known for its fabulous restaurants with such a variety of foods to cater for every taste and budget from ‘Les Roulottes”, mobile diners which set up shop each afternoon along the boat dock and serve hot meals until the wee hours of the morning. These colourful food wagons provide good, fast food at reasonable prices, as well as a bar stool to sit and watch the waterfront scene of Papeete-by-night to the beautiful upmarket restaurants in some hotels.

The main tourist destination is Moorea Island…

which is clearly visible from Tahiti and just a 15 minute flight or hour ferry ride. Moorea is much more laid back than Tahiti, has some nice beaches along its north and west coasts and spectacular sightseeing along its coastal road, including the delightful Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.

The other popular island to visit is glamorous Bora Bora…

known as the jewel of the Society Islands with spectacular panoramas, exceptional snorkelling and lots of tours to keep you busy. Bora has over 20 large beach resorts, and over 500 overwater bungalows in the lagoon. Many consider the island too commercialized for a peaceful romantic holiday.

Equally spectacular is Maupiti…

a smaller version of Bora Bora, further west with just a few small guesthouses and lots of lovely beaches.

Huahine…

is the most traditional in the Society Islands with a large Polynesian population and lots of interesting archaeological sites.

The rugged twin islands of Raiatea and Tahaa…

are exceptional sailing destinations and offer some good scuba diving sites as well as lots of gorgeous uninhabited coral islands in the lagoon to visit on a day tour.

The Tuamotu Islands…

to the east of Tahiti and the Society Islands is a large expanse of tiny coral islands with palm fringed beaches, great snokelling and scuba diving and some of the largest lagoons in the world. These islands are ideal for those looking for absolute rest and relaxation in secluded environments.

The Gambier archipelago…

consisting of the high islands of Mangareva… and its fringe of islands, which are the eroded remains of its former gigantic crater, is situated in the far eastern corner of French Polynesia. Rarely visited, it is a good place to grow pearls and is endowed with many large pearl farms.

Both the Marquesas Islands in the far north of French Polynesia and the Austral archipelago…

in the far south are stunning wild islands with amazing coastlines and rich in history. These islands have little accommodation and few tourists, and remain the best islands of Tahiti to experience traditional Polynesian life.

The Marquesas is a group of high islands near the equator whose steep mountains are inhabited by horses, goats and pigs. The most well known are Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou and Ua Huka which offer the tourist among many numerous points of interest, a magnificent arboretum.

The Austral archipelago in the south, includes high islands with nature in the wild… There is a variety of tropical plants and plants from temperate regions also. This environment is favourable to market gardening… A special attraction on the Austral Islands occurs every year from June to October when the whales meet in the warm, shallow waters.

Visitor Information

Getting There…

International: Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Air Calin, Hawaiian Airlines and LanChile provide international services to Tahiti.

Domestic: Air Tahiti flies from Tahiti to 38 islands on a very regular basis. Flights on request are possible with Wan Air. Air Moorea shuttles between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea in less than seven minutes. There are also charter flights with Air Archipels.

Customs, Immigration and Health…

French nationals require only a national identity card for a stay in French Polynesia. However, it is essential to hold a valid passport in case of transit via the USA. Travellers are seriously advised to be in possession of a passport valid for six months longer than their return date. They need a return airline ticket to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations, and sufficient funds to cover their planned stay.

No vaccinations are required unless travelling from yellow fever, plague or cholera areas.

Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, two litres of spirits or two litres of wine.

Departure & Other Taxes…

a tourist development tax applies on hotels, cruises and any other establishments of equal characteristics. Value added tax is ten percent on tourist services and six percent on hotels.

Currency, Banking and Credit Cards…

the French Pacific Franc (CFP) is on parity with the French Franc (about 100 CFPs for every US dollar).

Time…

Tahiti and her islands are 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. This is 12 hours in summertime or 11 hours wintertime difference from Paris and two hours behind the United States Pacific Coast.

Telecommunications…

Papeete Central Post Office, located near the Yacht Wharf and Bougainville Park, is open weekdays from 7.00am to 3.00pm and on Saturdays from 8.00am to 11.00am… There are numerous card-operated call boxes located throughout most of the islands. Cybercafes can be found in Papeete and Bora Bora.

Medical Facilities…

there is a public hospital, as well as some private medical centres in Papeete while the main tourist islands also have at least one medical centre.

Electricity…

the supply is 110 or 220 volts (60 Hz), depending on the island and type of accommodation.

Transportation…

taxis and buses are a popular form of transport on the main island of Tahiti. On the outer islands car and scooter rentals are available and ‘Le Truck’ open air buses are an inexpensive means of getting around.

Shopping…

a wide variety of flowers, food, pareos, hats, mother of pearl, art objects and souvenirs is available at craft and souvenir shops. Tapa cloth (made from breadfruit, banyan or paper mulberry trees) is mainly used for ceremonial occasions these days and makes a colourful souvenir. Black pearls from the Tuamotus are highly prized.

Local considerations

What to wear…

bring summer clothes, beachwear, sports wear and boat wear, all preferably in cotton. Having something warm available for the cooler evenings and sandals, sneakers and/or boat shoes for the feet… Essentials are swimming costumes, sunglasses, hat, sunblock cream and a powerful anti-mosquito lotion.

Language…

French and Tahitian are the two official languages. English is also widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Religion…

the population is largely Protestant (55%) and Roman Catholic (30%).

Local Food…

Papeete is renowned for its fabulous restaurants with such a variety of foods to cater for every taste and budget from ‘Les Roulottes’, mobile diners which set up shop each afternoon along the boat dock and serve hot meals until the wee hours of the morning. These colourful food-wagons provide good, fast food at reasonable prices, as well as a bar stool to sit and watch the waterfront scene of Papeete-by–night to the beautiful upmarket restaurants in some hotels.

Tipping…

is not expected.