Adventure #236

frenchpolynesia
polynesia
TAHITI:
AND HER ISLANDS
4,095KMS
Distance from New Zealand
4.5HOURS
By air from Auckland
17.6509°S.
149.4260°W.
GPS Location
282,534
Population
Georgraphic Location:
Tahiti and The Islands of Tahiti, also
known as the Society islands (of which
there are 14 main islands) are in the
southern part of the Pacific Ocean.
Commonly referred to as The Islands of
Tahiti, French Polynesia is a collection
of 118 islands and atolls scattered
across an impressive nautical surface
area the size of Western Europe. Still,
these tiny islands—many of which
remain uninhabited—make up a total
landmass of only 4,100 sq. km
They are roughly the same distance
from California as they are from
Australia. Tahiti itself is the largest of
the Society Islands of French Polynesia
which has a population of 275,918
inhabitants.
The population of the islands is
concentrated in the coastal regions and
becomes increasingly sparse towards
the mountainous centre of the islands.
The main island of Tahiti (Iles du Vent),
where 50% of the inhabitants live, is
also home to the capital of French
Polynesia, the city of Papeete.
The Matavai Hotel, Niue
The fishing is first-class
Description:
Tahiti, the main islands is often referred
to as the Queen of the Pacific. A circle
of majestic peaks crowns the island
of Tahiti, towering over the ocean.
The mountainous interior shelters
deep valleys, clear streams, and high
waterfalls. The flat coastal lands,
edged with a rugged coastline, is
home most of the island's population.
Papeete, the capital city, and gateway
to the region, boasts world-class
resorts, spas, fine restaurants, and
endless shopping at the markets,
pearl shops, and boutiques. Each of
the other outer islands has something
unique to offer, Bora Bora with is
stunning lagoon, Raetia, the birthplace
of Polynesia has a rich culture, each
island has something special, too long
to list here.
Best time of year to travel
The best time to visit Tahiti is between May
and October. Although the temperatures are
pleasant year-round, Tahiti's winter season
has less humidity. Tahiti only experiences
two distinct seasons: Winter which brings
less rain and pleasant temperatures while
the summertime – November through April
– can be quite hot and humid (especially
December), and often rain.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• Cultural activities
• Diving
• Fishing
• Surfing
• Any sort of water activity
• Boating
• Biking
• Hiking
Accommodation:
Accommodation in Tahiti is varied from some
of the most amazing resorts and hotels in the
world to pensions(homestays). Pensions are
very family focused and you can be housed
and fed and escorted or just left on your own.
There are also air BnB type options and a
variety of hotels and motels to fit every budget.
Locals tips:
• The best way to eat in Tahiti is not in your hotel but at
the local Roulette, these are basically food carts that
pop up at night at local carparks, shopping areas etc –
just look around at night and you will find them or ask
locals. They are inexpensive and the food is great, the
way to pick the best one is to choose where the most
locals are eating.
• The local raw fish is always specular – try the local dish,
poison cru (raw fish and coconut).
• If you are lucky (or maybe not) try the fafaru – you
can’t really buy it, but locals might share it with you.
It is basically fresh fish served in a fermented sauce
(fermented is a nice word for rotten) taste a lot better
than it smells. You will get major kudos for eating it.
• Bread (which is amazing) cheese, wine, beer is all
inexpensive, buying readymade baguettes at the local
store (they are everywhere) is a great inexpensive lunch
option.
• Don’t surf in Tahiti on the reef breaks unless you know
what you are doing. There are a few beach breaks that
are safe for everyone. If surfing for the first time in Tahiti
it would pay to get a guide – with a boat.
• There are a lot of tourist options in Tahiti, but anything to
do with water is worth the experience. The diving is off
the scale in terms of big fish, sharks, barracuda, manta
rays etc. Even the snorkelling can be amazing.
• Fishing is great close to the main city, on the island
of Moorea, 30 mins by ferry from Papeete is Moorea
Fishing Adventures (www.mooreafishingadventures.
com). Captain Matahi will show you an amazing day,
they have great success and know how to catch fish, a
great way to spend the day on.
• Any of the island are worth a visit, but if you stay in
Papeete it is only a short ferry ride to Moorea.
• Further north, by plane Bora Bora is the quintessential
tropical paradise and a visual experience to remember.
• If you ever thought about getting a tattoo, get it in Tahiti
– it is a huge part of their culture, and they have some
of the best tattooist in the world – don’t ask for Donald
Duck! But choosing from any of the cultural patterns or
simply asking them to create will be a great memento
for life.
• Internet coverage is pretty much
throughout Tahiti but can be patchy,
some hotels and resorts have free
Wi-Fi, but a better option is to get a
portable router called Tahiti Wi-Fi. These
can be booked in advance, picked
up at the airport or delivered to your
accommodation – these work great
everywhere and are portable.
Sailing
A typical pension home accommodation
Outrigging in the calm waters of the
lagoon
SPECIAL NOTE:
Tahiti has the stereotype of being every
expensive, which it can be as it has some
of the most exclusive resorts in the world,
whole islands in fact dedicated to one or
two visitors. But as with all destination
if you choose with care where you stay,
how you travel and what you eat, it can
be very cost effective. Be prepared, it is
not Southeast Asia, but cost should not
limit your decision to see one of the most
beautiful places on earth.
Tahiti is world famous for its surfing
88//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#236 ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//89