Ia Orana! Welcome to Tahiti & her islands
Just as famous artist Paul Gaugin, Captain Cook and Frenchman Bougainville were captivated and inspired by the islands of French Polynesia, you too, will be entranced by the unique combination of lush green high islands and low atolls, surrounded by lagoons of contrasting shades of blue.

Simply known as Tahiti and her islands, the five archipelagos of French Polynesia are sprinkled over an area of four million square kilometres and are located just under five hours flying time from New Zealand aboard our award-winning airline partner, Air Tahiti Nui. The most frequently visited group is the Society Islands, which comprises the “capital” island Tahiti and her neighbours Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and other “hidden gems”!

All of these islands possess their own unique magical charm and are all surrounded by pretty lagoons, offering a large variety of colourful marine life, year-round swimming and unforgettable snorkelling and diving.

Tahiti, the capital, is a large volcanic island of rich contrasts and is home to more than two-thirds of French Polynesians. Its capital Papeete is the commercial and administrative centre of Tahiti; a bustling, colourful town just minutes from the airport, it successfully combines French and Polynesian influences.

Moorea, Tahiti’s closest neighbour, can be accessed within 30 minutes by catamaran or in just 10 minutes by air. Renowned for its dramatic volcanic peaks and lush valleys, this rich and colourful island is surrounded by a lagoon teeming with fish of many varieties and colours. Shark-feeding is popular with visitors... under strict supervision of-course!

Bora Bora, just one hour’s flight from Papeete, boasts one of the most spectacular lagoons in the world. With its warm waters, sandy white beaches and exquisite outlying motus (islets), this island is truly special and a “must stay” for those wishing to experience an idyllic, tropical paradise at its finest! Its surrounding waters provide for some unforgettable “once-in-a-lifetime” snorkelling and diving... you won’t be able to resist the temptation!

Of-course French Polynesia doesn’t just consist of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora... there are some other “hidden gems” just waiting to be discovered by you. They may be less known but they are just as beautiful and offer a special magic all of their own (see section called “Hidden Gems of French Polynesia”). So, when planning your holiday in what can only be described as “true paradise”... consider one of the five “hidden gems” too... to ensure your dream holiday becomes a reality!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF TAHITI

LANGUAGE
French and Italian are the official languages, but English is so frequently spoken in the resorts and shops that communication is rarely a problem.

DEPARTURE TAX
There is a departure tax of 4958XPF (approximately $80 NZD) for passengers. This tax is included on your airline ticket. Children under 5 years of age, are exempt.

VISA
A visa is not required for stays of 30 days or less, for New Zealand citizens, but a valid passport and a return or onward airline ticket is required.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). There are international banks in Tahiti, with branch offices in the resort islands of French Polynesia, including a bank at Tahiti's - Faaa International Airport. Most resorts exchange foreign currency and major credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.

MEDICAL
Medical services in Tahiti are very modern with a high standard of expected support services. Go Holidays recommends visitors take full medical insurance and consult their own doctor, prior to travel.

CLOTHING
Be comfortable and cool. Natural fabrics such as cotton sundresses or T-shirts are perfect for daytime wear. The standard evening attire is trousers and shirt for men, whilst women generally wear dresses and resort wear. Pareus (brightly coloured local wrap-arounds) are worn at the beach, or around the resort pools and some are elegantly tied for evening wear. Pareus are not recommended for downtown Papeete.

DRINKING WATER
Tap water in the resorts and restaurants is safe to drink. Local mineral waters and all sorts of French mineral waters are available.

DUTY FREE
In addition to personal effects, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, 2 litres of spirits and 1 dozen beer are allowed duty free. Visitors under 17 years of age are not allowed to import tobacco or alcohol.

ELECTRICITY
Most resorts use 110 or 220 volts, 60 cycles. It would be wise to pack a socket adaptor, although converters/adaptors for appliances are usually available upon request

For many holidaymakers, relaxing on a tropical beach fringed with coconut palms and dining on tantalising French cuisine is enough..... but for those wanting more “action” in their holiday - GO HOLIDAYS has recommended some “MUST DO” activities. The choice is limitless so as not to waste your precious holidaytime making decisions - we’ve done it for you.... ENJOY!

BLACK PEARL MUSEUM
This is the only museum in the world dedicated to pearls. Multiple displays will show you the various aspects of art, history, mythology, philosophy and religion that are associated with pearls. You'll find a collection of pearl producing oysters in shells - open daily.

PAUL GAUGUIN MUSEUM
An amazing retrospective on the life of Paul Gauguin, the famous French artist who spent his final years in Polynesia. Gauguin's art had a profound influence on the primitive and exotic painters and sculptors of the 20th century.

TAKE A CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
A single loop road takes you along the wide and rocky east coasts of Tahiti where you will see spectacular black sand beaches and joyful surfers riding their boards in the crashing waves. The east coast of the island is in contrast with the tamer westcoast which has special lagoons and some white sand beaches.

TIKI VILLAGE THEATRE
Haapiti - cultural & folklore centre performing shows with 60 dancers. Don’t miss it!.... and the visit of his pearl farm.

THE LAGOONARIUM OF THE "MOTU AHI"
At Afareaitu where you can swim with rays, turtles & multi-coloured fish & more!

BELVEDERE VIEW POINT (790 FT)
One of French Polynesia's most spectacular view points - discover unforgettable scenery. The Little Train excursion is ideal to take in this exceptional scenery.

AQUAWALKING
No need to be a diver, not even a swimmer. With a simple swimsuit and a funny yellow helmet (with air hose in which air is pumped from the boat) .. discover the fascinating and colourful life of the undersea world. One of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

DOLPHIN QUEST
Located at Moorea Beachcomber Inter-Continental Resort, you can observe the playful nature of the dolphins as they play and swim all around you in the deeper water of the dolphin lagoon. For the kids, try the shallow water encounter programme with the dolphins.

FRUIT JUICE FACTORY
Visit the fruit juice factory in Pihanea and participate in tasting their delicious juices, alcohol, punches, jams & other local delicacies.

BORA BORA
OUTRIGGER "AROUND" THE ISLAND TOUR
Outrigger speed canoe or wave runner tour around the island with feeding sharks, walking on live coral reef, snorkelling in the warm crystalline lagoon & a picnic on the motu.

LAGOONARIUM
Open daily except Saturdays. Half or full day visits with BBQ picnic and shark feeding. Not to be missed!

SHARK FEEDING
BoraBora (& Moorea) are famous for their shark feeding. There are a number of companies offering this thrilling unforgettable experience - watch on, as your guide hand-feeds these graceful creatures, just metres away - a not to be missed activity!

LE TRUCK
Hop aboard a "Le Truck" the local traditional Polynesian transportation for a circle island tour and enjoy panoramic views of the pretty lagoon … and take the time to sample the menu at one of the exquisite seafood restaurants along the way.

DIVING
BoraBora has a comprehensive range of dive locations offering an underwater wonderland of colour. Less colourful are the graceful rays and small sharks that will add to the excitement of your dive!

Tahiti
The large volcanic island of Tahiti is more than a location for international arrivals or departures. It is the home to the capital Papeete- a bustling, colourful town that successfully combines French and Polynesian influences. Papeete offers numerous treasures: colourful markets,museums, numerous restaurants in which you will discover a gastronomy rich of cultural diversity, bars, shopping, the mountains above with their waterfalls, mysterious grottoes and archeological sites and a base to many sea & land activities. Papeete indeed has something for everyone..... And if relaxing is your preference one of the islands luxury resorts will offer the perfect spot. A great start to your exploration of French Polynesia.

Moorea
Just across the waters from Tahiti a 10 minute scenic flight or a 30 minute catamaran cruise away, is its sister island, Moorea, with its dramatic volcanic peaks, lush valleys and crystal clear bays. As well as its scenic beauty, Moorea is renown for its rich history, its gentle easy lifestyle, and its white sand beaches with rich underwater life and lagoons teeming with fish of many varieties and colours. Here you will be intoxicated by the fragrance of the flowers and exotic fruits which emanates from the plantations of tasty bananas and savoury pineapples. Moorea is a very special place.

Bora Bora
The mythical island of Bora Bora and its lagoon, just a one hour’s flight from Papeete - considered by many to be “the most beautiful in the world “- needs no introduction. The local islanders know that they live in an earthy paradise and their only care, their true pride, is to share their pleasant lifestyle with visitors. Relax & enjoy: that’s what Bora Bora is all about and the locals will take care of you and ensure your stay is unforgettable. Bora Bora is just like the postcards with translucent waters ranging from every shade of blue exquisite outlying motus (islets) with powder white sand beaches and the mountainous heart providing the perfect backdrop. The airport is situated on its own small island, so right from arrival your experience will begin with a trip over the pristine waters. A “must stay” for those wishing to experience an idyllic, tropical paradise at its finest!

Other Hidden Gems of French Polynesia
French Polynesia doesn’t just consist of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora... there are many other “hidden gems” still totally unexplored... and awaiting your discovery!! They are just as beautiful and romantic & offer a special magic all of their own. They offer authentic accommodation that we dream of without really believing it exists and harmoniously integrated into natural sites... you won’t be able to resist the temptation! So, when planning your holiday in what can only be described as “true paradise”... consider one of the five “hidden gems” too... to ensure your dream holiday becomes a reality!