Findthe most dynamic of French Polynesia’s sun and sand in Tahiti, the biggest ofthis archipelago’s 118 islands. Its main city, Papeete, is a hub for localculture, traditional cuisine and provides access to the island’s naturalmarvels.
TahitiNui refers to the busy northwestern areas of the island. Get around by hitchinga ride with friendly locals, or hire a car and explore the coastal highways.The relatively untouched southeastern side is called Tahiti Iti and can only bereached by boat or walking.
InPapeete, discover the fascinating history of South Pacific black pearls at thePearl Museum. Find local jewellery at Quartier du Commerce and then sampletropical fruits at Marché Municipal.
TryTahitian cuisine, which blends ingredients from France and the South Pacifictogether. Though much of the island is expensive, some of the best meals arefound downtown in roulottes, cheap food trucks that serve local dishes. Thepoisson cru, a fish cured in lime juice and coconut milk, has an especiallyremarkable flavour and goes well with a drink at a waterfront bar. For somelocal entertainment, attend one of Les Ateliers “Te Oro” dance workshops.
Oneof Tahiti’s best treasures is its mountainous natural beauty. Hike throughtropical forests to Mont Aorai and feel the vapour of waterfalls in theFaarumai Valley. Take a jeep tour to Mont Marau or see ancient Polynesianconstructs a Marae Arahurahu. The Heiva I Tahiti festival is held here in July.
Travel16 kilometres (10 miles) west of Papeete to Punaauia, where the Museum ofTahiti provides details of local history and the picturesque coast looks outonto Moorea Island. Mataiea, 51 kilometres (32 miles) west of Papeete, has a fascinatingBotanical Garden that houses tropical plants from around the globe.
Seethe colourful marine ecosystems around Punaauia and Papeete with scuba divingor snorkelling tours. Alternatively, see local fish from dry land at the Lagoonarium.Surfers will want to catch a ride at Teahupo’o, which is famous for reef breaksand whale sightings.
Papeeteis home to the island’s only international airport, and has semi-regularflights to Auckland and the major hubs of Europe, North America, South Americaand Northern Asia.
