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What better way to wake up than by watching the fish swim under
your glass-bottomed coffee table before opening it up and feeding
them? These over-water bungalows, situated on stilts and elevated
over the brilliant turquoise water, are luxury accommodations unique
to this part of the world.
All of French Polynesia is unique. It has the geography of the
South Pacific Islands, blended with Polynesian and French influences.
It is known worldwide for its resorts and accommodation. French
Polynesia is comprised of 5 archipelagos:
- The Tuamotus
- The Gambier Archipelago
- The Australs
- The Marquesas
- The Society Islands
French Polynesia is situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn
(with the exception of 2 outer islands in the Australs) affording
them year-round warmth, moderate humidity, and incredible sunshine.
They are volcanic islands, with dramatic mountainous peaks surrounded
by white beaches and incredible lagoons. Naturally, in a location
like this, water activities make up a huge part of your trip. This
can range from snorkelling to renting your own motorboat.
For most visitors, the Society Islands is the focus of the trip,
although it is definitely possible to visit another group of islands.
All international flights come in to Papeete, on the island of Tahiti.
 
Fares are constantly changing. For a current airfare, please contact
us. At Aussie Travel, we are The Downunder Experts and would be happy to quote you the very best fares.
We deal with numerous airlines and are always aware of any seat
sales or special prices. If you have any special needs or questions,
please be sure to ask
us and we can advise you.
Papeete is somewhat of an anomaly. It has its share of built up,
busy city traffic and ongoing construction. However, it also has
a charm to it, where ferries come and go, market places overflow
with people and produce, and street vendors distribute croissants.
It is not the place you come to laze on the beach and relax. It
offers the most amenities, and for all travellers will be the first
and last place you see in French Polynesia.
The island is split into two parts, Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti.
Nui literally means large, and Iti means small. Tahiti Nui is the
home to Papeete and of course the airport. From here you could definitely
take a cross-island 4WD tour through the volcanic mountains. If
you have the time, check out the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands.
Tahiti Iti is slower, more relaxed and a place to sit and unwind.
Surprisingly, it is not visited by many tourists. Generally Papeete
is used as a springboard to the outer islands.
Just 30 minutes away by catamaran, or 8 minutes by plane, is Moorea.
Upon arriving here you can feel the pace of Papeete disappear immediately.
This, for most travellers, is the beginning of "island time".
Moorea has a unique triangular shape, and the northern side of
the island is home to 2 incredible bays. Mount Rotui sits dramatically
on the edge of the island, separating the water and creating 2 inlets.
As you look out from the centre of the island, the beautiful Oponohu
Bay is on the left, and the majestic Cooks Bay on the right. There
is an inland road that can be driven to the Belvedere (the lookout)
where this amazing site suddenly appears before you.
Naturally, Moorea is home to a huge array of water activities.
It is also ideal for those who like to rent a car. It takes only
1 hour to circumnavigate the island, and allows you the opportunity
to see schools, churches and the local way of life.
For most visitors, the highlight of French Polynesia is Bora Bora.
It is widely regarded as the most incredible island in the South
Pacific. Just like Moorea and Tahiti, the centre of the island is
occupied by lush, volcanic mountains. While there are tours that
take you through this area, it's the unbelievable lagoon that demands
the most attention.
After arriving by plane, you soon find that the airport itself
is a motu (or small island).
To get from here to the mainland (or
one of the many private island resorts), the only option is by boat.
This is the introduction to the lagoon, with its array of turquoises
and greens and blues that have to be seen to be believed. The visibility
in the lagoon is another key factor. Because the lagoon has very
little tidal movement, it is as still as a lake, with crystal clear
waters full of brightly coloured fish and coral.
Many visitors take the opportunity to snorkel amongst the fish.
For those looking for a little more adrenaline pumping, you can
head out and feed the sharks, and then swim with the rays. Parasailing
and jet skiing are available in some areas, but most favour the
motorboats and kayak option.
Bora Bora is also home to the most luxurious resorts, and is the
real home of the overwater bungalow. Seclusion, privacy, peacefulness
and relaxation are the attractions on this tropical paradise.
Like the rest of the Society Islands, Huahine is very quiet and
peaceful. It receives far less tourist traffic than the "main
three" islands. It is home to some incredible snorkeling,
especially for coral. It also has an interesting Maeva archaeological
site.
For those with a little more energy, it is possible to take a kayak
and paddle out to some smaller motu and have a look around a pearl
farm.
 
Visitors here can take a hike on Mount Temehani, from where there
are some stunning views. From the north western side of the island
you can see out toward Bora Bora.
This area is little visited by tourists, and can offer a unique
look at the local life in French Polynesia.
The accommodation in Tahiti & French Polynesia is world famous.
The large hotel names like Sheraton, Pearl Resorts, Inter-Continental
and Sofitel are prominent.
They offer world-class hotels, as well as incredibly luxurious
bungalows and private villas. The resorts also boast overwater restaurants,
tattoo services, kid's clubs, stunning swimming pools and
a neverending list of activities.
Where you stay in French Polynesia is not just your accommodation,
it is part of the destination. Naturally, every traveller has their
own needs and desires, and we can cater your trip accordingly.
To get some ideas about this fascinating destination, please call
us.
 
The island night includes rhythmic drumming, dancing and demonstrations
of Polynesian traditions. Some of the displays included rock lifting
(which you might be asked to join), climbing coconut trees and breaking
coconuts with their hands and feet. There are also traditional female
dancers and some weapons handling.
The night culminates in a display of fire dancing that is breathtaking.
One of the best things about the evening is that it is a very small
crowd and intimate, and they encourage the crowd to participate.
One of the most popular tours in Bora Bora (and available in Moorea)
is the shark and ray feeding. The tour begins at your hotel before
heading out to the first stop - coral reefs and snorkelling.
30 minutes later you head much further out toward the edge of the
lagoon. The water here is still quite shallow, allowing visibility
for a long distance underwater. The guide distributes out the bait
and the rays appear almost instantly. They can be quite big, as
much as 6 feet across, and you are free to snorkel underneath them
and pet them as they swim overhead.
Shortly after this the sharks arrive (which changes the tranquil
surroundings of the rays into a feeding frenzy). The sharks range
from 5 to 10 feet in length, and they swim around you as the guide
distributes the food. You can get very close to these large predators.
After this the tour heads to a motu where the guide prepares a traditional
barbeque lunch. After lunch the tour continues in the reverse order
before returning you back to the hotel.
 In some places, renting a car is a great way to get around. Moorea
in particular offers some superb sightseeing and a lookout over
Mount Rotui that has to be seen to be believed.
Otherwise, the resorts and hotels will generally arrange a transfer
for you. All tours that you take will also pick you up from your
hotel.
As on many South Pacific Islands, scooters are a fun way to have a look around the area without the need for a guide.
We are always happy to be your source to answer those obscure questions.
All of us have been to French Polynesia, and have visited all of
the above islands. Please feel free to tell us what you would like
to do, and we'll find just the right combination of sights.
If you have a specific question or are just starting the planning
process, give
us a call.
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