One of FrenchPolynesia’s best-known islands is beautiful to the eye: mountains, jungles andcoral reefs surround the cosmopolitan city at its heart.
Of the 118 archipelagos in the South Pacific, none are bigger thansun-drenched Tahiti, garnering the island the moniker “Queen of the Pacific”.Its metropolitan centre, Papeete, is a hub for culture and the capital ofFrench Polynesia.
Explore the populated northwestern region of the island, Tahiti Nui, byrenting a car or asking a friendly local for a ride in their boat. Whilethere’s a coastal freeway on the island, it doesn’t extend as far as Tahiti Itiin the southeast, making it an adventure- lovers’ dream. Take a boat or explorethe area on foot.
Discover the local history and the impact that black pearls had on theisland’s economy at the Pearl Museum, or pick up handcrafted jewellery fromboutiques at Quartier du Commerce. Sample tropical fruits and drinks at thenearby Marché Municipal.
Blending the culinary styling of the French and the local islanders,Tahitian cuisine is a bold and flavourful experience. While eating out inTahiti isn’t normally a budget option, in downtown Papeete you’ll find foodtrucks, known as roulottes, serving affordable local dishes. Pick up a plate ofpoisson cru, a serving of fish cooked in lime juice and coconut milk.Afterwards, head to the waterfront bars that line the coast. Sign up for aworkshop at Les Ateliers “Te Oro” to learn traditional dances.
Outside the city you’ll find Tahiti’s natural charm waiting for you.Hike through Mont Aorai’s lush tropical forests or climb aboard a jeep safarito reach Mont Marau. In the Faarumai Valley you can watch cascading waterfalls,while a visit to Marae Arahurahu, an ancient Polynesian temple in Paea, revealssome of the island’s rich culture.
Head 16 kilometres (10 miles) west of Papeete to Punaauia to uncover thelocal history at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands. Venture further west toreach the tropical plants of the Botanical Gardens in Mataiea.
Explore beneath the ocean’s surface with a scuba diving session or staydry by spending the day at the Lagoonarium. Before you leave the island be sureto see one of the world’s infamous surf breaks, Teahupo’o, which is home towhales from July to October.
Tahiti’s primary airport is located 7 kilometres (4.5 miles) southwestfrom Papeete, and is connected with semi-regular flights to major hubs in Europe,North America, New Zealand, South America and Northern Asia.
