Tahiti’s top 5 mainland must-do’s

When travelling to Tahiti from Australia, the flight schedule makes a layover in Papeete a good idea. The mainland is vast – it takes a day to travel around the island – so here’s the top 5 mainland must-do’s on your Papeete pit stop.

1. Marché de Pape’ete

The public market is literally the heart of the city. Located one block back from Papeete’s busy port, this is a great place to experience authentic day-to-day living in the island city.

On the ground floor you’ll find food of every kind – fresh fruit, fish mongers, patisseries (they make a mean chocolate éclair) and coconut stalls. The produce is inexpensive – you can eat like a king for about $AU20.

Upstairs is the place to buy your Tahitian memorabilia and trinkets. Flower crowns, dancing dolls, Monoi oil, woven beach bags – there’s a huge selection at reasonable prices.

Le Marché is open daily from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm (Sundays until 9 am)

2. Try The Local Ice Cream

Ice cream in Papeete is a Big Deal. There’s a vendor on every street corner with each providore offering interesting variations on the famous treat. Available in both crème (ice cream) or glace (sorbet), my favourite flavours are coconut, salted caramel and Tahitian vanilla.

At $AU2 for a cone – you will not be able to stop at one.

3. Buy A Black Pearl

Tahiti is famous for its black pearls and Papeete is the place to buy one. The family-owned and operated Tahiti Pearl Market (23 rue Colette, Papeete) sells loose pearls and will whip them into a setting of your choice within hours (so you can do this in one day). Also well regarded is the Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Boulevard Pomare, Papeete). This place provides the full experience – you can learn about the history of farming and harvesting the precious gem and then shop up a storm.

4. See A Polynesian Dance Show

It may sound like a touristy thing to do but I’m telling you, these people know how to put on a show. If you’re travelling with kids then a dance experience is essential. All the main resorts stage terrific shows at least once a week but my pick is Friday nights at Le Meridien. Book a table for dinner at the open air La Plantation Restaurant and prepare to be blown away.

5. Stock Up On Miracle Cream.

Whenever I travel, I always include a quick visit to the local pharmacy. You never know what jewels you’ll find. Tahiti is packed with great beauty buys but there are three stand-outs.
1) Tamanu Balm: This is truly magic stuff. I had a bad burn from the oven when I arrived and within 48 hours this cream made it heal. It seems to work on everything from mosquito bites to bruises.
2) Monoi Oil: An infused perfume-oil made from soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenias in a semi-wax coconut oil. You’ll smell amazing for the rest of your life.
3) Glitter Oil: There are a multitude of brands of oil infused with sparkly glitter. Show me a woman who doesn’t want that…? This stuff makes you smell of coconuts and your skin gleam like a mirror ball. I bought ten bottles (five different brands) for around $AU12 each.

Where To Stay:

When I’m overnighting in a city the most important things for me are a comfortable bed, wi-fi and proximity to the transfers. Le Meridien Tahiti covers all these bases with the added benefits of a beautiful beach and lagoon pool, three restaurants and late night room service. The hotel is family friendly but I suggest booking a room on the side of the property. Rooms in the main section get a lot of noise from the lobby.

Paula travelled with the assistance of Tahiti Tourism and Expedia. Check out Tahiti Now for more info.