Papeete is the international point of arrival into French Polynesia with flights from New Zealand, Australia and Los Angeles it is also the capital of Tahiti. The town has a colourful market, art and history museums, botanical and flower gardens, animated nightlife and cultural exhibitions such as the Traditional "Heiva" which provides a lively change of scenery full of folklore, dancing, singing, colours and fragrances.

The island itself is the largest of the Polynesian islands with an area of 1042 sq. km and is made up of two volcanoes which give the island its steep cloud-draped mountains, deep verdant valleys, luxuriant ferns, swift invigorating rivers and black sand beaches. It is well worth a couple of nights stay if you are keen on hiking or 4WD touring into the lush hinterland which offers really spectacular scenery. 

The beaches are volcanic so if you are expecting those idyllic white sands you’ve dreamed of you would need to travel out to one of the outer islands. Tahiti is great for a couple of nights stay before or after a flight to or from the outer islands or before a cruise. 

For details of Tahiti accommodation click on the link on the right. Our experienced consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made French Polynesia holiday quote for you.