About French Polynesia (Tahiti)

Collectively known by the name of its main island, Tahiti, French Polynesia offers couples a sublimely romantic holiday destination, with the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea universally rated as among the best beach holiday destinations in the world.

Things to do and see

Inland, soaring volcanic peaks, magnificent waterfalls, refreshing water pools and lush rainforest add to the romantic mystery of these enchanted islands.

Scattered over an area the size of Europe, each island in Tahiti is a tiny paradise. Choose from 118 idyllic islands and atolls that make up Tahiti. Some atolls barely float above the breaking waves, while others are crowned with jagged peaks that soar majestically out of the ocean and are surrounded by gorgeous palm-fringed sugar-white beaches that shelve gently into sheltered turquoise lagoons.

With a reputation as warm and friendly people, Tahitians are eager to share their island paradise with visitors, so expect to be greeted with a smile and a warm Ia orana (hello) . . . in Tahiti romance is always in the air . . . you just can’t escape it!

The Islands of Tahiti
Tahiti comprises five main island groups – the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Australs and the Gambier Archipelago. The most popular islands for a honeymoon and romantic getaway holiday are Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, followed by Raiatea and Huahine.

Tahiti
Famous for it’s captivating mix of tropical island informality, distinctive Polynesian culture and French savoir faire, Tahiti offers a uniquely sophisticated South Pacific honeymoon experience. Read more about Tahiti . .

Bora Bora
This postcard-perfect island epitomizes the vision of a South Pacific paradise, with its dramatic rainforest-covered mountains surrounded by palm-fringed, sugar-white beaches and vast aquamarine lagoon. Mix in a blend of relaxed Polynesian culture and French influence and you have an island made for a romantic honeymoon. Read more about Bora Bora . . .

Moorea
Discover a stunning island of wild yet enchanting beauty, where jagged volcanic peaks rise steeply from lush valleys, powder-white sand beaches and an emerald lagoon perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling – ideal for a relaxing honeymoon. Read more about Moorea . . .

Rangiroa
Less commercial than Tahiti, and perhaps less glamourous than Moorea and Bora Bora, Rangiroa nevertheless offers the quintessential South Pacific honeymoon experience: languid days spent beneath an endless blue sky in a landscape of unspoiled natural beauty with creature comforts just a short stroll away. Read more about Rangiroa . .

Raiatea
Escape the crowds and discover a more languid Polynesia in the ‘Sacred Island’ of Raiatea. Raiatea is widely considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization and offers all the ingredients you need for an idyllic honeymoon. Read more about Raiatea more . .

Huahine
With its authentic laid-back Polynesian ambience, lush jungle-clad interior, crystal clear lagoon and gorgeous white-sand beaches, the island of Huahine is the least affected by tourism and offers couples a peaceful and idyllic romantic getaway. Read more about Huahine . .

Best time to visit Tahiti?
The best time to visit Tahiti is during the dry season between May and October, when the average annual temperature of 29°C is tempered by refreshing sea breezes. The wet season lasts from November until April, with February and March the hottest months. Typically, the water temperature hovers between 26°C and 29°C. For more climate info: Tahiti Weather Guide

Location – The 120 islands of French Polynesia are scattered over 2.5 million sq km of the South Pacific, 6120km northwest of Sydney and 4000km northwest of Auckland, New Zealand.

Getting there – Air Tahiti Nui operate twice-weekly flights from Sydney to Papeete and via Auckland once a week. Qantas (with Tahiti Nui) offer services from Sydney via Auckland. Air New Zealand flies 4 times a week via Auckland to Papeete, with connections from all major Australian airports. Getting to Tahiti . . .

Getting around – Between islands: Air Tahiti offer daily flights from Tahiti to the neighbouring islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea and Raiatea as well as the remote archipelagos, including: Tuamotu East and North with Manihi, Rangiroa, Takapoto and Tikehau; Austral Islands of Rurutu and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva. Ferry: Fast inter-island catamarans and regular ferries exist between Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea. On land: Le Truk open-air bus is cheap, frequent and an easy way to get around Papeete and suburbs. Hire cars are available. Traffic drives on the right.