Travel Tips for Tahiti
French Polynesia is also known as The Islands of Tahiti. There are 118 islands comprising French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is the main island and the location of the capital city of Papeete.
Faa’a International Airport is located on the island of Tahiti approximately 5 kilometres west of Papeete. Air Tahiti Nui is the international airline to The Islands of Tahiti. It offers direct flights between Auckland and Papeete. Air New Zealand also offers direct flights from Auckland to Papeete. International flights arrive on the island of Tahiti. Due to crossing the International Dateline, most flights from Auckland arrive the day before they depart.
Holiday packages in French Polynesia will usually require one night in Papeete before travelling to another island the following morning. Most passengers returning to New Zealand will require one night in Papeete prior to departure, as flights leave early in the morning.
Air Tahiti is a private, domestic airline which links all five archipelagos. Travel between some islands, such as Tahiti to Moorea, can be made by high-speed catamaran. We recommend booking the same hotel chain throughout your visit, as ‘Island Combo’ specials are available. We also recommend booking transfers throughout your visit as many resorts are located on islets within the lagoon, only accessible by boat.
Passports & Visas
New Zealand passport holders do not currently require a visa for a stay as a tourist of up to three months but must hold a passport with six months validity beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia. If you are a non-New Zealand passport holder please check your visa requirements with the appropriate Embassy or Consular office.
Currency
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). There are plenty of ATMs and banks in Tahiti however access can be difficult in the outer islands. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, boutiques and other tourist establishments. We do recommend you carry some local currency for smaller purchases. Note: NZD$1 = 75 XPF approximately.
Pricing & Seasonality
For all hotels on The Islands of Tahiti a compulsory local tax of approximately 150XPF per person per night must be paid directly to the hotels. While seasons may vary for each resort, generally speaking, the following seasons apply:
High Season: 1 May - 31 October & 19 December - 10 January
Low Season: Rest of the year Seasonal surcharges, supplements, compulsory meals and/or transfers may apply during high season or at particular properties.
Climate
The Islands of Tahiti enjoy an even climate year-round with daytime temperatures around 28-30°C, dropping slightly in the evening. The weather is warmer and more humid from November through to May and drier and cooler from June until October. Year round, the sun rises between 5 and 6am and sets between 5.30 and 7pm. There is very little difference between high and low tide in Tahiti.
