Tahiti, the Queen Island.
Tahiti is located in the northern part of the South Pacific, at about 15,700 kms away from Paris. The time difference is 11 hours when the metropolis is in winter time or 12 hours when it’s summertime.
The island is composed of two parts connected with the isthmus and small town of Taravao. The largest is called Tahiti Nui (“nui” meaning “great”) while the other part is called Tahiti Iti (“iti” meaning “small”) or the peninsula.
With an area of 1,042 km², Tahiti is the largest and highest of all 118 islands of French Polynesia.
The highest peak of Tahiti Nui is the Mount Orohena, with an altitude of 2,241 meters. Among other peaks of Tahiti Nui, there are : the Mount Aorai (2,066 m), the Mount Marquez (1,493 m) or the Diadème and the Mount “Te Tara o Maiao” (1,321 m).
Remnant of ancient volcanoes, the inland is very mountainous and steep. The population mainly live by the seaside along a narrow strip bordering the seafront. Among its 1,045 km, only 150 km² are inhabited and exploited.
Tahiti is partly surrounded by a coral reef with 33 passes and a lagoon stretching over a surface of 141 km².
Tahiti the island, and Papeete – the economic capital of French Polynesia – are often stopovers before flying to the other islands. However, there are so many things to do in Tahiti, I can tell you that! Take my word for it! Take the time to halt in Tahiti and be seduced by its natural charm.
Stroll through the heart of Papeete, discover the colonial architecture of the Town Hall, the gardens of the Assembly of French Polynesia, the colorful frescoes of international artists who took part in the Ono’u Street Art Festival, stroll along the stands of the local market or along the newly developed waterfront.
Choose the “Nature” Island Tour to discover black or white sandy beaches, the Vaipahi water gardens, the Mara’a caves, the Blow Hole, the 3 Cascades, the Taravao Plateau or the Botanical Garden.
Or book the “Culture” Island Tour to discover the “Maraes” (former places of worship), the house of James Norman Hall turned into a museum/ restaurant, the Lighthouse of The Venus Point, the Arioi Cultural Center, the Pearl Museum or the Museum of Tahiti & her Islands.
Get into a very popular and unique experience…Enjoy dinner at the foodtrucks or “Roulottes”! Try and picture it – A open-air foodcourt! Oftentimes, locals like to meet up there and share a meal or dessert with friends or family. Feeling like eating, choose among Tahitian, Asian, French, Italian food or even Indian cuisine to name just a few – just pick your foodtruck and order!
“Ink” yourself into Polynesian culture: Give in to the temptation of getting a tattoo, an unforgettable memory of your stay in Tahiti & her Islands, the image of the lasting memories rich in emotion. An indelible print that will forever call to visit us back soon!
Let yourself be mesmerized by the beauty and magic of the “Ori Tahiti”. A traditional singing and dancing festival that will not leave you indifferent by the “Mana” (power) that emerges as much by rhythms, moves or even costumes created out of plants and flowers from around the island.
Choose one or even several of the many activities offered by the local professionals. Between the Crossing of the island by 4×4, a Whale Watching Experience, the Sunset Cruise, an introduction to the Polynesian Pirogue (Va’a), a jet ski ride, a hike or a round of golf, just make your choice!
