Tahiti Travel Guide for First-Timers: What to Know Before You Go

• About Tahiti
• How long to stay?
• When to visit
• What to pack
• Where to stay
• What to do
• How to get around
• Is it safe?
• Must do's

A brief 5-hour flight from Auckland and you’ll find yourself touching down at Fa'a'ā International Airport, just 5 km south-west of the capital of Papeete. With a population of roughly 26,000, Papeete is the largest and most densely populated area of French Polynesia. Tahiti scores, on average, 2,400 hours of sunlight each year, meaning you’ll more than likely arrive on a day that is saturated by light and clear skies - a picturesque start to the ultimate island holiday. If you’re flying from New Zealand’s winter, then this is a welcome reprieve that will lift your spirits! 

The water surrounding Tahiti consists of many shallow reefs, which create shallow, sheltered bays. Whether you wish to snorkel, dive or sunbathe, these reefs are perfectly set up for travellers from around the world to offer both adventure and rejuvenation. From the culture, to the food, to the island itself, you’ll fall in love with Tahiti from the moment you spy it from your plane window! 

We recommend you stay for 7 to 10 days, to make sure you really get the most out of your holiday. Between relaxing at your resort, engaging with local events and experiencing the rich culture of Tahiti, you’ll find this will be perfect to help you achieve everything you want to do, and still come home refreshed!

• BONUS TIP: Provided you’re there for 90 days or less, you also do not need a visa when travelling on a New Zealand passport. 

Tahiti is an incredibly popular destination for travellers and so no matter when you go, it’s likely to be busy. The best time to visit Tahiti however is between April and October when French Polynesia is in its dry season. The humidity tends to be lower, and the skies are generally clear - yet with the average annual temperature being a lush 26.8°C, one could argue that there’s never a bad time to visit!

• Consider what you want to do when you visit (Or scroll down for some ideas!). If you’re going for specific cultural events, then you’ll obviously want to make sure your trip aligns.
• Book in advance - most locations in Tahiti will accept bookings 3-6 months in advance. Plus, we have cheap flights to Tahiti which are worth keeping an eye on so you can book them as soon as they’re available!
• From December to April, rainfall tends to be higher, and the risk of hurricanes also exists.
• The island is always going to be busy during global holidays of significance - especially Christmas and New Years. School holiday season can also have an impact, so it pays to check this ahead of time. 

Tahiti is an island destination, and so does boast its fair share of tropical weather. Time of year will play a factor into what you need to pack specifically but generally speaking:

• Beach attire. Think linen shirts, sundresses, shorts and comfortable shoes.
• Something nicer for an evening out at the hotel restaurant, or if you take to the streets of Papeete to experience the exceptional local cuisine on offer.
• Sun-screen, and a hat are a must, given the almost guaranteed exposure you’ll get to sunlight whilst visiting the island. 
• Some kind of lightweight jacket or rain protection. Although sunny days are extremely common in Tahiti, it’s best to not be caught off-guard. Something light that you can carry in your bag as you tour the island, or that can be worn over-top without being too cumbersome is best.
• If you’re intending to snorkel, then taking your own equipment is recommended. The resorts and hotels do usually offer well sanitised equipment, but if you want to guarantee right fit and comfort, then taking your own is ideal.
• A power adaptor, and a multi-tab. Tahiti has different plugs to those we have in New Zealand, so an adaptor is a must. Plus, as a pro-tip, take a multi-tab along with you so you need only rely on the one adaptor, rather than buying multiple to spread out across your hotel room! 

Overwater. Bungalows. Need we say more? These uniquely Tahitian accommodation offerings are one of the most well known features of the island, and no trip would truly be complete without (at least) a night spent in one. Lush, comfortable and totally out of this world, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget. Inside you’ll have decadent furnishings designed to support your ultimate relaxation, whilst outside you’ll find the glorious South Pacific Ocean stretching out to the horizon.

• If overwater luxury isn’t to your liking, then something closer to the ground might be what you need. The 4-star Te Moana Resort in Tahiti is one of our favourites. Delivering an authentic Polynesian experience, you’ll be able to relax by the infinity pool, dine with delicious cuisine at the numerous restaurants and enjoy the striking sunset over Moorea island.
• Ask one of our incredible Travel Experts for their recommendation. We can pair you up with a Tahiti expert, who will help you shape your holiday and get you staying in a location that is perfect for you.
• Or, if you’re hoping to have your dream Kardashian holiday, then ask us about adding a night or two in Bora Bora into your package (just leave your earrings in your room before you swim!). 

No holiday is complete without a bit of a tour to take in the sights, and Tahiti sure has a lot on offer for the intrepid traveller.

• Starting simple, take a circle-island tour which will guide you through Tahitian life and culture, or go further afield with a tour of the local villages on a four-wheel drive safari. Embrace the local experiences with a horseback ride, skim across the rolling tides in a jet boat, or take to the skies with a helicopter tour.
• Visit the Black Pearl museum. Tahiti is known for its black pearls, and there is a wealth of history, mythology, art and religion associated with these shimmering jewels. The Black Pearl museum in Papeete is a sight to behold and one you must add to your itinerary - plus, you can even pick up your own pearl jewellery at the gift shop after!
• Visit Le Marche Papeete - an extensive indoor marketplace that boasts tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, local delicacies and an enormous array of arts and crafts. If you’re after something delicious to eat, plus some souvenirs to take back home with you, then Le Marche is the place to find it!
• Attend a festival to truly get the most authentic experience with Polynesian culture. A holiday in July (aka the depths of NZ’s winter) is a brilliant time to book, as you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the month-long festival of Heiva i Tahiti. The Heiva i Tahiti is the most popular and important event in the cultural calendar of The Islands of Tahiti, and celebrates traditional chants, music and dancing, in a competition which brings together dance troupes from every corner of French Polynesia. 

In the hurry of booking a holiday, it can be so easy to forget the simplest of things - i.e. how are you going to get to the hotel from the airport, or how will you get to other parts of the island? Fortunately, Tahiti is well equipped to help with this, and offers numerous methods of transport. Make sure to book all of these in advance however.

• Booking a taxi, renting a car or going on a guided tour are good methods for getting around Tahiti. Tahiti boasts many, variable guided tours including 4WD safaris which will help you explore the interior of the island, and tackle the mountainous terrain you may encounter.
• There is an efficient bus service connecting Papeete to the other districts of Tahiti, and if you’re wanting to live like a local then this is the way to do it!
• Where your budget allows, take to the seas with a sailboat, or an outrigger sailing canoe, and explore the seascape surrounding Tahiti, for a wholly different perspective. 

Tahiti is generally considered a safe destination for visitors. Papeete, being a port city, does have its share of issues, but by remaining street-smart and sticking to the tourist areas, you can assure your safety. Take a common sense approach with not walking alone, and keeping your valuables secure. The Tahitian culture is more conservative, however;

• It is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations for solo female travellers, and for women in general. 
• It is a safe destination for members of the LGBTTQIA+ community, with laws that offer protection.
• Tahiti is accommodating to individuals living with disabilities, meaning you can find experiences to do and places to stay where additional support is available. 

Make sure to include some time in Papeete in your trip, and to experience all that the island has to offer. Papeete can often be overlooked by tourists as they consider it to be just another city, however it is a vibrant hub of activity and opportunities.

• We recommend you dine at a Roulotte. Roulotte are gourmet food trucks, with outdoor tables and chairs, that blend French and Tahitian cuisine with other international flavours. You’ll find some mouthwatering dishes, and also meet locals or travellers from other resorts. Some Roulotte may be cash-only, so it pays to have a few Franc’s on hand.
• There are many Roulotte locations throughout Tahiti, including a permanent fixture in Vaipoopoo where four trucks are permanently occupying a park beside the sea. Each of the trucks had to win its place in a competition, so you can be assured that you’re getting the very best of the best if you visit.
• Chat to your hotel staff, or to some of the locals, and ask them what they recommend at the Roulotte. Whether it’s poisson cru, a hearty chow mein or even a hamburger, they’ll be able to offer you insight into the very best flavours that are on offer! 

Keep in mind that the official language of Tahiti is French, however Tahitian is also spoken by the locals, and they encourage you to give it a go! English is common in the most populous locations, including hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops.  

This is but a sample of what Tahiti has to offer. A vibrant culture, rich flavours, majestic natural scenery and supreme weather all underscore a holiday that you’re sure to remember forever (and likely rebook for many years to come!).

Ready to book a holiday that is truly out of this world? Book today and escape to the bliss relaxation of the Tahitian Islands!