Introducing Tahiti
This probably isn’t the island whose photograph was on your holiday brochure. No, there aren’t any sweeping white beaches and vistas over a neon blue lagoon are few and far between. Yet this is the heart of French Polynesia and it would be a shame to bypass the waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains, unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches and distinctly Polynesian buzz that make Tahiti a gem in its own right. Many people immediately hightail it out of Tahiti for the white-sand bliss of Mo’orea or Bora Bora so that ironically, the most accessible and well-known island of French Polynesia remains more off the beaten track than its far-flung sisters.
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The island is very much centralised around Pape’ete, the pint-sized chaotic capital with its traffic jams and smells of flowers, sweat and salt air. To islanders addicted to the city pace of life, this is the only place to be and they lap up the gritty nightlife, cinemas, music and endless array of food on hand.
While visiting Pape’ete is a must, it’s the outdoor action outside the city and cultural offerings that woo visitors to extend their stay. Hike through archaeological sites, up never-ending river valleys and past coastlines dotted with wild passion fruit. In July catch the country’s most spectacular festival, the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva and from July to October go whale-watching with far fewer tourists than you’ll find on Mo’orea. Year-round on Tahiti Iti there’s a chance there will be big waves at Teahupoo and you can hire a boat to watch pro surfers tackle the break’s cavernous tube up close.
Last updated: Jun 24, 2009
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Recent posts
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RE: Learn to Surf while on holiday
by newfie43 08 September 2011
Tahiti has some good surfing spots but I have no idea about surfing instruction there. If Tahiti interests you, you could try checking…
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RE: Staying connected in Tahiti
by ggking7 06 September 2011
We've returned from French Polynesia and it was great. I ended up using wifi at the places we stayed so I didn't try to connect to the…
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Trip Report - Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, the local people
by ggking7 06 September 2011
French Polynesia was great. It has the clearest water and most amazing lagoons (by far) of anywhere my wife and I have been. The Tahitian…
Hotels & Hostels in Tahiti
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Taaroa Lodge
Tahiti
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Bonjouir Lodge Paradise
Tahiti
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