Page 162 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Islands of Tahiti —— Islands of Tahiti —

returned to the islands following the available. There are a host of bars, cafes and Shopping guide
infamous mutiny on the Bounty. nightclubs scattered around Papeete giving Bright pareus or T-shirts are popular
travellers a wide choice and a chance to mix souvenirs, as is Tahitian shell jewellery, the
Before the arrival of the Europeans,
the islands were divided into districts, with the locals. Les Roulottes are a Papeete famous black pearls, French perfume and
each governed by a chief. When Pomare institution, a collection of mobile diners local handicrafts.
V abdicated in 1880, Tahiti and her operating from early evening until late at Climate
islands, previously a protectorate of night on the waterfront at Vaiete Square The French Polynesian islands enjoy a
France, became a French colony, and in offering mouthwatering savoury meals as tropical climate. The average temperature
1957 French Polynesia became a French well as delicious desserts. is 27ºC, and the waters of the lagoons are a
Overseas Territory. Where to stay fairly constant 26ºC.
Nature International luxury resorts and hotels nestle Clothing
Lush vegetation grows high above the alongside motels, lodges and small pensions Casual. Pareus are popular worn over
lagoons and bays and floral scents permeate in the islands. For an authentic Tahitian swimming costumes to the beach or around
the tropical air. experience, many families also offer rooms the pool. Papeete is more cosmopolitan.
for rent within their homes. There are also
A myriad of tropical flowers grow youth hostels and campsites with cooking Electricity
throughout the Tahitian islands. The facilities for those on a tight budget. Most hotels use 110 or 220 volts, AC
national flower is the tiare, a heavily scented 60 cycles.
gardenia which forms the basis of the Getting around
traditional lei necklaces. Le Truck is Tahiti’s public bus service. Time zone
The destination is posted on top of each GMT10 hours. AEST-20 hours. Two hours
The sights Le Truck, which always begins and ends behind US Pacific Standard time and 19
You can visit Point Venus where Captain its round trips at the public market in the hours behind Australia’s east coast. The
Cook camped to observe the transit of the centre of Papeete. It is also possible to travel Marquesas Islands are 30 minutes ahead of
planet Venus in 1769, visit the Faaruma between islands by ferry, with the Aremiti the rest of French Polynesia.
waterfalls, and at Taravao on the strategic ferry taking just 40 minutes from Papeete
isthmus joining Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, to Moorea. Currency
wander through an old fort built by the French Pacific francs (CFP). Tipping is
French in 1844. Activities discretionary.
Tahiti is renowned for its range of water
Don’t miss the Gauguin Museum in sports, from diving and snorkelling, Visas and health
the Papeari district, set in exotic botanical to windsurfing and sailing, to deep- All passengers entering French Polynesia
gardens, and the wonderful fruit, vegetable sea fishing, surfing and jet-skiing. must have an outbound ticket. Check with
and flower market in central Papeete. Speedboats are available for waterskiing airline as entry formalities may change.
Food and entertainment and there are glass-bottom boats for There is no departure tax and Australians
Tahitian tamara’a’ or feasts can be arranged viewing the coral reefs. Tennis and do not require visas. Other visitors, check
through local tour operators. The major squash are on offer at many resorts with the French Consulate.
international hotels often host evening and at the country club and Tahiti and Getting there
programs with lavish buffets and dance Moorea offer championship golf courses. Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New
shows featuring the performances of some For the more adventurous, there’s a range Zealand, QANTAS, LanChile (via Easter
of Tahiti’s most talented dancers and of bushwalking and hiking available on the Island), Air Caledonie International and
musicians. Outside the hotels, French, volcanic islands of the Society Islands, as Air Tahiti Nui. The domestic carrier is
Italian and Chinese cuisine is widely well as horseriding. Air Tahiti.

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