History



The Islands of French Polynesia are a magnificent assortment of Volcanic Atolls and unspoilt Islands that stretch across the gorgeous South Pacific, which have lured many visitors to her shores over many years.
Early European explorers including Wallis, Bougainville and Cook could not believe the beauty that lay in their newly discovered ‘Garden of Eden’ after sailing for months at sea.

Samuel Wallis, a Captain in the Royal Navy, commanded the ‘Dolphin’ a 24-gun frigate and was the first European to set foot on Tahitian soil on the 19th June 1767. He wrote of his first experience in Polynesia.

QUOTE : “The island with its mountains and cool glades, overflowing with fruits, and the sea with plentiful fish, and fowls and hogs so easily acquired, the Otaheitians lead a life without cares…
The women are all handsome and some of them are extremely beautiful. Chastity does not seem to be considered as a virtue among them for they not only readily and openly trafficked with our people for personal favours, but were brought down by their fathers and brothers for that purpose: they were, however, conscious of the value of beauty, and the size of the nail that was demanded for the enjoyment of the lady was always in proportion of her charms. ”

Painters, Poets and writers were also very early visitors. Paul Gauguin escaped to Tahiti twice from Europe and eventually died there. Many others followed and also found the special virtues attributed to French Polynesia, towering lush volcanic mountain peaks, breathtaking deep valleys looking over crystal clean tranquil lagoons with coral reefs that give way to deep blue oceans that are kissed daily by blood red sunsets, clean warm tropical air and the beautiful and accommodating Tahitian people. To visit Tahiti is truly a special experience.

 

Geography



Tahiti and her Islands are known world wide as French Polynesia, and are sprinkled over four million square kilometres of ocean in the Eastern South Pacific. French Polynesia is comprised of five archipelagos: The Society Islands, The Austral Islands, The Gambier Islands, The Tuamotu Atolls and the Marquesas Islands. The total of 115 islands and atolls that are French Polynesia have a combined total land area of only 4,000 square kilometres. The capital of Tahiti is Papeete and Tahiti has a population of only 200,000 people.

 

Weather



The climate of French Polynesia is sub-tropical and fanned by cool gentle South Pacific sea breezes. The summer months in Tahiti are between November and April. These months are warmer and can be quite humid. During the winter months of May through to October the climate is drier and cooler. Most rain is experienced in the warmer summer months. However this season also experiences many sunny days with beautiful balmy trade winds.
Yearly Average Temperature: At Tahiti FAAA International Airport is 26ºC/79ºF

Monthly Average Temperature:

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
26.8ºC	26.9ºC	27.1ºC	27ºC	26.2ºC	25ºC	24.8ºC	24.3ºC	24.8ºC	25.4ºC	26.1ºC	26.4ºC
80ºF	80ºF	81ºF	80ºF	80ºF	77ºF	76ºF	76ºF	77ºF	78ºF	79ºF	80ºF

 

Travelling to Tahiti - Requirements



All passengers entering French Polynesia must possess a valid passport and outbound ticket. Citizens arriving from different parts of the world have different entry requirements and some may require visas. The maximum stay in French Polynesia without a visa is 3 months.

 

Languages



French and Tahitian are the official languages of Tahiti and her Islands, but English is very frequently spoken in many areas and communication is rarely a problem.

Time

Tahiti is 10 hours behind GMT, 20 hours behind AET and 2 hours behind US PST. The Marquesas Islands are half an hour ahead of French Polynesia e.g when it is 2pm in Tahiti it is 2.30pm in the Marquesas.

Business Hours

Offices and shops are usually open from 8am - 11.30am and then reopen from 1.30pm – 5.30pm Monday to Friday and during the morning hours of 8am – 11.30am on Saturdays. Most businesses are closed on Sundays. Business hours may vary by 30 minutes either way. Banking hours are from 8am – 3.30pm

Money Exchange

The currency of French Polynesia is the Central Polynesian Franc (CFP) or French Pacific Franc. The exchange rate fluctuates daily but US$1 = 100cfp. Notes are issued in 500, 1000, 5,000 and 10,000 and coins are issued in1,2,5,10,20,50 and 100 Francs (CFP). There are many international banks in Tahiti and major credit cards are readily accepted at most business institutions.

Electricity

Most electrical power outlets are 110 or 220 volts and most Australian or American appliances will pose no problem but will require a converter/adapter, which are readily available from local stores and at the Airport.

Clothing

It is rarely cold during the day in Tahiti, so comfortable cool clothing such as shirts, shorts, shoes or thongs are worn in most areas in and around Tahiti during the day. The women usually wear skirts, shorts, shirts or sarongs (locally known as Pareos). The standard attire of an evening even at dinner parties is quite informal and relaxed, the women usually wear beautiful long dresses. Bikinis are out of place in town at Papeete.

International Air Services

Tahiti’s only International Airport is serviced daily by jets from around the globe including Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Caledonie and many others.