DESTINATIONS AUSTRALASIA | TAHITI


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Local artisan in traditional dress at Papeete Market; swimming in Tikehau; some of Tahiti’s exotic marine life PICTURES: Tahiti Tourisme/Grégoire Le Bacon; Shutterstock/TravelPhotoBloggers


If clients prefer to keep their feet on dry land, suggest exploring Papeete, the colourful capital of French Polynesia. Papeete Market is open from 5.30am most days, selling woven and carved souvenirs as well as moreish snacks including firi firi (sugary Tahitian doughnuts) and poisson cru (lime-marinated tuna in coconut milk). The cuisine of the islands is typically served


home-style, but those seeking a more upscale experience will find it at Marina Taina, a 10-minute drive from Papeete, where waterfront restaurant Yellowfin serves ocean-fresh fish and seafood. To put French Polynesia’s unique geology and


history in context, add a stop at the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands. Inside, I found fascinating treasures such as mother-of-pearl fishing gear, carved tiki figures and a canoe said to have been used by Pōmare IV, the last queen of Tahiti.


MOOREA: CULTURE AND CANOES Moorea is commonly visited as a day trip from Tahiti, as multiple ferries operate the 30-minute journey each day – but make sure clients are aware that the last ferries return in the late afternoon. However, the many overwater bungalows on offer at its resorts will be a strong temptation to stay longer. In fact, Moorea was the second island in the world (after Raiatea, also in French Polynesia) to use this style of accommodation.


Moorea’s jagged volcanic mountains are as


wreathed in myth as they are in mist. The Belvédère d’Opunohu viewpoint affords a spectacular panorama; from here, hikers can follow the Three Coconut Tree Pass – a four-mile round trip through banyan trees and bamboo – for yet more views. Down at sea level, I paddled a va’a (double-hulled


canoe) around the lagoon with local operator Tahitian Pirates and charismatic Moorea-born guide Poema du Prel. Beneath the shark tooth-shaped shadow of Mou‘a Puta – the ‘pierced mountain’ – she taught us to count in Tahitian as we pulled on the oars. After we snorkelled among corals and parrotfish,


Poema made an onboard lunch of poisson cru followed by po’e, a glutinous, cassava-based dessert. As we ate, she spoke of Polynesian legends, such as Hina – who placed the head of an eel on the ground to create the first coconut tree – and of the octopus god from which Moorea’s eight mountain ridges formed. “First we had the octopus god, then when the


French arrived, we had the Christian god – now we have the god of overwater villas!” she laughed. Tahitian Pirates also runs humpback whale-watching tours from August to mid-November.


TIKEHAU: SUNSET AND SNORKELLING The tiny atoll of Tikehau, around an hour’s flight from Papeete, is known for its dazzling turquoise lagoon


² 36 9 APRIL 2026


exper expert ASK THE Matt Eagle,


French Polynesia specialist, Audley Travel


“Although it’s farther afield than more traditional tropical locations such as the Maldives or Mauritius, agents can sell


Tahiti to clients by highlighting French Polynesia’s unmatched natural beauty, exclusivity and


cultural richness. As well as the overwater bungalows in Tahiti and Bora Bora, offer a range of unique resorts like The Brando, so the client understands


French Polynesia delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that justifies the distance.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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