Tahiti flights and travel guide

Most Australians and New Zealanders taking cheap flights to Tahiti will be on a package holiday, some with a wedding thrown in. Tahiti is a storied isle. Over the years, adventurers, explorers, artists (most famously Gauguin) and writers have pitched up on its shores and then spread the word about this paradisiacal island in the South Pacific.

Tahiti is the best-known island in French Polynesia. French Polynesia consists of five archipelagoes - the Society, Austral, Tuamotu, Gambier, Marquesas. Tahiti belongs to the Society Islands, it's French Polynesia's political, economic and cultural centre and its capital is Papeete.

Tahiti is indeed paradise. It's a volcanic island, lush and green with high, jagged mountains, white beaches and coral reefs. Almost 70 per cent of the population of French Polynesia live here.

Travellers are rarely stuck for things to do in Tahiti. The beaches are the place to live out your Edenic fantasies. There's fantastic scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, boat rides, swimming with turtles, game fishing and hiking. And that's on top of the most popular activities - lazing on the beach and following Tahitian time.

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Tahiti climate

Tahiti has a Tropical climate moderated by the trade winds that blow in from the Pacific. The average temperature is 27 degrees, the temperature of the water of the lagoons 26 degrees. Temperatures cool further south - on the Austral and Gambier archipelagos.

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When to fly to Tahiti

Peak Season: 

July and August are the most expensive months to take cheap flights to Tahiti. The high season runs from June to November. American and European tourists arrive during these months, the Heiva Nui festival is on, and, as in France, many Tahitians will take their annual holiday in August, some heading to the outer islands. Christmas and New Year is also a busy tourist time as lots of Tahitians return home from overseas. 

Off Season: 

November and January (after New Year) are low season months.

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Getting into town Tahiti

If you're travelling on a package holiday, your transport may be arranged by the hotel. Le Trucks and taxis are available and car-rental desks too.

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Getting around Tahiti

When you land, after taking cheap flights to Tahiti, you may be met at the airport by your accommodation provider. That may be part of the package deal. If a rental car is not included in the package with your airport, there are desks at Faa'a International Airport. Renting a scooter is also popular. 

The legendary Le Truck travels around the island. These open-air truck with bench seats have set routes and are very cheap. While Le Trucks have designated stops, some of them will stop when hailed down at the side of the road.

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Tahiti insider information

• The Tattoonesia festival take place in Papeete each year. It features some of the best tattoo artists from Polynesia and around the world. 
• French Polynesia, like other parts of the South Pacific, doesn't have a haggling culture nor is tipping expected.
• The glistening waters around Tahiti are well stocked with game fish such as marlin, mahi mahi, tuna and bonito. Mahi mahi is Polynesia's most prized game fish and can be fished year round. 
• Local custom dictates that if you are single you should wear a hibiscus behind your right ear, if you're taken, behind the right ear. 
• A great day trip is to take the ferry to Moorea, considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the world. The journey takes about 45 minutes from Papeete. The Afareaitu marae there is a sacred temple site that dates from 900. The marae were the focal point of religious, political and social activities, such as sacrifices. 
• Tahiti has a reputation for being expensive, but there are ways to make your holiday a little cheaper. Find self-catering accommodation and hit the market in Papeete or the Carrefour supermarket to stock up on local produce, French cheeses and beer and wine. There are no alcohol sales on Sundays. 
• The Billabong Pro is held in Teahupoo each May. Teahupoo is about 100km from Papeete.

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Tahiti airports

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