POP 185,000

Why Go? Pape’ete ...... 51 While Tahiti isn’t the white-sand island of your holiday Around Tahiti Nui ...... 65 brochure, it is the heart of French , and it would be West Coast ...... 65 a shame to bypass it. Waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains; South Coast...... 68 unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches; and a dis- tinctly Polynesian buzz make Tahiti a gem in its own right. East Coast ...... 71 While exploring the lively backstreets and strolling the Tahiti Iti ...... 73 waterfront of the pint-sized capital Pape’ete is a must, it’s the outdoor action and cultural off erings that woo visitors to extend their stay. Explore the mystical, mountainous inte- Best Places to rior on a 4WD tour, learn to dive in the translucent lagoon, Stay wander fl abbergasted amid archaeological sites, and from July to October go whale-watching or hike across the fecund » Vanira Lodge (p 75 ) interior. In July catch the country’s most spectacular festi- » Fare Suisse (p 58 ) val, the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva. And don’t miss » Le Méridien Tahiti (p 66 ) Tahiti Iti – this peninsula on the southeast of Tahiti, so far only known to surfers, is one of the hidden gems of French » Green Room Villa (p 75 ) Polynesia. » Intercontinental Resort Tahiti (p 58 ) When to Go Best Places to Eat Tahiti enjoys a year-round tropical climate, but it’s most popular during the dry season, from May to October. » Place To’ata Snacks The weather is cooler and you can expect sun and clear (p 59 ) skies – perfect for outdoor activities, including hiking. The » Place Vaiete Roulottes rainy season begins in November and continues until the (p 61 ) end of April, with frequent heavy showers and occasional » Le Lotus (p 60 ) storms. The island has a rather busy social calendar year- » Blue Banana (p 67 ) round, but in July Pape’ete is in full swing with the Heiva. » La Plage de Maui (p76 ) Diving and surfi ng are popular year-round; the whale- watching season runs from July to October.

49 TAHITI Cliffs

Tautira Pari

Fenua Aihere Te whale- (p 66 ) ) (p 75 Mt Teava (1306m) Teahupoo Taking a boat excursion excursion a boat Taking Witnessing 30-tonne 30-tonne Witnessing 00 10 km 6 miles (1332m) Mt Ronui T a h i t i I t i past the road’s end at end at the road’s past visit the remote to Teahupoo Aihere Fenua humpbacks on a humpbacks watching trip watching 7 6 Vairao

Afaahiti Toahotu Bay Hitiaa Taravao Phaeton dance Faaone Mahaena (p 60 ) in Tiarei Marché de Pape’ete Marché Papeari Lake Vaihiria Papenoo Valley Sipping an ice-cold Sipping an ice-cold Watching the best of of the best Watching while perusing the coconut colourful (p 54 ) the best shake their hips at their hips shake the best festival’s the Heiva competitions Pape’ete 5 4 Mataiea Papenoo (2066m)

Mt Aorai Atimaono O C E A N Mt Orohena (2241m) Mahina T a h i t i N u i Papara roulottes Mt Marau (1493m) Arue S O U T H P A C I F I C ) (p 70 Pape'ete Pira'e (1321m) Diadème (p 69 ) for the ) for 69 (p of the top ng to Pa'ea ffi Hu Exploring by 4WD the lush by Exploring Catching local vibes vibes local Catching Faa'a sensational views sensational Mt Aorai and craggy interior along the interior and craggy Valley Papenoo while eating at the while eating ) on the 61 p vans; (mobile food in Pape’ete waterfront 3 2 Tahiti Tahiti Highlights 1 Puna'auia Faa'a Airport Ferries to Mo'orea (25km) Whale- watching International