For the visitor,
Tahiti means unlimited possibilities:
- Relaxation at the surprising number of restaurants
around Papeete and at the enjoyable roulottes along
the waterfront in Vai'ete Square.
- Excitement of shopping along the waterfront and
in the Public Market of Papeete for Tahitian collectibles
such as pareu, monoi oil, artwork, music CDs, precious
native wood carvings, and beautiful Tahitian Pearls.
- Exploration of the pristine interior and beautiful
coastline by 4x4 excursion, guided nature hikes, escorted
tours, or rental car.
- Discovery of the lagoon waters by diving, snorkeling,
sailing, surfing, deep-sea fishing, outrigger canoeing,
or guided catamaran tours.
- Enjoyment of the beachside resorts featuring luxurious
spas, spectacular shows, fine restaurants, and the
full range of rooms, suites, and bungalows.
Some of the most popular activities and sites
for visitors include:
Shopping at Le Marché
Evenings at Vai'ete Square
Circle-Island Tour
Museum of Tahiti
James Norman Hall Home
The Gauguin Museum
Pearl Museum
Shopping in and around the Vaima Center
Safari Into the Island's Interior
Golfing
Hiking/Nature Tours
Diving
Horseback Riding
Bougainville Park
Botanical Garden
Point Venus
Other activities and sites
Shopping at the Public Mart
Discover the true heart of Papeete - 155 year old
public market - called Le Marché. Shop from
hundreds of stands filled with Tahitian-made crafts,
oils, vanilla, fruits, and flowers. The perfect place
to find everything imaginable from all the islands.
Open everyday except holidays, the market is especially
colorful and lively on Sunday mornings when locals
stock up for a day of family gatherings. Located two
blocks from the waterfront and easily reached by Le
Truck or by taxi from the resort.
Evenings at Vai'ete Square
Enjoy a unique and informal dinner or a memorable
post-dinner dessert at Vai'ete Square. Here, dozens
of colorful roulottes, or food wagons, host a great
variety of island cuisine and desserts. The boardwalk
atmosphere is an informal and lively setting not to
be missed.
Circle-Island Tour
A favorite among visitors for over 100 years! The
route takes in more than 71 miles of dramatic coastline
scenery with wave-pounded cliffs, peaceful beaches,
and brightly colored churches. Popular stops include
many overlooks, waterfalls, and ancient sites. An
extended tour takes you to the peninsula of Tahiti-Iti.
Museum of Tahiti
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands is considered
to be one of the best and most beautiful museums in
the South Pacific. Polynesian history is carefully
recorded and presented. Highlights include rare collections
of art carvings and historical artifacts. European
arrival is also presented and put into context.
James Norman Hall Home
The James Norman Hall Home celebrates one of Tahiti's
most famous resident authors. Hall co-authored Mutiny
on the Bounty and wrote many other fables of the South
Seas. The home is carefully maintained as it was when
Hall lived in Tahiti from 1920 to 1951. Visitors enjoy
seeing his original writing desk, art collection,
and library with over 3,000 books. Guests are invited
to the garden tea room where refreshments are provided
under the shade of a giant mango tree.
The Gauguin Museum
The Gauguin Museum is dedicated to Paul Gauguin's
life during his years on Tahiti and in the Marquesas,
the museum sits within the beautiful Harrison Smith
Botanical Gardens and features exhibits and memorabilia
from the late painter himself, including sketches,
copies of documents , block prints, and reproductions
of many of his most famous paintings.
Pearl Museum
The Pearl Museum is the only museum in the world devoted
entirely to pearls. The unique presentations describe
and demonstrate the history and practice of cultivating
pearls as well as their place in art, history, mythology,
and religion.
Shopping in and around the Vaima Center
Many shops popular with visitors are located in and
around the Vaima Center. This four-level, block-square
shopping center has everything from boutiques, pearl
shops, book stores, newspaper stands, restaurants,
coffee shops, and banks. Along the waterfront in either
direction are located many unique shops with antiquities,
made-in-Tahiti products, music, and art.
Safari Into the Island's Interior
Within the unpopulated and lush jungle-like interior
of Tahiti Nui is an unspoiled world of towering waterfalls,
deep flower-filled valleys, large lakes, and colossal
green peaks rising over one mile above the valley
floor. This hidden treasure of Tahiti is best explored
by a guided 4X4 safari, breathtaking helicopter tour,
or on a hiking trip led by a naturalist.
Golfing
Tahiti's only course, the Oliver Breaud International
Golf Course is located on the southern side of Tahiti
Nui. This 6944-yard, par 72 course features two man-made
lakes and sprawling fairways. Formerly a cotton plantation,
the course was recently renovated and now includes
a new clubhouse, driving range, pool, restaurant,
pro shop, and tennis courts.
Hiking/Nature Tours
Adventurous travelers will love the exciting guided
tours that lead into rugged interior. Stops can include
spectacular waterfalls and natural pools (some in
which you can swim), mountain peaks with panoramic
views, archeological sites , grottos, and lava tubes.
Diving
The island of Tahiti is perfect for both beginning
and advanced divers. Highlights include shallow waters,
oceanic drop-offs, sunken ships and planes, bright
coral walls, and schools of smaller species.
Horseback Riding
For the horse enthusiast Tahiti has a number of first-class
riding stables. Experienced riders can saddle-up the
island's New Zealand and Marquesan horses, while private
lessons are available for the beginner. Rides in the
mountains are often accompanied by picnic lunches.
Bougainville Park
In the heart of the waterfront area, visitors find
a newly renovated and peaceful oasis. Crowned by a
massive banyan tree, the park is named in honor of
the French explorer and navigator, Louis Antoine de
Bougainville (1729-1811) and features running streams
and lush vegetation.
Botanical Garden
Adjacent to the Gauguin Museum, this lush and manicured
garden features hundreds of varieties of tropical
trees, plants, and flowers including bamboo, bananas,
palms, and hibiscus. The garden was originally planted
by American botanist Harrison Smith who moved to Tahiti
in 1919.
Point Venus
At the tip of a beautiful peninsula lined with black-sand
beaches, this area was the historic landing site of
many of the early explorers including Captain Cook
and Captain William Bligh. Tahiti's only lighthouse,
built in 1867, stands within a park popular with locals
for community events and festivals.
Other activities and sites in Papeete and
around the island:
Deep sea fishing
Lagoon excursions on outrigger canoes or powerboats
Notre Dame Cathedral of Papeete
Papeete Town Hall
Drive to the Belvedere overlooking Papeete
4X4 Safari from Faa'a into the high mountains
Tomb of Queen Pomare V and Royal Family
Arahoho Blowhole
Waterfalls and walking trails at Faarumai
Vaipahi Gardens
Maraa Fern Grotto
Marae Arahurahu
Surfing sites at Teahupoo, Papara and Taapuna
Guided hike to the top of Mt. Aorai
Guided hiking trips into the remote Pari Region of
Tahiti Iti
Guided or self-guided itineraries including these
and other sites can be reserved or planned by your
travel arranger before you travel or at the activities
desk of your resort or cruise ship.
|
