French Polynesia
Heaven on Earth, this tropical island paradise in the South Pacific has to be seen to be believed.
It’s no surprise that the French Polynesian islands are among the top honeymoon destinations in the world. This little slice of heaven in between Australia and South America in the South Pacific is one of the most aweinspiring destinations. Close your eyes and picture it: crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, lushgreen mountains and breathtaking beaches dotted with palm trees. It’s like something out of a dream.
Also known as the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls spread across 2.5 million square kilometres (9.6 million square miles). It can be divided into five groups of islands: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands. Tahiti and Bora Bora may be the most famous, but there’s a whole host of islands to explore and each one has its own unique identity.
The largest island is Tahiti where 70 per cent of the population of French Polynesia live. No matter which island you’re visiting, this is where your journey begins as you fly into Faa’a International Airport. While your journey may continue elsewhere, Tahiti is definitely worth a stopover and time to explore.
Shaped like the figure eight, the island is made up of two volcanoes: the larger Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti. It’s known for its jagged mountains, including Mount Orohena, the country’s highest peak; its waterfalls, such as Faarumai Waterfalls; and black sand beaches. The island should be explored either by hiking on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle. Go shopping in its capital Papeete in the northwest, or taste the local cuisine from the roulottes or food trucks. Experience the world’s biggest surf at Teahupo’o or get splashed at the Arahoho Blowhole. Take in some culture by visiting the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the only museum dedicated to pearls, or learn about island heritage at the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum.
Described by author James Michener as ‘the most beautiful island in the world’, Bora Bora, to the northwest of Tahiti, is renowned for its natural beauty and luxury, high-end resorts. One of the best dive spots across the globe, the island is surrounded by a blue jewel of a lagoon and a spectacular coral reef, which means it’s teeming with marine life. You can relax in a luxurious overwater bungalow with stunning views of Mount Otemanu, or go snorkelling or scuba diving with sharks and stingrays. Head to Matira Beach for a stunning sunset.
After Bora Bora, Mo’orea is probably the second most popular island for honeymooners. Shaped like a heart, the island’s main draws are its distinctive mountains, including Mount Mouaputa (which has a hole in its summit), the ‘shark tooth’ Mount Mouaroa, and the highest peak Mount Tohiea, as well as its two bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay ideal for hiking and scuba diving.
A 40-minute flight from Tahiti, Huahine may not be as well known as Bora Bora or Mo’orea, but it’s equally beautiful. Known as the ‘garden island’ because of its lush-green forests and fertile volcanic soil, you’ll find plenty of vanilla, banana and melons growing here. Huahine is also home to Maeva Marae, one of the most significant archaeological areas, and the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia. If you want to go diving and see dolphins, sharks and manta rays, Tiputa Pass is the best spot. It’s particularly good for drift diving. The atoll may be secluded, but one thing it does have is its own vineyard. The Dominique Auroy Winery makes French Polynesia’s only wine label, Vin de Tahiti.
Raiatea and Taha’a both share the same lagoon. Raiatea is known as the ‘sacred island’ and is home to one of the most important ancient temples in Polynesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Marae Taputapuatea. This is the only place where the tiare apetahi, one of the rarest flowers in existence, can be found. Taha’a is called the vanilla island as it grows some of the best vanilla beans in the world. It’s also home to the Champon Pearl Farm where you can learn all about pearl farming. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more off the beaten track, these two islands offer sandy white beaches, hiking with incredible views and waterfalls, as well as the only wreck diving in French Polynesia.
The list of islands goes on. Visit Tikehau to stroll along its exotic pink sand; go diving in Rurutu from June to October to spot humpback whales; or go to a church made from coral in Fakarava. The isolated island of Nuku Hiva has lots of interesting sites to explore. Visit the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, take a photo with a giant tiki statue or get a traditional tattoo from one of the best artists in the country.
French Polynesia may be famous for its romantic postcard-perfect location and luxury honeymoon bungalows, but the islands offer so much more. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers with more than 800 unique fish species. It’s a playground for adventurers not only for diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and coral gardens, but for surfing, hiking, caving, cliff jumping, waterfall climbing and lava tube exploring.
Foodies can enjoy incredible fresh seafood including the local poisson cru, raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime. Plus, there’s more than 3,000 years of history to uncover for culture lovers. Visit in July for the Heiva festival, a month-long celebration of Polynesian culture including song and dance, ancient ceremonies, fire-walking and traditional sports like coconutting. There’s even something for film fans, as Mutiny on the Bounty was filmed here. Marlon Brando was so enchanted by French Polynesia that he bought the island of Tetiaroa.
You’re bound to fall in love with the islands too. The best way to make the most of your trip is to go island hopping. Whether you move around by air or by boat, it’s a chance to see what makes each island special.
While you are taking in all that French Polynesia has to offer, don’t forget to look up. It not only has stunning sunsets and sunrises to top off its jaw-dropping views, but because of the low air pollution, the night skies are perfect for stargazing.