Tahiti is situated in French Polynesia and it is the largest from 115 islands and atolls. It consists of two, connected by an isthmus, islands – Tahiti Nui (Large Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (Little Tahiti). The islands of French Polynesia arose up as a result of volcanic eruption in different periods, that explains the variety of landscape, vegetation, lagoons, and sand. Turquoise lagoons with purely clean water surround its mountains, where you can see elegantly incurved slender trunks of the coconut trees, snow-white solitary beaches and slow, unhurried lifestyle. Water, which wash es the island, has a countless amount of tints. Birds sing wonderful songs, and none reminds others .
Great Tahiti is a place, where the sun ascends. Polynesians glorified Tahiti as an Earth of double rainbow, Queen of the Pacific ocean, long before the coming of the Europeans. The surface of Tahiti is covered by mountain tops and dense forests of rains. Waterfalls fall in the cool rivers and brooks, and glades with tropical bright flowers and rice terraces contrast with the gold coast. Tahiti is one of not many places on earth, where, due to an unique microclimate, black pearls are reared. On Tahiti you can visit a country, where local habitants rear pearls, and if will wish, you can purchase this treasure.
The original inhabitants meet here every tourist with a tiara’s garland (made from Tahitian gardenia), and as soon as you step on the earth of Tahiti, you understand that indeed you got into the real paradise!
ORIENTATION
Where it is possible for the tourist to travel in Tahiti:
1. Marquesas Island s are a part of Pacific possession of France, its overseas territories. In Marquesas Islands Archipelago, which is located in 1500 kilometers to northeast from Tahiti, 6 populated and 6 desert islands enter. The islands have a volcanic origin. Often people divide them on two groups - Northern and Southern. The administrative centre of archipelago, the city of Taiohae, is located on the biggest island Nuku Hiva. Nuku Hiva belongs to the Northern group. The Southern group includes the islands Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva.
2. Bora Bora is the most exotic resort of French Polynesia, which is in 240 kilometers to northwest from Tahiti. The island is located in the center of a multi-coloured lagoon among small islands. The population of the island is more than 4000 people. Bora Bora is the greatest and the most beautiful lagoon in the world.
3. Manihi Island is included in Tuamotu Archipelago and it is the largest assembly of atolls on the earth. Manihi is one of the smallest islands (the population is 600 people). There are numerous farms for cultivation of the well-known black pearls in this island. Manihi is a paradise for fans of a scuba diving. The sea fauna here astounds with its riches and variety.
4. Moorea is in 17 km from the Tahiti Island. The tops of volcanos are reflected in the transparent waters of Cook’s Bay. Pineapple plantations, white sandy beaches and azure water of lagoons cover the hillsides of this fine island-garden.
5. Rangiroa Atoll is the biggest island of Tuamotu Archipelago with the population of approximately 2000 people. Rangiroa Atoll that in translation from Polynesian means “the immense sky” is known for one of the greatest lagoons in the world. Two passes - Avatoru and Tiputa connect the lagoon with the ocean.
6. Tahiti Island is the biggest of 115 islands and atolls that make French Polynesia. Mountain peaks and dense rain woods cover the surface of Tahiti (1,042 square km ). The nature of Tahiti disposes to the pedestrian walks on mountains and enables mountaineering. Waters round the island are full with coral reefs - this creates wonderful circumstances for diving. It is considered that Tahiti is a birthplace of surfing, which popular places are Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea . The lovers of surfing will meet here the greatest Teahupoo waves, which are one of most difficult in the world. There is a great number of sporting clubs on the coast, which offer Sea Fishing (International Competition of Tahiti attracts here the most known sportsmen from around the world). After a walk on a canoe or sea fishing one of the restaurants on the coast is suitable for rest.
Driving around the island you will lift up to 600 meters above the sea level, from where you can see an unmatched panorama of Papeete and island of Moorea. Further you may orientate to a commune, where Pomare VI, the last king of Tahiti, was buried. This historical place will be interesting for the lovers of colonial history. After this, you may stop at the Matavai Harbour, where in XVIII century famous navigators arrived here on ships - Captain Cook, Wallis and Blythe (or Blith) on his sailing-vessel of "Bounti". On the fort of Venus, where the first missionaries arrived, the islands will told you about their history. Following farther, do not forget to stop at a little cafe and certainly at waterfalls in the tropical forest. Coconut water will be offered to you here, where the glass will be a coconut.
7. Raiatea & Tahaa Islands are included in the group of Society Islands, together with such pearls of French Polynesia as Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, where the majority of the tourists arrives. Raiatea & Tahaa do not have such huge popularity among tourists, but even this fact is an advantage for them. So, if you wish to see real not crowded Polynesia, it is necessary to arrive here. Besides Raiatea is a historical center of archipelago with rich cultural heritage.
8. A scientific fact is that in Tikehau lagoon there is the richest underwater fauna in all archipelagos. Accordingly, many divers arrive here, especially in the passage between the ocean and the lagoon where during the strong current a huge quantity of sea inhabitants gathers. The lagoon is a center of water entertainments: here tourists can use a motorboat, fishing, to undertake an excursion by a boat in sea park with picnic on one of the Motu.
9. Huahine Island is located in a group of Society Islands, to the east of Raiatea Island. Actually, it is not one, but two small islands, connected by a bridge. These islands are termed as Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti that in translation means Big and Small Huahine. Both islands can be travelled over up and down for two days.
Local residents name Huahine “Island-garden”. Here is such riches and variety of vegetation, which it is not usual to find on islands in general. The island is not too crowded by tourists, as Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. For the present it is possible to have a rest far from the noise and vanity in Huahine. Besides there are many magnificent sandy beaches, which the fans of the beach rest will necessarily like. And for those who like to have actively rest there is a huge choice of water kinds of sports.
HISTORY
Taiwan and Southern China are considered as an ancestral home of Polynesians. Several stages have been necessary for the location of Ocenia. Long before our era the first wave of immigrants has reached the islands of Melanesia - Tonga and Samoa. In the beggining of our era Polynesians have directed further on the east and have occupied uninhabited Marquesas islands, Tuamota and Cook.
Finally the Polynesian triangle has been populated in X century of our era.
The sacral center of Polynesian islands has been the city of Opoa on Raiatea Island. Relics of the temple complex Taputapuatea are kept on the coast of a lagoon till now. Here people of Polynesia made sacrifices, spent inauguration of leaders and governors, celebrate holidays. Here the main relic - the red belt of god Oro is stored.
Europeans knew the islands of Polynesia from the end of XVI and the beginnings of XVII century. According to one sources, in 1595 the Spanish navigator Mendana de Neira was the first European, who visited the Marquesas Islands. Other documents affirm, that the pathbreaker became the Portuguese navigator Kiros, who served Spain. His expedition has opened the Tahiti Island and Tuamotu Archipelago in 1606. Ten years later two Dutch seafarers have visited Tuamotu Archipelago – Shouten and Le Maire.
In 1767 the English explorerSamuel Wallis first managed to define the exact position of Tahiti Island on the card. Wallis has declared the island the property of England and gave it a name of king George III. After a year the French seafarer Bougainville, who hadn’t known about the discovery of Wallis, has arrived on the opposite coast of Tahiti and has declared the island the property of France. Rivalry between Britain and France for the possession of these grounds has begun.
Well-known English seafarer James Cook has visited Tahiti Island four times (in 1769, 1773, 1774 and in 1777). He has assigned to this island its native name - Otaheiti. Cook's diaries in detail describe a group of islands, which the traveller has named “ Society Islands” in honour of the London Royal Scientific Association, which took an active participation in equipment of Cook’s expeditions.
In the end of XVIII century there was already a private property on the ground of Tahiti. The whole island has been divided into the territorial associations, leaded by chieftains . The Thahitian society has been divided into three isolated social groups - leaders and nobility, landowners and simple people.
In 1797 one of the Tahitian leaders has managed to unite under his authority all islands of archipelago and become king - Pomare I. During his reign the Europeans penetrated on archipelago. They have been attracted by the stories of the eyewitnesses and the descriptions of fantastic Tahiti. Pomare II has hospitably accepted English missionaries and even he was christened in 1812. Gradually the Christianity has extended among the indigenous population and became an addition to the traditional polytheism.
Pomare III has reigned from 1819 to 1827. Then his sister Aimata has ascended to the throne, Queen Pomare IV (1827 - 1877). Under the reign of Pomare IV Catholic missionaries have arrived to Tahiti, but fast they have been expelled from the country under the influence of Protestants propagation.
On June 29th, 1880 king Pomare V has transferred the grounds to France.
The last king of archipelago was Pomare VI.
Since XVI century Tahiti has received a glory of a paradise place of free love. Naked Tahitian women have always met overseas seafarers and considered the visitors as gods.
In 1797 Christian missionaries have completely exterminated Polynesian culture. Today, Tahitian culture again revives after long-term oppression of missionaries.
GETTING HERE
Everyone who wishes to experience unforgettable days in Tahiti can take advantage of the following useful information:
Tahiti and its islands are a part of France, therefore a special visa, which Guadeloupe Section of the French embassy gives, is required.
The climate is tropical. The average temperature over the year is 27 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the water is 26 degrees Celsius. There is always sunny and hot, but the climate is softened owing to the fresh wind of Pacific Ocean.
The currency is Polynesian Francs (XPF).
In Polynesia there are no dangerous animals and insects so the inoculations are not necessary. The system of public health services is at a high level.
In Polynesia both local residents and tourists wear simple dresses. Take with yourself summer beach clothes preferably made of cotton. For the travel by ship you can provide clothes from flax and wool, as it can be cool in the evenings.
French and Tahitian are official languages. English is widespread in hotels, tourist places, in shops and restaurants.
Annually in the end of June the Heiva contest of Polynesian and a traditional Tahitian dance is conducted here. Dancers are dressed in very magnificent suits. In Tahiti the religious Woodoo cult prospers.
GETTING AROUND
18 Polynesian islands are located on 5 archipelagoes: Society Islands, Tuamotu, Gambier, Marquesas and Austral Islands.
The islands of Society Archipelago represent tops of the extinct volcanos, which eruption has occured about 2 million years ago. These are high mountains covered by dense, magnificent vegetation and surrounded by lagoons in the form of a crown. The basic islands of archipelago are Tahiti, Moorea, Bor a-Bora , and Huahine.
Tuamotu Archipelago has occured much before Society Islands. These are former volcanos, which tops have been gradually destroyed by rains and by wind besides they brought down more deeply and more deeply into the ocean, and now above the water nothing remain from the volcano, except for the coral ring inside of which the lagoon has settled down unknown beauty. This archipelago is located in 600 miles (about one hour in flight from Papeete) in the east of Tahiti and it includes 80 atolls.
The Gambier Archipelago is devoted to the cultivation of black pearls and includes only 10 small, high mountain islands. Аustral Islands consist of 5 islands remote from each other on 160-230 km. These islands differ with a sharp mountain relief and coral reeves surround them.
Marquesas islands are located in 1500 km in northeast from Tahiti (four hours in flight from Tahiti) and they are known for their untouched and wild nature. Both the French artist Paul Gauguin and the Belgian chansonnier Jacques Brel spent a long time here. There are no five stars hotels till now, which correspond to the international level. Nevertheless the beauty of this archipelago surprises even the tempted travellers.
Many of the islands of French Polynesia are uninhabited. On some of them commonly two or three families live, and the food is brought here once a month with special steamships.
One feature is peculiar to Tahiti and to its islands: smiling and hospitable people, who feel a real enjoyment of life. And any traveller, who has visited these places, brings to his home a particle of this pleasure.
Bora Bora is one of the most picturesque parts of French Polynesia, which represents a group of coral islands, as if huge beads connected in a necklace. The central island of this small archipelago in the form of Fantastic Mountain towers above the water. Owing to a unique arrangement in the internal waters of the islands the multi-colour lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, was formed.
Bora Bora gives an opportunity for a lonely rest on a beach in the middle of Pacific Ocean, far from the stress and the vanity. There are hotels on the islands, differing by faultless quality of service, maximal comfort, and harmony with the surrounding nature. Their design is in Polynesian style for which the combination of a tree and a stone is characteristic. Hotels offer accommodation not only on the islands, but also in the exotic bungalows constructed directly on the water.
There are many entertainments for all tastes on Bora Bora. The picturesque nature of Bora Bora Island, ancient temples marae, mountains - it is possible to see all this during Jeep Safari. You can go to the northern cape, to the Faanui Village where the leaders of tribes were lived. Further the road passes through the ruins of the naval base constructed by Americans during the Japanese War.
The road conducts to the southern point of the island, where a beach and lagoon of surprising beauty are located. Certainly, the island can be crossed also through the former military road where there are fragments of military American technics. Driving on a jeep, on abrupt slopes of mountains in the middle of a tropical wood, sun and singing of birds - all this presents an island of Bora Bora.
There are two kinds of exotic excursions on the lagoon - "Feeding of sharks and devil-fish es" and " Coral Garden". The best way to learn about customs of Bora Bora Island and to get acquainted with the local residents is to go on picnic on Motu. There you will learn about plants and a way of cooking. A charming Tahitian girl will show you how to put on pareo (the lady's suit representing a rectangular piece of a fabric), and local young tane (man) will teach you how to break a coco as it was done before. You also can enjoy the unforgettable kitchen, fish dishes, and dish from a breadfruit tree, pineapples, sweets, dances and songs.
Certainly, Bora Bora Island is an ideal place for quiet rest. Hotels have beaches with white sand and pools. The headlights on the water create a sense of rest and privacy. In the evening on the balcony you can admire with your family or friends the sunset, and in the morning fine Tahitian girl will bring you a breakfast on a canoe.
ATTRACTIONS
I n Tahiti the tourist can see a great number of sights:
Papeete is the capital of the island. It is an unique city, reminding of civilization in this tropical paradise. The trade district of Papeete is vast territory not far from the coast, built-up with shops and pavilions . Once the Chinese settlement was situated in this place. Here i t is possible to purchase practically everything what French Polynesia is famous with – from fruit s and flowers to sea products and wares of the local artisans. New two-storeyed Central Market of Papeete towers in the middle of this district . The b uilding of the market was raised in 1987, but it almost fully repeats the architecture of the «old market», built in this place in 1860.
Religion takes important place in the life of Polynesian society. In the east of Papeete there is an old Chinese temple of Mamao, which is guarded by two dragons.
The road to the south of the capital surrounds the entire island and drives to one of the most beautiful places on the island – Fautaua Valley. Stretched between summit s of M o unt A orai and Crown, Fautaua abounds with waterfalls and luxurious vegetation, therefore it is under the guard of the state.
Between Pape e te and Taiti I ti a small garden is located waterside. The garden of Mataoa is the living history of the unique flora of the island. Arrival of the man on Tahiti one and a half thousand years ago radically changed the flora and fauna of islands which had been so remote d from any inhabited earth, that even birds had not reach ed here. To the moment when people populated the islands the flora of geological period of dinosaur ’ s epoch had been saved here. The rare types of plants sprout in the garden, there is a large collection of orchids. Here, in a boutique, visitors can order a bouquet of exotic flowers or pineapples packed for the protracted transporting in the form of a gift.
T he display of the Museum of Tahiti is presented in 4 halls. The first hall is devoted to the geography and animal world of the islands. Th e second hall relates to the culture, consuetudes and way of life of Polynesians until t he arrival of the European colonialists. Tools presented here were made from cockleshells, stone s , bones of animals. The third hall is devoted to the history of religion of the native population. In the center of this hall there is a temple of "marae" with stone idols. One p art of the hall is filled by the Tat oo Art , which Polynesians do masterly. The last hall tells about the i sland colonization history : from the Polynesian people t ill t he advent of the Europeans, about their missionary activity. Accompanying texts are presented on three languages: French, English and Polynesian.
Paul Gauguin Museum reveals th e period of the artist’s li f e on the Polynesian islands. Among exhibits there are copies of the pictures painted on Tahiti, his personal things, including sketches, copies of documents, engravings. Gauguin considered that it is difficult to arrive on Tahiti, but to leave it is practically impossible, and the artist himself spent many years in this cosy nook .
In the Museum of black pearl you will be told about its history, technique of production, about its mythological, philosophical and religious value. You will see the criteria of its qualities, which will allow you to judge about the value of pearls. Here it is possible also to purchase unique valuables from the private collection of Robert Van - The Pearl’s Emperor.
The museum of the writer James Norman Hall was opened on Tahiti quite recently – in 2002. James Norman Hall was born in the USA. He was a military pilot, writer of world renown , lived and worked on Tahiti from 1924 to 1951.
A museum is built according to the sample of the house, in which Hall lived. Among the exhibits there are personal things of the author, including his table, typewriter, collection of works of art. On the shelves there are 3000 books, some of which are books of other famous writers, including Robert Lewis Stevenson, Jack London, Rupert Brooke, Herbert Melville, which also were living on Tahiti. The visitors of the museum are regaled with a tea in the garden under the branches of mango’s trees. The government of French Polynesia finances this museum.
Palace of Queen Pomare IV, p resently the city administration of city Papeete is situated in the reconstructed building of this palace, and in 19 century it was the residence of the Queen Pomare IV, which governed on the island.
The botanical garden is a natural preserve with rare standards of Polynesia ’s flora.
ACTIVE
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies. It is possible to sit down with a fishing tackle on the coast of a reservoir; it is possible also to go for high sea fishing and to catch from a boat. To receive a maximum pleasure from this employment, transparent water warm and abounding in game is necessary . On Tahiti and its islands there are many sports clubs, which offer fishing in high sea.
Seawater is much purer than water in the rivers and lakes, and in breadthes of Tahiti and islands it becomes fantastic transparent. Fishers from the different countries of the world are fascinated by the transparency of Pacific water where the visibility reaches 30-40 meters.
The Polynesian waters are known for a variety of the underwater world. Here it is possible to meet various kinds of fishes – such as devilfish, Reef Shark, tuna, barracuda and pike. French Polynesia is one of the rare places where you could see all this beauty close. Do not forget to take with you underwater camera.
Polynesian sharks are not so aggressive, as in the other parts of the world. It is possible to come nearer to them on a small distance. Nevertheless it is impossible to hunt fish near to which the shark floats.
Scuba Diving
The atolls of Tuamotu Archipelago are considered to be the best islands for a scuba diving: Rangiroa and Mahini. But it is possible also to be engaged in diving on Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti.
Where it is possible to be engaged in a scuba diving?
There are three possibilities:
You can float in a lagoon, which is a natural pool with shallows. It is a fine place for beginners or for those who wish “to perfect” the technics of natation.
Diving into the ocean where it is possible to meet all varieties of multi-coloured corals and fishes, including predatory.
Diving into the passes, which connect the lagoon and the ocean. They are known for the abundance of every possible fish, huge devilfishes and sharks.
Polynesia is an ideal place for a scuba diving, both for professionals and for beginners.
If you are beginner, careful instructors will teach you in detail how to dive and the technics of natation. The instructor will hold your hand in the water until you will feel comfortable enough and your attention will be completely turned to the dance of the multi-coloured fishes and corals.
If you are engaged in diving for a long time do not forget to take all your certificates. Tahitians strictly observe safety rules and the legislation defines admissible depth of diving depending on your degree. If you forgot to take corresponding certificates you literally go through the entire course again, even if you are professional. Except for the certificate it will be necessary to give a diary in which your last divings are written down.
Тор Dive is the largest professional diving-club in French Polynesia. Its technical equipment answers to all international norms and passes regular technical checks. The centers of Top Dive are placed on all basic tourist islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Fakarava. All instructors of Тор Dive are qualified divers with certificates of the basic international federations: PADI, Naui, CMAS, Cedip. Those who dream to master this fascinating kind of sport, have an opportunity to receive their first certificate PADI, Open Water or CMAS in Tahiti.
Surfing
The island of Tahiti is considered to be the birthplace of surfing. Popular places for "games with a wave" can be found in Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea. There is talk that all inhabitants of Tahiti - men, women, young and elderly feel unity with an ocean. Everyone, who loves surfing, should visit this Kingdom of surfing.
In 2005 Malik Joyeux, 23 years old surfer from Tahiti has proved, that unapproachable waves do not exist! Within several years this inveterate surfer tried to bridle the most magnificent, dangerous and huge waves of the planet. In 2003 Malik has passed on the biggest wave in the history of surfing in Tahiti. And in July 2005 at last he has embodied his dream to subdue one of the most dangerous waves in the world - Teahupoo.
Canoeing & Kayaking
The bamboo boats or canoes are very popular in French Polynesia. The local canoes are perfectly suitable for the international competitions in weight up to 181 kgs. They are made of fiberglass though there are also traditional canoes from local kinds of trees. Everywhere on the island hotels and agencies offer the tourist canoes on hire. In theafternoons it is possible to meet groups of people, who train or compete with each other on a canoe in the lagoon.
Water ski, hydrocycles and jet skis
If you take a great interest in a water ski, address to the Activities Desk on the beach. Here people will always help you with the organization of the given kind of sports. The warm waters and the soft climate of French Polynesia create fine conditions for driving on jet skis. You can undertake an original excursion along the lagoon on jet skis, stopping to swim for a while in unusually pure waters of the lagoon. The guide accompanying you will show you the most beautiful corners of the island. The special license for piloting is not required.
RESTAURANTS
Except for the restaurants of five stars hotels there are gastronomic restaurants of different national kitchens.
On Tahiti the tourist can find a French kitchen in the following restaurants:
In Punaauia there are three such restaurants - Le Coco's, Auberge du Pacific, and Capitain Bleigh. Tourists can taste French kitchen in Le Retro, which is located on the boulevard Pomare. In Vaima there are also pretty good French restaurants: Morrisson's Café and Le Rubis.
The traveller can also taste a Chinese kitchen in Papeete in such restaurants like Dragon d'Or and Le Mandarin.
Do not let through the Tiki Vilage with Polynesians dances on Moorea.
On Huahine Island Relais Mahana is a fine restaurant that fit any taste .
On Raiatea the tourists can take advantage of the restaurant Le Moana-Uturoa Centre.
On Bora Bora there are Top Dive gourmet Restaurant, Bloody Mary's-Pahonu, restaurants in hotels of a class lux.
ENTERTAINMENT
Island Excursions
The islands extraordinary differ from each other, therefore an excursion deep into or around of any island will bring to the tourist many impressions. There is a harbour in Tahiti, where the discovery of Polynesia started by the seafarers Wilson and Cook. You can feed huge fishes by yourself, to take pleasure in a view of powerful falls and magnificent panoramas, and to visit the local museums, which are entirely different from other museums anywhere.
During your walks on islands, probably, you will see tiare plantations. This aromatic flower forms a basis for preparation of monoi. Monoi is oil for strengthening and mitigation of sunburn, which more than 70 years is one of the bases of economy and also one of the cultural symbols of Polynesia.
Shark Feeding
By all means feed these peaceful giants with a sharp teeth. Such impressions are unforgettable. Those who do not like sharp sensations can simply observe dolphins; here they extremely like to communicate. Hotel Beachcomber on Moorea can provide you such opportunity.
Motu Picnic
Every island has a volcanic origin. In some cases (Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora) the extinct volcanos exist till now. In other cases (Rangiroa, Mahini...) the volcano has plunged into the ocean. But around of volcanic mountains there is always a coral belt, which sticks out from the water. This belt is broken into several small islands, which refer to "Motu". These small islands are almost flat and coconut trees cover them. In an environment of the virgin nature Tahitians will prepare a fantastic table for you with every possible Tahitian foods.
Here you will acquaint with the history, ways of preparation of dishes. The local people will tell you jokes and will teach you to dance, if you hadn’t a time to join yet to Tahitian dances in village Tiki Village on the Moorea Island.
Tiki Village deserves a special attention, as the cultural heritage of Polynesia is concentrated here. Here you can try Tahitian dishes, observe local residents and their historically developed way of life, to watch a concert and dances with fire, and also to order a wedding ceremony according to the local customs. Besides you can order an excursion by helicopter, fishing, and drive a canoe or a boat with a transparent bottom.
Observing whales
The unusually turquoise, warm, attracting and rich with life waters of a lagoon surround the islands of French Polynesia. Lead half or all the day long on the board of a small plane. From height of its flight you can observe a sea life and sea’s inhabitants - dolphins, whales and to uncover a lot of new things.
|
