Experience a local Tahitian outdoor market
Take the opportunity to try your hand at jet-skiing
Spend 3 days enjoying the delights of Taha'a
Jeep safaris are a great way to explore the islands
Explore the lush hillsides to get stunning views
The shallow coral garden offers world class diving
Swim in translucent lagoons
Get out on the water for an incredible view
Explore the local side of French Polynesia beyond the hotel chains, with our 7 day ‘pension’ stay on two magnificent islands. Beyond the much-visited islands of Moorea and Bora Bora you’ll first visit the picturesque, garden island of Huahine – a culturally significant island which retains many of its historical links to early Polynesia. Next, you’ll take a short flight over to Taha’a Island, whose hillsides are adorned with banana, watermelon and coconut groves and where the scent of Tahitian vanilla lingers in abundance. Uncover authentic French Polynesia on this incredible week-long trip!
Snorkel off the pristine beaches, hike through the lush landscapes and explore the vanilla plantations on this ‘off the beaten track’ style trip to two of the lesser-known islands of French Polynesia. Revel in the island experience and learn how to live like a local with this week-long adventure to the islands of Huahine and Tahaa.
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements; please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
On arrival into Papeete you will be greeted by a local representative and shown to your connecting domestic flight. Your short flight over to Huahine takes around 35 minutes and on arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for a 2 night stay.
Located in the Leeward group of the Society Islands, Huahine is a tropical garden island, rich with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves and watermelon fields. With a well-preserved culture showcased by the sacred temples located deep in the lush landscapes - this island is guaranteed to captivate.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Considered one of the most culturally important islands in French Polynesia, yet significantly less visited than its counterparts Moorea and Bora Bora, Huahine has managed to retain its authenticity and link to early Polynesia. Huahine is one of the greenest islands in French Polynesia and according to the local people, one of the most picturesque. Don’t take their word for it, explore the lush hillsides and sandy beaches for yourself!
The locals here enjoy a quiet life and this lifestyle is sure to rub off, although there is plenty to keep you busy if you wish. Head to the main town of Fare on Sunday mornings to visit the outdoor market with fresh fruit and local produce grown by the villagers. Get out on the water and try your hand at jet skiing or sailing –and if you’re looking for breaks; this island is home to some of the best surf in the South Pacific.
After breakfast and check out you will be collected and taken to the airport for your flight to Raiatea, just a 20 minute flight away.
Arriving into Raiatea you will be greeted and taken to your hotel on the nearby island of Taha’a. The sister island to Raiatea, Taha’a shares the expansive lagoon and both islands are surrounded by a single continuous coral reef. Being only accessible by boat gives Taha’a a true island feel, yet the journey is just a few minutes from the airport which is on the coast of Raiatea.
You now have 3 full days to enjoy the botanical beauty of Taha’a. Hillsides covered in banana, watermelon and coconut groves cover the island and the scent of vanilla lingers due to the highly prized Tahitian vanilla orchid that exists in abundance.
Taha’a produces over 80% of French Polynesia’s vanilla and is used in everything, from the local cuisine to aromatherapy. We recommend you visit one of the many plantations on the island to see how this vanilla is produced for yourself.
Taha’a is perfect for hiking, discovering the local flora and fauna as you go. Jeep Safari tours are popular and normally include a trip to a vanilla plantation and a pearl farm, the two most popular attractions on the island. Water activities are of course also popular, the shallow coral garden between Motu Maharare and Motu Tautau offers scores of tropical fish and is a perfect spot to snorkel. Jet Ski, fishing, sailing and diving are also great past-times, or if relaxation is what you need, then just sit back on one of the flawless white sand beaches and look out over the translucent lagoon.
After check-out at the hotel you will be collected and taken to the airport to connect with your flight back to the main island of Tahiti. The cost of your domestic flight is included.
The best time to visit French Polynesia is the dry winter period between May and October, the weather is cooler and rainfall is much less. From November to April temperatures rise as the summer rainy season begins bringing humid, cloudy weather and lots of rain. During this time is not uncommon to experience brief, violent storms or torrential rains lasting a few days at a time. Peak season is July and August, Christmas and Easter school holidays meaning prices at this time will be at a premium.
If you'd like to get a feel for this trip, read our blog post 6 Enchanting French Polynesian islands you've never heard of - written by one of our consultants who has been there.
This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you
