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Tahiti is the
largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in
French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France. In the
central part of the Pacific Ocean the nearest major landmass is
the North Island of New Zealand. Tahiti is the tourist
base for exploring other islands.
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Papeete, with a population of 125,000 is the capital city
and hub for governmental, industrial, commercial, financial,
transportation and tourism services. |
The main sights in Papeete are the Central
Market, the waterfront esplanade, the 19th century cathedral and
the buildings associated with the territorial government.
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A few caves and grottoes lie within Tahiti's mountains. Here
people swim in the clear waters of the Grotto de Maraa.
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The white sand beach near Punaauia takes in a view of Tahiti Iti
where international surfing competitions take place (like the
Paris Olympics.)
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The three waterfalls in the Faarumai Valley originate from 3
different watersheds. The highest cascade is 80 meters. |
There are many ancient Poynesian sacred sites. This is the only
one open to the public, Marae Arahorahu.
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The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands features Polynesian history
and artwork by French artist Paul Gauguin.
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Venus Point, on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by black sand
beaches, was so named because this is where Captain Cook came to
observe the transit of planet Venus in 1769. |
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Papeete's airport features panels
from Tania Wursig's "Painting in Paradise" images of
local Tahitians.
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Tikis represent deified ancestors and
often mark the boundaries of significant sites.
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Body tattoos on both men and women are an
integral part of Tahitian culture. |
A beautiful Tahitian aesthetic guides
artwork, architecture and body ornamentation.
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Moorea lies a 45-minute ferry ride from
Tahiti. Valare Bay serves as the ferry harbour and marina.
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Moorea's 8 mountain peaks and heart-shaped
contour give the island a distinct silhouette, here seen from
Cook Bay. |
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The Pineapple Road bisects the island
through its caldera, and across vast stretches of pineapple
plantations.
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A variety of interesting flora can be seen
in the natural habitat and in public botanical and commercial
gardens. |
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The Belvedere lookout provides a vista of
the two main bays, Opunohu and Cook, on either side of
Mount Rotui.
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A gruelling drive and hike takes one to
the summit of Magic Mountain, from which a breathtaking view of
Opunohu Bay and the town of Paopao can be seen. |
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Many activities are available in Moorea:
snorkelling, scuba diving, outrigger expeditions, catamaran and
jet-ski excursions, quad tours, and hiking.
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During our four-by-four tour, we were taken to the Urofare River
where we fed fish to large ecologically-protected eels. |
