In the middle of the South Pacific, Tahiti and its islands make up the largest marine territory in the world. Each archipelago has a unique landscape, from the green volcanic islands, to the turquoise blue coral atolls.
Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the archipelago of New Caledonia is truly a pearl of the Pacific. The extreme originality of its flora and fauna is the result of its special geological history, the antiquity of its geographical isolation.
Two territories full of magical landscapes and activities to enjoy all year round
The authorities have, in the last few years, started encouraging “green” tourist activities to discover a lesser-known Polynesia. Green tourism is on the rise, with marked footpaths, guided hiking tours and guide associations, and adventurous tourists keen on exploring nature in Polynesia have access to a wide range of activities: hiking, treks in a bivouac, surfing, diving amongst spectacular coral formations, canyoning, and even eco-tours organised by marine biology specialists.
New Caledonia has a wide variety of unique activities for travel lovers: white sandy beaches, hiking in the primary forests or in the channel, discovery of endemic marine and land biodiversity, diving, golf, kite surfing, surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, parachuting, fishing, hunting, boating, sport or cowboy horseback riding…
Accommodation:
Accommodation in French Polynesia can be divided into three main categories: international hotels, small family-run hotels, and furnished properties. International hotels, which total around 50 properties offering over 3,000 rooms, are located on the most popular tourist islands: the Society Islands, Tuamotu and the Marquesas islands. They are either situated on mountain slopes or over water, and respect the strictest quality standards.
The range of options available is extensive, ranging from luxury hotels to bungalows on stilts, accessible via a wooden pontoon and standing above turquoise lagoons teeming with multi-coloured fish. The star product of Tahiti andher islands is without doubt the overwater bungalow, the symbol of the islands’ romanticism which offers the full exoticism of a journey to what appears to be the end of the world.
Hotels from French Polynesia: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Hilton French Polynesia, Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Tahiti, Le Meridien Bora Bora, The Brando Tetiaroa Private Island.
In New Caledonia, a very diverse range of accommodation is also at your disposal: hotels and hotel residences from 1 to 5 stars, international brands (Hilton, Le Méridien, Sheraton), Melanesian hotel accommodation, stays with tribes, guest houses and holiday rentals.
Accommodation in French Polynesia here
Accommodation in New Caledonia here
- How to get there?
TAHITI AND ITS ISLANDS
There are flights from Europe to Tahiti-Faa International Airport several times a week. Both Air France and Air Tahiti Nui fly from Paris and connect through Los Angeles. It is also possible to fly to Tahiti from other major European airports, via Los Angeles.
Air New Zealand operates flights from London and Frankfurt to Los Angeles, with connecting Air Tahiti Nui flights to Tahiti. The entire trip takes 22 hours with the possibility of a stop-over in Los Angeles (see details with each airline). It is also possible to get to Tahiti from Sydney, Australia (Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand, and QANTAS), and Tokyo/Osaka, Japan (Air Tahiti Nui).
NEW CALEDONIA
From London to Nouméa is 26 hours, including stopovers, but this may increase to 30 hours, depending on the day of travel; from Los Angeles is 14 hours (with stopover). Many airline companies serve New Caledonia via Europe, Asia, the United States, Australia or New Zealand: Air France / KLM (+33 (0)892 702 654), Aircalin, Finnair, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Emirates, or Air New Zealand.
- Contacts:
TAHITI TOURISME
Contact: Sarah JUNKER, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive
E-mail: sarah@tahiti-tourisme.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 207 367 0981
AIRCALIN
Contact: Bruno COLOGNON, Sales Representative Europe
E-mail: Bruno.colognon@aircalin.fr
Tel: +33 (0)6 33 61 67 85
AIR TAHITI NUI
Contact: Gordon MACFARLAND, Product Manager
E-mail: gordon.macfarland@airtahitinui.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 844 482 1675
TAHITI NUI TRAVEL / TAHITI TOURS
Contact: Jean-Noël EPELY, Europe Representative
E-mail : jnetahiti@aol.com
Tel : +33 (0) 6 07 16 83 35
More information about French Polynesia and New Caledonia:
http://uk.france.fr/en/overseas-territories/list/pacific-ocean
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