Tahiti on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Finally a great sale to Tahiti!

Air Tahiti Nui finally listened to its North American customers and is offering a great sale that does not limit visitors to ridiculously short stays in French Polynesia.

You can nab an airfare for as low as $698 (plus $93 tax) from LAX to Papeete. The rules are that you have to depart between August 1st and 18th and return no later than September 9th. The sale ends July 19th or when 500 seats have been sold.

Air Tahiti Nui Continues to Insult North American Passengers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:30:00 +0000

This years tourism arrival figures for Tahiti continue to lag (over 8% down in April) below the terrible 2009 numbers (the worst year since 1996.) Air Tahiti Nui responds by offering a special fare good for stays in French Polynesia for up to four (4) days. Yes, four days for your vacation. If you pay $60 extra you can stay for all of five (5) days.

Now, if you happen to live in New Zealand you can visit for up to sixty days (60) days on a special airfare. Obviously the 3 million New Zealand market is more important than the over 300 million North American market.

Potential customers of Air Tahiti Nui posted their dismay about this on ATN's facebook page.

Did Air Tahiti Nui listen to what the customers wanted? No, they deleted most of the complaining posts. At least two of the censored posters happened to be Tripadvisor French Polynesia forum destination experts.

In an argumentative press release in response to the frustrated customer posts they wrote,"The Four Day Tahiti special, with a $60 fee for staying an extra day, provides a low cost opportunity to experience the beauty of Tahiti. Take a day trip to Moorea, shop at the “marché”, a visit to the James Norman Hall museum, a day trip to the world famous teahupoo surfing area, a night at the roulottes, are only some of the wonderful, experiences possible."

Are you really serious ATN? That's what you call a vacation? One day only in Moorea? In the market in downtown Papeete with the traffic and all shopping for made in Bali trinkets?

As a yet undeleted poster wrote on facebook, "OMG!!! ATN, are you trying to dig yourself a whole [sic] to China?"

I've got to tell you folks. If you haven't been to the Cook Islands, if you haven't seen Rarotonga or Aitutaki then there is no reason at this point not to go. Check out Air New Zealand's web specials.

However, if you want to visit French Polynesia then you've got to let Air Tahiti Nui know that they've got to have a lower airfare for a longer visit. Do post on facebook and let them know how you feel. They'll delete you but they will have heard you.

King Tamatoa Ferry on the Run

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:10:00 +0000

Tahiti's new inter-island ferry, the Raromatai King Tamatoa, has fled French Polynesia according to a report by Radio New Zealand International:

"The King Tamatoa fast ferry has left French Polynesia in a surprise overnight move as its operators were being pursued in court for debts incurred this year.

The ship left Papeete without making any announcements after it had stopped running its service to the Society Islands.

It is believed the ship is bound for New Caledonia or Fiji.

The transport minister, Louis Frebault, has told Tahitipresse that the ship has been a means to blackmail as its operators sought tax write-offs and fuel subsidies.

Last month, they threatened to pull out of Tahiti, if they failed to get the concessions they wanted.

The government said no and the ferry stopped running, leaving many people stranded."

French Polynesia Over Water Bungalows for $220 USD!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Amazing but true! A combination of the falling Euro (to which the Tahitian currency is fixed to) and years of declining tourism is finally producing bargains.

I went to Expedia, selected Manihi (in the Tuamotus), entered November 13 - 17th and Voila! A real over-water bungalow - with the glass coffee table that you can see the fish through, your own stairway to the the lagoon at the Manihi Pearl Resort at a rate that a budget traveler, such as myself, could consider splurging on. Just 220.18 US dollars per night. (Expedia also adds $34.36 taxes and fees per night.) When I shortened the stay to three nights the rate went up to $264 per night.

Is there a catch? Yes, it's the food costs. The only restaurants are the resorts and the prices are high. The 2008 food rate sheet is posted online.

American breakfast 2600 xpf
Lunch (set menu) 7900 xpf
Dinner (set menu) 10900 xpf
but MAP (half board) is only 3200 xpf
and AP (full board) is 5600 xpf

Transfers are 1000 xpf each way from the nearby airport. (Again'08 rates).

There is a daily tax of 150 xpf per person, per night due direct to the hotel.

The General Strike in Tahiti is Over!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:20:00 +0000

And flights are now heading in and out of French Polynesia.

Tahiti Strike Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:23:00 +0000

The general strike continues in French Polynesia.

An excellent source of news is Tahiti Strike on Twitter.

The Tahiti Explorer forum is also closely following the situation.

The latest is that the High Commissioner is hoping to get minimal airline traffic restored Monday as he realizes the mounting hardships placed on people unable to fly into or out of Tahiti.

Tahiti Airport Closed Due to General Strike

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:18:00 +0000

From the Air Tahiti Nui USA web site:

UPDATE:

June 11, 201011:45AM
Dear Sir/Madam

Air Tahiti Nui regrets to announce that there will not be a flight today from Los Angeles to Tahiti. We are not able to provide an update as to when the next flight will depart.
The reason for this is that the civic servant workers at the airport in Tahiti remain on strike and we have no indication from them as to when they will return to work. Accordingly, we cannot advise of when our next flight may depart.

For passengers originating from Los Angeles to Paris, this aircraft is stranded on the ground in Tahiti. Accordingly, until the strike is lifted, we are not able to advise our next flight to CDG. Please do not proceed to the airport counter.We apologize for this situation, which is as frustrating for us as it is to you.

As Tahiti is 3 hours behind the Los Angeles time zone, there is a remote possibility that the strike could be settled in the afternoon in Tahiti, which would be early evening tonight in Los Angeles. Accordingly, we ask that you continue to monitor our website or contact our reservations office from 4:00PM onwards. If we are not able to have service departing this evening, we hope the strike will be lifted tomorrow and we hope that we can depart by mid day tomorrow.

Again, we apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Also follow the Tahiti Explorer forum thread regarding the strike.

King Tamatoa Ferry Suspends Service!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:47:00 +0000

Just barely three months after the Raromatai King Tamatoa ferry began operating between Tahiti, Huahine, Raitea and Bora Bora it has suspended service and may be leaving French Polynesia.

According to Tahitipresse the company is seeking a tax exemption to be approved by the French Polynesian government. If it is not granted by June 30th the ferry will head back to Europe and 44 workers will lose their jobs.

Amazing! A general strike is looming and now this.
When I first posted about the ferry I wrote, "I sure hope it lasts unlike the previous ferries that have briefly run between the Society Islands (the Ono Ono, the Aremiti)."

I was so looking forward to traveling on it. Sigh.

Air Tahiti Nui Midnight Madness Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 May 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Another Update from facebook: Air Tahiti Nui USA Thank you for all of you who have booked the Midnight Madness sale. For all of those who wanted to stay longer, we have exciting news. You now can choose any combination of the designated outbound dates with the later return date of 22JUN for stay up to 13 days. For these variations, please call our reservation office at 877-824-4846 until 5:00PM PST today.

24 hour sale only! Hurry, Limited Availability.
Starts at 12:01 AM PST on Saturday, May 29th,
24 hour sale only! Hurry, Limited Availability.
Starts at 12:01 AM PST on Saturday, May 29th,
Expires at 11:59 PM PST on Saturday, May 29th.

Price: $502 Roundtrip
(Base Fare $218 + Taxes & Fuel $284)

Two Travel Date Options in Economy Class:
1) Depart June 9,10 or 11, Return on June 15
2) Depart June 16,17 or 18, Return June 22

Midnight Madness Sale Booking

You must be a facebook member to take advantage of this.

Air Tahiti Reduces Blue Fares 30%

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:20:00 +0000

If you are reserving and paying for your domestic airfares in French Polynesia you can enjoy an even bigger savings. Air Tahiti has announced a 30% reduction on their blue fares good throughout the year. Customers must be present in French Polynesia during the booking and ticketing process.

Roundtrip fares from Tahiti to:

Huahine - 16,800 xpf RT
Raiatea - 19,200 xpf RT
Bora Bora - 23,000 xpf RT
Maupiti - 23,000 xpf RT
Rangiroa - 24,600 xpf RT
Manihi - 24,600 xpf RT
Tikehau - 24,600 xpf RT
Fakarava - 26,200 xpf RT

All taxes are included.

Blue fares are, of course, those charged for the less popular flights - usually very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You will have a smaller luggage allowance - 10 kgs (22 lbs). You won't find any information on this on the Air Tahiti site that is accessible outside of French Polynesia.

Several years ago I posted this about blue fares.

Sailing on Cargo Boats in French Polynesia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

I've always wanted to sail on a cargo boat to the distant eastern Tuamotu islands.

Celeste Brash, author of the Tahiti & French Polynesia (Country Guide) has written on her Coconut Radio blog how to travel French Polynesia via supply ship.

She reports that "there are only three cargo ships left that take passengers to the Tumaotus (the Mareva Nui, Kura Ora and the Marie Stella); there are no boats besides the expensive (but worth it) Aranui to the Marquesas; one boat to the Australs (the Tuhaa Pae); one to the Gambier (the Nuku Hau) and only one for the Society Island circuit (the Hawaiki Nui going from Papeete-Huahine-Raiatea-Tahaa-Bora Bora and back)." Recent tightening of insurance regulations is the cause of this.

She recounts, with photos, a journey that she made a couple of years ago on the Dory (which no longer takes passengers) from Papeete to Ahe.

MAREVA NUI
Motu-Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 42.25.53
Fax : (689) 42.25.57
Papeete - Mataiva (every other trip) - Tikehau - Rangiroa - Ahe - Manihi - Takaroa - Takapoto - Raraka - Kauehi - Fakarava - Niau - Apataki - Arutua - Kaukura - Makatea -Papeete

KURA ORA II
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél : (689) 45.55.45
Fax : (689) 45.55.44
E-mail: kuraora@mail.pf
Papeete - Anaa - Faaite - Katiu - Makemo - Taenga - Takume - Raroia - Hikueru - Marokau -Amanu - Hao - Vahitahi - Reao - Pukarua - Tatakoto - Puka Puka - Fakahina - Fangatau - Napuka - Papeete

SAINT-XAVIER MARIS-STELLA III
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 42.23.58
Fax : (689) 43.03.73
E-mail: maris-stella@mail.pf
Papeete - Mataiva - Tikehau -Rangiroa - Ahe - Manihi - Takaroa - Takapoto - Aratika -Kauehi - Raraka - Fakarava -Toau - Niau - Apataki -Arutua - Kaukura - Papeete

Aranui

TUHAA PAE II
Motu-Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 41.36.06 / 41.36.16
Fax Res. : (689) 43.15.88
E-mail: snathp@mail.pf
One trip every 2 or 3 months to Rapa, and 3-4 trips per month to the other Southern islands of Rimatara- Rurutu - Tubuai - Raivavae.

NUKU HAU
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. :(689) 54.99.54
E-mail: contact@stim.pf
Papeete - Hao - Nengo Nengo -Tureia -Vanavana - Marutea -Rikitea - Tematangi - Anuanuraro - Nukutepipi - Hereheretue - Papeete

HAWAIKI NUI
Tel.: Papeete (689) 54.99.54
Tél.: Bora Bora (689) 67.72.39
Tél.: Huahine (689) 68.78.03
Huahine - Raiatea - Bora Bora - Tahaa

All of the above, of course, is subject to change.

The King Tamatoa ferry is running, for real.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:15:00 +0000

The various news outlets reported that the King Tamatoa ferry would begin running from Tahiti to Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora on March 5th. Well, that didn't happen but it did begin running on March 31st. What wonderful news! I sure hope it lasts unlike the previous ferries that have briefly run between the Society Islands (the Ono Ono, the Aremiti).

Departures are from the Quai Sud opposite the GIE Tahiti Tourisme office in downtown Papeete.

The April schedule is:

Wednesdays (Mercredi)

Departs Tahiti 9:00 am
Arrives Huahine 12:00 noon
Departs Huahine 12:30 pm
Arrives Raiatea 2:20 pm
Departs Raiatea 3:00 pm
Arrives Bora Bora 5:15 pm

Fridays (Vendredi)

Departs Tahiti 1:45 pm
Arrives Huahine 4:45 pm
Departs Huahine 5:15 pm
Arrives Raiatea 7:05 pm
Departs Raiatea 7:45 pm
Arrives Bora Bora 10:00 pm

Returning on

Thursdays (Jeudi)

Departs Bora Bora 7:00 am
Arrives Raiatea 9:15 am
Departs Raiatea 9:45 am
Arrives Huahine 11:35 am
Departs Huahine 12:05 am
Arrives Tahiti 3:05 pm

Sundays (Dimanche)

Departs Bora Bora 1:00 pm
Arrives Raiatea 3:15 pm
Departs Raiatea 3:45 pm
Arrives Huahine 5:35 pm
Departs Huahine 6:05 pm
Arrives Tahiti 9:05 pm

One way to Bora Bora is 10,000 cfp for VIP seats, 8,000 cfp for Comfort seats, 6000 for tourist seats. Two children under 12 are free. If you are over 60 you get a 20% discount.

Tel: 45 32 63
Fax: 45 32 43
Email: resa@raromatai-ferry.pf

A Step in the Right Direction for Air Tahiti Nui

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:53:00 +0000

Air Tahiti Nui has finally come up with a special air fare that is not an insult to the North American market. I guess NO TOURISTS didn't work for them. Now instead of having a five day vacation, visitors will be able to purchase the special for stays up to 30 days.

If you choose to travel between 11/01/10 to 12/10/10 and 01/07/11 to 03/14/11 you can get a fare of $899 RT from LAX to Papeete plus tax or $988.90 total.

The catch is having to book uncomfortably far in advance, between now and May 7th. Sure I'm tempted but who knows what will happen between now and November. Will the new ferry (post to come about that) still be running and on the same days? Air Tahiti's (the domestic carrier, not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui) summer schedule goes into effect November 1st and thus the information available on their Web site may not be accurate.

When I first read about the fare I got excited but then I realized that I'm the customer and if they want me back they've got to concede even more. Right now I could buy an airfare to Tahiti for April, this month!, if I agreed to only stay there for five days. I have to book now and wait till November for a longer vacation? I'll wait and see what develops.

Tahiti is no longer welcoming North American tourists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Sure feels like it. While tourist arrivals for French Polynesia are down a staggering 29% from a year ago the national airline, Air Tahiti Nui, is doing everything that it can to discourage and frankly, insult, North American visitors.

Want a reasonable air fare to Tahiti? Fine, limit your stay to 4 days maximum and you can get a $731 RT. Yes, they are allowing us to have a four day vacation.

Four days too short? How about a 5 day vacation? Then the airfare jumps up to $996.

But listen to this. If we agree not to step on their soil but rather take a plane to Tahiti and then switch to plane to Auckland (with no stop over) we can do that for only $889 and it's valid for a trip up to a year!!!

Strange, we have many other choices. In the South Pacific, right next door, are the English speaking Cook Islands. The photo above was taken in the Cooks. Air New Zealand is offering weekly non-stops from LAX to Rarotonga for $935 (including all fees and taxes) and a maximum stay of one year. Better yet, fly to Auckland for even less (on ANZ) and get a free Pacific island stopover (Cooks, Samoa or Tonga).

New Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special - $859 RT from LAX

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Air Tahiti Nui is offering a new Web special fare RT from LAX to Papeete.

The $859.00 price includes all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Purchase a ticket between April 20th and May 11th for flights between August 11th (high season!) and December 10th.

No minimum stay, maximum stay is 10 days from arrival in Papeete.

Another Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special from LAX - $859 RT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Air Tahiti Nui has posted another online special, $859 RT from LAX including all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Tickets must be purchased before February 28th and are good for travel between now and April 30th. The maximum stay allowed is 15 days.

$860 Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special from LAX

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Air Tahiti Nui is finally offering a special and it's a good one.

$860 including all taxes, fees & surcharges RT from LAX to Tahiti

The fare is only available on select dates and flights:

Southbound (Los Angeles - Papeete)

TN11/05FEB
TN01/08FEB
TN411/14FEB (Valentine's Day!)
TN01/15FEB
TN11/19FEB
TN111/20FEB
TN11/26FEB
TN111/06MAR
TN101/11MAR

Northbound (Papeete - Los Angeles)
TN12/11FEB
TN412/14FEB
TN12/18FEB
TN102/19FEB
TN12/25FEB
TN22/03MAR
TN12/04MAR
TN102/12MAR
TN02/16MAR

Call 877-824-4846 in the U.S. and Canada (Tickets must be purchased by January 22nd)

Tahiti Hotel School Offers Accomodations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:26:00 +0000

The Tahiti Hotel School (located close to the airport) is offering accomodations on weeknights during the school year.

Rates range from 7000 for a standard room with two single beds or a double up to 9000 for a bungalow. Rooms are air conditioned and have television.

Continental breakfast is available for 600 or have a breakfast buffet for 1000.

This is a very good deal considering that you get a real hotel room for a pension price.

Their restaurants are also open to the public during the school year.

BP 13000 Moana Nui 98717
Punaauia
Polynésie Française

Telephone/Fax:(689)50 45 70

lhthotel@yahoo.fr

A Smoking Ban in French Polynesia?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Tahitipresse has reported "the Tong Sang government's proposal to ban smoking in public places starting January 1st has received the near-unanimous backing of the French Polynesia Economic, Social and Cultural Council (CESC).

The council, which, when requested by the local government, provides advice on a variety of subjects. It voted 36-0 with one abstention last week in favor of the proposal, which must now be approved by the French Polynesia Assembly.

The only smoking ban Tahiti has had up until now is a 1988 measure that prohibits smoking in certain places used by many people at the same time, such as some education, health and transportation facilities.

However, the new measure would be much stricter, banning smoking in all work places, restaurants, bars and nightclubs as well as all education, health and transportation facilities."

Getting Married in Tahiti?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:56:00 +0000

In the past Americans who wished to wed in Tahiti were advised that while they could have a traditional wedding ceremony it would not be legally binding. The obstacle was/is the requirement of one month's residency in French Polynesia prior to marriage. (U.S. citizens need a Visa for stays over a month and obtaining one requires quite a lot of effort and paperwork.)

However, since there has been a dramatic cut back in visitors from the North American market (their largest), they are considering revising the requirements for a civil wedding.

How streamlined the process will be remains to be seen. I located these requirements for U.K. citizens wishing to marry there:

In accordance with the national civil code, one month of prior residency in French Polynesia is required. Ten days must also be allowed for the wedding banns to be published.

The following documents must be provided to the municipality where the wedding is to take place:

A custom certificate from the authorities in their country of nationality
A celibacy certificate
A wedding banns publication certificate from the place of foreign residency
Birth certificate must be translated into French by an official translator

Yikes! and stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

A Month Long Tahitian Cultural Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:20:00 +0000

Tahiti is currently celebrating the "Matari'i Ni'a", a traditional cultural festival held at the start of the planting season, which begins on November 20th (but the festivities continue through December 14th).

Roughly (very roughly, I'm sure) translated from the official Web site Taumatarii.com it is to remember a time when stars guided the navigator on his double pirogue, a time when the moon taught men to plant, to fish ... It is to remember a time when the constellations were Polynesian, a time when the Pantheon of the Gods rejoined the celestial arch. A time when the stars spoke with man

A full and detailed Program is available in pdf format; it is all in French (but you can figure it out). There's a lot going on.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

New Tahiti Ferry and Cargo Boat Schedules

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:19:00 +0000

Finally there are new Ferry and Cargo Boat schedules available for French Polynesia.

To Moorea I've heard that Le Truck only meets the fast ferries.
To the Leeward Islands Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a
The Maupiti Express Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti
To the Tuamotus
The Arunai to the Marquesas
I've heard that there is also a small cabin for locals in the back of the ship just beside the kitchen. The cost was reported as $30 per person with full board.
To the Australs

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

Cheapest place to stay in Tahiti?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:56:00 +0000

Accomodations in Papeete are of poor value but due to flight and boat schedules sometimes you have to overnight there. I had mentioned Pension Teamo previously. It has now become Hostel Teamo and has a web site.

teamohostel@mail.pf
teamohostel@caramail.com
kay@mail.pf
(689)42 47 26
(689)42 00 35
(689) 43 56 95 Fax

8, rue du Point Neuf

Dorm rooms are available at 2200 cfp, a private room is 5500 cfp.

A kitchen is accessible for guests.

On their Web site they provide a handy map showing you how to get there after you get off the Le Truck from the airport.

Their online reservation form seems to suggest that they want a deposit in travelers checks but I noticed that they accept Visa and Mastercard. Be safe and either fax or call in your credit card information. Don't email it.

Au Motu Mahare - a new pension in Huahine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:04:00 +0000

I was going to save this one for myself. The owner of this new pension on Huahine posted their information on the Tahiti Explorer forum.

Au Motu Mahere
On its own motu (islet) across from the old (and unused) Sofitel Heiva hotel.
Tel:(689)77 76 97
Contact: Kim Fabre
motumahare@yahoo.com

6500 per night for one or two persons,
private bathroom (cold water) and a shared fully equipped kitchen
Free transfers, kayaks and bicycles

There are only two fares and the owners are the only people living on the island.
The location has been described as incredible by visitors. It's practically your own private island.

Finally a detailed Heiva I Tahiti 2007 Program

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:22:00 +0000

iFenua has published a detailed Heiva I Tahiti 2007 Program, including entrance fees.

It runs from the 1st to the 21st of July.

You can purchase tickets at the Odyssey
17 Place Notre Dame
(689) 54 25 25
contact@odyssey.pf

Hours of sales are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm.

You can also purchase them the evening of the performances from 5 pm.

Prices range from 1000 to 2500.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.