Tahiti Backpackers Guide
|
 |
|
Tahiti Islands
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Tahiti
Backpacking
|
 |
Tahiti backpackers are few and far between, mostly because of the high cost of travel throughout the islands. Backpackers with a stopover on their airline ticket tend to stay less than a week to have a quick look around and then move on to other south pacific islands where their money is spent more efficiently.
The majority of backpackers spend their time on the main island of Tahiti and on the adjacent island of Moorea. Venturing any further than this means purchasing an expensive inter island airline ticket which is worth it for the island of Huahine but not for the other islands unless you are prepared financially to explore the amazing islands of the Marquesas and Austral Groups.
Tahiti has a number of budget hostels with dorm beds and budget rooms around Faaa airport and Papeete Town which is convenient as many of the flights arrive late at nighty. But convenience is all they offer and once you've spent your night it will be time to move on. If you want to enjoy some stunning mountain scenery and solitude, head straight out to Pension Bonjouir on the western tip of the island. This hostel enjoys a truly peaceful setting in a secluded valley looking out to the ocean with no roads (boat transfers required) and offers camping and budget rooms with shared facilities. Other than this, Tahiti offers little to backpackers. If you are looking for the beach, then head straight out to Moorea Island which takes an hour by ferry from Papeete Town.
Moorea has several camping grounds and backpacker style accommodation as well as some affordable bungalows. The best of these are on the west coast of the island. Moorea is a nice island to explore with some lovely coastal scenes and mountain trails.
For those looking for a bit more of an adventure, the best island to visit is Huahine The flight from Tahiti costs about US$80 and takes 35 minutes. The island is a lot more laid back than either Tahiti or Moorea with less commercial tourism and a more authentic Polynesian lifestyle. Here you'll find several lovely beaches, some truly beautiful tiny offshore islands, interesting archaeology sights, stunning coastal and mountain views and the charming town of Fare where there are a couple of excellent backpacker properties and several good restaurants.
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Backpacking
Fiji Backpacking
Samoa Backpacking
Tonga Backpacking
Hawaii Backpacking
|
|
|
|
|
