Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please

[RooFlyer]

Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

In March next year I am coming back to Australia from Sth America via Easter Island, Papeete and Rarotonga. I've never had any great desire to visit the latter two, but I hated the idea of heading back to Santiago from Easter Island and then back to Oz.

I am not a beach-and-relax type of person, although I don't mind a snorkel and certainly am up for boat cruises.

So - any suggestions for accommodation in the Tahitian Islands and Cook Islands, where the emphasis would be on activities, not lazing on the beach?

 

[RooFlyer]

Oh, good grief. Could a mod please amend the title to "Tahiti ..."

Thanks.

 

[Steady]

Oh, good grief. Could a mod please amend the title to "Tahiti ..."

Thanks.

You can't change it with the edit and "go advanced" ?

 

[AviationNZ]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

So - any suggestions for accommodation in the Tahitian Islands and Cook Islands, where the emphasis would be on activities, not lazing on the beach?

Can't speak to Tahiti, but in Rarotonga there are some great snorkeling and diving spots (I've done a wreck dive and also saw the massive drop off surrounding the island). You can head on a 4WD drive trip through the inland parts of the island, with some amazing views from the highest point (not sure if this is do-able as a hike?). There's also the usual lagoon cruises which are more of a "soft" activity, and plenty of culture shows, etc. Or if you're into game fishing, a few operators doing that too.

 

[bPeteb]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

Papeete - we stayed for a couple of nights prior to boarding our cruise a couple of years back. We booked an inland four wheel drive trip from the tourist office - tahiti_safari_expedition that we really enjoyed. Depending on how long you are planning on staying you can go across to Moorea by ferry although not sure if it's day trip possible.

Our hotel was pretty ordinary so won't bother with a recommendation, or lack thereof. Other people stayed here http://www.hoteltiaretahiti.com/ and said it was ok.

We drank, and ate here www.les3brasseurs.com/ a couple of times and enjoyed their beer, their food and their staff. It was ok value in Tahitian terms.

There's a fair bit of detail about Raro on our Cook Islands blog. Travel Blog: Sand between our toes - two weeks laying on the beaches of the Cook Islands

I've always said if I could retire anywhere it would be Rarotonga. Very laid back. You can do some ok walks. Pa's Nature Walk was great. Stay on the west coast or down at Muri. Snorkelling is pretty ordinary, especially when compared to Aitutaki or Moorea, Huahine or Bora Bora. It's actually not a real beach place. The beaches aren't great - lots of broken coral - so you'll be ok there. Mmm... Not selling it at all well I'd still retire there!

 

[Milboo]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

Things may have changed since my visit there but we did Moorea several times as a day trip.

The drive up to the mountains on Tahiti was interesting. We spent the day driving around the island.

I spent 8 weeks there as a 16 year old on exchange and really enjoyed the place.

The main markets in Tahiti are worth checking out as a glimpse into life and the food trucks at the waterfront should be visited.

 

[Dudditz]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

I visited Rarotonga last year and can offer the following advice. Do the cross island trek contrary to what people might say you don't need a guide and it's easily marked and a great hike. Bring plenty of water and watch your step - the views from the needle are worth it! Consider a fishing charter, there are plenty near the main port in town and I was fortunate enough to catch a Marlin. You will get a huge portion of your catch and you can take it to any restaurant on the island and they will cook it for you for dinner (incredible fish and chips I will never forget so fresh!)

I would strongly recommend you hire a car as the island really isn't walkable if you really want to explore. There is two buses that run clockwise and counterclockwise but it's slow and unreliable. Matutu brewery is good fun and worth a visit to pick up a six pack and meet the brewers. A must is to visit the Palace takeaway van near the port and try the wet cheeseburger!

Finally there is a liquor store in town that has some ripping wines cellared at bargain prices. I was sceptical of how well it had been stored but was surprised when I bought a Baileys of Glenrowan 1995 shiraz and it was lovely perhaps just past it's best. Plenty of good Kiwi whites at reasonable places in restaurants on the island. As for accom, there was plenty of resorts around at decent prices, I opted for a private bungalow in a backpackers that was actually fantastic value. Can't advise on Tahiti as I've not visited yet but enjoy!

 

[dodgeyhack]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

Can't speak to Tahiti, but in Rarotonga there are some great snorkeling and diving spots (I've done a wreck dive and also saw the massive drop off surrounding the island). You can head on a 4WD drive trip through the inland parts of the island, with some amazing views from the highest point (not sure if this is do-able as a hike?).

There's a walk across the center of the island which passes by what I think are the highest peaks - massive rocks with faces carved. Was a really good walk and a lot of fun. It was only a half day walk from memory. Also quad biking inland was an absolute blast.

 

[Anna]

Re: Tahiti and Rarotonga advice sought please.

Because several of the islands in French Polynesia are mountainous there is lots of hiking available if you are interested in that.

On the flat atolls (actually on most of the islands) you can generally hire bikes and get around that way. Traffic is light.

It's more the lagoons that are a feature of French Polynesia rather than the beaches as such. So snorkelling, kayaking and other boat trips to see marine wildlife (eg sharks, dolphins) are generally readily available.

The island of Tahiti has a Gauguin museum if you feel like some western culture. It's not in Papeete but at the other end of the island. Papeete itself has an interesting early morning market worth one visit, otherwise don't expect much in Papeete. There's a good supermarket not far from the airport where you can stock up on affordable supplies (eg wine) before moving on to a more attractive island.

I don't like lying on a beach all day either, but I love French Polynesia. Brush up on your French