Tahiti does look nice

…and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Whenever I told friends or work colleagues that I was heading to the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti and Moorea for my holidays I got two immediate reactions. It was either an imitation of the iconic 1975 television ad for Imperial Leather soap (‘Tahiti looks nice. Simon, Tahiti’.) or, more commonly, ‘oooh that’s gonna be expensive!’

With friendly people, calm warm weather and a picture postcard view wherever you look (no the brochures have not been photo shopped. It really does look like that) French Polynesia won’t disappoint you. While the islands certainly have a reputation for being pricey to say the least, you needn’t channel your inner backpacker to enjoy it.

Our Lonely Planet guide warned that when we left French Polynesia we would be kicking and screaming. That advice was not far from the truth. If you want to go but you’re worried about the expense, here are my top 5 tips for making your dollar (orFrench Pacific Francs) go further.

  1. Self-cater – this doesn’t mean you have to stuff your suitcase with two minute noodles and mini boxes of corn flakes. (Ok, I did stuff my suitcase with two minute noodles, breakfast cereal and Enjoyo Meals). Some resorts offer rooms with kitchenettes that will allow you to at least avoid the exorbitant price of resort breakfast buffets each morning. There are convenience stores and small supermarchés within walking distance of most resorts on Tahiti and Moorea. Get a few ingredients to manage your own breakfast and lunch and you’ll save heaps to put towards nice dinners.
  2. Make your own bookings – There are plenty of activities that you will want to have a go at including whale watching, guided hiking, cultural shows and 4×4 safaris to the interior of the islands to name a few. Do your research and book directly with the tour companies. Avoid using the hotel concierge service to book excursions and activities. They will add on a substantial booking fee that can increase the cost of each booking by a good 10 per cent. That can add up over a couple of weeks. Make the call yourself and put the savings towards your next excursion.
  3. Walk – One afternoon my partner and I walked a 10 kilometre round trip to a museum after being told by a most anxious receptionist that such a feat was ‘just not possible.’ Taxis are ridiculously expensive and to be avoided except in an emergency. Resorts offer shuttle buses to shops and ‘downtown’ but these are also expensive and infrequent. So put your walking shoes on and make your own way. You’ll get to interact with the locals on the way. If you agree with our receptionist that walking to a museum is out of the question, local public transport is pretty cheap and it’s fun to join the commute with local people.
  4. BYO – The cost of alcohol in resorts is enough to turn you into a teetotaller. You will pay more for a cocktail in the bar than you will pay for a main course at dinner. Flights from Australia to Papeete go via Auckland. Take the opportunity while in transit to stock up on some nice New Zealand wine and take it with you. You won’t be allowed to take it into the restaurant but you will be able to sit on your balcony and watch the sunset while sipping a nice Marlborough white.
  5. Skip Bora Bora – accommodation on this classic honeymoon destination can cost twice as much as an equivalent on Moorea. I met several people who had been island hopping and declared Moorea to be the top island for activities while its more famous and expensive sister might actually be Bora Boring.
Tahiti does look nice
Tagged on: