Travel - International
AIR: Air Tahiti Nui (TN), the first Tahiti-based international carrier, began operation in November 1998. Tahiti is served by AOM French Airlines, Aircalin (Air Calédonie International), Air France, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines for long-haul international flights.
The Polypass (offered by Polynesian Airlines) allows the holder to fly between the Southern Pacific destinations of American Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga; Honolulu (Hawaii) and Los Angeles in the USA; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; and Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand. The pass is valid for one year. Once a reservation has been made and travel begun, all travel must be completed within a maximum of 45 days. Tickets will be issued against the Polypass by any Polynesian Airlines office (a valid passport is also required). For further information, contact Polynesian Airlines (website: www.polynesianairlines.com).
The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for many airlines operating in the South Pacific, including most of the larger ones, such as Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 40 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Chirstchurch, Wellington, Auckland). It is only available for people resident outside of the South Pacific. The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two sectors must be bought before departure (extra sectors can be purchased en route). There is a maximum of one pass per person, and passes must be used within six months of the first day of travel. Children under 12 years of age pay 75 per cent of the adult fare. For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section).
Approximate flight times: From Papeete to Auckland is 5 hours, to Honolulu is 5 hours, to London is 19 hours 20 minutes, to Los Angeles is 7 hours 30 minutes, to New York is 16 hours and to Sydney is 8 hours.
International airports: Papeete (PPT) (Faaa), on Tahiti, is 6km (4 miles) from the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Buses run regularly. Metered taxis are also available. Airport facilities include bank/bureau de change, post office, duty-free shop, left luggage, newsstand, restaurant, bar, light refreshments, car hire (Avis and Hertz) and 24-hour tourist information.
Departure tax: None.
SEA: The international port is Papeete, on Tahiti, which is served by Cunard, Holland America, P&O and Radisson Seven Seas. Other cruise lines serving Tahiti include Fred Olsen, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Windstar.
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