Cheap Flights to Papeete Airport

Discover Papeete

The Faa’a International Airport (PPT) is located in Papeete, and is the main international hub for the island of Tahiti. This is not a very large airport, and so amenities are a little thin on the ground. However, there is a bank, a duty-free shop, currency exchange services, and a bar and snack kiosk where you can purchase refreshments. There is also free WiFi available throughout the terminal for up to 15 minutes.

Papeete’s airport is located a convenient 5km away from the town of Papeete, and generally to get to the town you will need to hop in a taxi, or organise a bus transfer

Fly to Tahiti with Air France, Aircalin, Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, LAN Airlines and Air Tahiti.

Why visit Papeete?

Papeete is the capital of the island nation of Tahiti, and listing the reasons you should visit this beautiful country always begins with citing its remarkable beaches. But beyond the sandy stretches, you will find a lush landscape of waterfalls, lagoons, and pools, all of which are sheltered by dense and mysterious forests. Then there is Papeete itself, a joyful, friendly, colourful town with lots to do, even if you are only using it as a base to discover the natural wonders of this gorgeous Oceanic archipelago.

Things to do in Papeete

Within the city you must hit a few major attractions. Start with the bustling public markets, where you can interact with the local Tahitian people by purchasing fresh food and local crafts. Stroll through Bougainville Park, and then visit the local buildings of note, such as the Town Hall and Place Tarahoi. A little south of Papeete, you will find the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, and dropping into this museum is a great way to understand the culture of this rich nation.

It is however the island’s natural attractions that will really capture your attention. If you’re feeling energetic, hike to the dramatic Fautaua Waterfall, whose waters cascade down almost 1000 feet.

When it comes to the beaches, you will find yourself spoiled for choice. There is Papenoo Beach known for having a quiet scene, enchanting scenery, and if you’re interested, decent surfing. Or there is the more popular Plage de Maui, vaunted for its white sand and calm waters.

For day trips, look to book a ferry to Moorea, where you can hike its rugged landscape, look for deserted beaches to sunbathe on, or dive beneath its surrounding waters to discover its  rainbow seascape of reef corals.

Best time to visit Papeete

·         Like all tropical islands, the temperature in Tahiti doesn’t stray too far from 23-30°C all year round, but the weather can swing from dry to very wet. In Tahiti’s case, the best time to visit is between May and October.

·         From April to November, the humidity soars and the rains start coming in. The prices don’t tend to drop much, so this season is best avoided.

Arriving in Papeete

·         Flying to Papeete from Oz will mean at least one stop, and this is almost always in Auckland (AKL).

Currency

·         French Pacific Franc (XPF).

Visa requirements

·         Tahiti is in French Polynesia, and is under the jurisdiction of France, so usually this means that if you hold an Australian passport you will not need a visa. Nevertheless, conditions can change and it is important to check the latest restrictions before you travel. Visit the Smart Traveller site, which is an excellent resource for visa advice.

Please note that information is correct as of November 2016