Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Any cheap way to travel to French Polynesia and other Pacific Islands?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Hi,

I'm planning a round the world trip and I intend to visit French Polynesia and other Pacific Islands. Apart form RWT, do you know any cheap way to reach the islands?
Any low cost company operating there?
Any cheap way to go from South America to French Polynesia or from Auckland to French Polynesia?
Thanks!
Carme

No.

1

Most of the rest of the Pacific Island countries are cheaper than French Polynesia.

2

Friends of mine booked last fall for January 2011 with Air Tahiti Nui from LA to NZ and got a free stopover in Tahiti with 3 nights accommodations - they were able to extend their stopover for some extra days in Moorea. I don't know if the offer is still available but it might be something to look into. Travel in the SP is quite expensive as far as air travel is concerned and connections are not that great.

3

The only cheapish flights ($200 OW or so) are from Australia or New Zealand, mostly on Pacific Blue or Air Pacific.
If flying on AP to Fiji, you can fly from Fiji to 5 other countries fairly cheaply using their Bula Pass within 30 days.

French Polynesia is indeed a rather poor choice if looking for "cheap" in the Pacific - think Fiji or Tonga instead.

4