I'm planning to travel to Bora Bora for my mum's birthday. Sounds very cool.
However, I have a problem that seemed hard to find an answer. It's closer to most East Coast cities than Maldives, but I don't see many Aussies going there at all.
Anyone here who have been to Bora Bora (and Tahiti) before?
I have been to French Polynesia recently to both Tahiti and Mo’orea Islands. I have not been to Bora Bora.
Best way to fly is via AKL. You can fly via Noumea or Honolulu but it’s logistically much more challenging.
When we were queuing up to fly to Mo’orea from Tahiti island, my perception of the Bora Bora patrons were that they were more of a certain type and predominantly American.
Anyway check out Mo’orea, it comes highly recommended!
It's not that hard, given (1) Air New Zealand fly AKL to PPT on 787. (2) Air Tahiti Nui put codeshare on some Qantas flight to AKL, then you'll be transferred to their own AKL to PPT flight, also on 787. You can even redeem Qantas points on option (2) because Qantas partner with Air Tahiti Nui.
I went to Bora Bora for my honeymoon 6yrs ago and absolutely loved it! Even Hollywood movies that show it as paradise don't do justice to how stunning it is.
But be mindful that it's not a location you go to do things, as there isn't a whole lot to do outside of fishing or water sports. It's the perfect spot to wind down relax and do not much at all other than enjoy the food and hospitality.
As already mentioned it is mostly wealthy Americans there who can at times be obnoxious, with a handful of Europeans and Aussies.
Recommendations wise, I flew BNE-AKL with Qantas and then AKL- PPT with Air Tahiti which had probably the best service I've ever had on a flight.
If you get to choose, stay at a hotel on a Motu (island) rather than the main island of Bora Bora on an Overwater Bungalow. Worth every cent
Responding to Pabs, my own experience is that "wealthy" or otherwise Americans are no more or less "obnoxious" than Europeans and Aussies. And ratrace, perhaps you'd clarify what you mean by "a certain type". I don't think one can, nor should, generalize.
I went to BOB (that's the airport code!! in 2013 with a large corporate group.
Well worth it and stunningly beautiful in an overwater bungalow. Not cheap. We stayed at the pearl beach resort. Admittedly we had a charter flight direct from SYD each way so no transit via AKL.
Most beautiful place I have ever been. I stayed a few nights at both Intercontinentals and both were excellent in their own way. Expensive - but better!
I've been to Bora Bora and loved the time we had rain free - we went in December/January and only had about 3 days of the 8 without any rain. So be aware of that when you choose when to travel.
In terms of getting there - it wasn't difficult - we flew from Brisbane to Auckland and then from Auckland to Papeete. The connection times from memory weren't great but we did get lounge access in Auckland (nothing was available for us in Papeete on the return). You will need to stay a night in Papeete both when you arrive and when you depart. From memory the flight arriving from Auckland (Air Tahiti Nui) arrived very late and the connections through to Moorea and Bora Bora were not until midday the next day. The inter-island planes are all dash 8 or similar. Air Tahiti Nui was great and it was a pleasant flight.
Have a great time! It is a beatiful place and the people are lovely. We stayed at the Four Seasons and I would recommend that no matter where you stay, you get rates which include full board. It's expensive anyway, but if you don't have full board it is eye watering. We had half board (breakfast and dinner) and the staff at breakfast would send us away with snacks etc. as lunch was just crazy expensive.
Make sure you try swimming/snorkelling with the reef sharks and rays - lots of fun.
We were in Tahiti and Mo’orea December 2018. One of the best holidays we have ever had. The scenery, people, places and seafood were fantastic. We travelled from PER through to SYD (Qantas) then SYD - AKL (ANZ) then PPT with Air Tahiti. All baggage went through every flight no problems. Had advice in PER to double check at the ANZ counter when we landed that luggage was going through (as the code share is only new)
Ferry to Mo’orea. Very easy! (just long as direct PER- AKL wasn't available) You can ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora or fly up (watch the luggage weight and no. off as they are small planes) We used this ferry service http://www.aremiti.net/ to Mo’orea clean and had AC! A must is Mo’orea as its proably got more mountain scenery than Bora Boar if you like hiking and pineapple farms :-) Enjoy!
Responding to Pabs, my own experience is that "wealthy" or otherwise Americans are no more or less "obnoxious" than Europeans and Aussies. And ratrace, perhaps you'd clarify what you mean by "a certain type". I don't think one can, nor should, generalize.
Fair enough and you are likely right. It was just my experience when we went there as we stayed with 80% Americans at the resort and those who clearly were better off, were extremely rude to staff and other guests, louder in common areas detracting from the peace and relaxation etc. Could've just been the people that were there at the time
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Staying on any of the islands is super expensive, so I would suggest you take a look at the Paul Gauguin cruise ship. It is based in Papeete and offers mostly 7 day cruises which arrive at a different island each day so you get to see a lot; it is very comfortable; and you will have a wonderful experience without worrying about the extra costs (it is all-inclusive). In my view, the way to get there is to fly with Air New Zealand thru Auckland. Flight times are not the best so I stay at the Intercontinental for a couple of nights prior to the cruise - it is a lovely hotel, close to the airport and on the waterfront. (Unless you are super rich you don't need an over-water bungalow). You will find Aussies and Europeans both on land and on the Paul Gauguin too... Your mum will love it!
Ia ora na and welcome to paradise and no one ever said paradise would be cheap! The only form of tax the have is import duty which varies from 50-120% depending on country of origin France then the EU are the cheapest for duty and the rest of world at the high end, which distorts where the actual stuff comes from. Yes there is a certain type of person that flocks to Boring boring (locals call it) honeymooners, thus the local name. Unless you are on a honeymoon not much happens after dark. The main island is best for food, a few small bars and a few things to do. Learn a few words of Polynesian it will reward you heaps. The locals tolerate the French and detest the Americans so put on your best Aussie accent so they know your not from USA again you will get better treatment. As mentioned Moorea is one of the best of the islands and have spent close to 30 years going there. Watch out for the number of zeros on the bill , there is no way to explain it but 1,000.00 and 1.000,00 are not the same! The taxi from Moorea to home is 1,400cfp the most the tried to rip me of was 14,000cfp watch the zeros big time! When you get a bill and pay by CC make sure the number of zeros match on both, BIG TIME. The main island of Tahiti is great but not Papeete is refered to the Po bell of the south pacific, shit hole though the markets, waterfront and the food trucks at docks are good.
We went there about four years ago. Flew with Air NZ to Auckland and Air Tahiti to Papeete. Because of late arrival and departure times we stayed the night before and after on the main island. Flew to Bora Bora about midday and transferred to the Sofitel on their boat. I am pretty sure all the hotel transfers were the same and you need to pre book. The boat trip was an amazing introduction to our week on Bora Bora. The blue and green water colours and scenery are stunning as was the hotel location. If you want nightlife or tours you can almost forget it. If you like chilling out and lots of relaxing welcome to paradise. We were lucky to have an over-water bungalow so great views you could go for a swim anytime. We had an AccorPlus card so all our hotel meals were half price which is a big saving as others here have correctly pointed out how expensive it can be. We also went on a tour around the island but I wouldn't recommend it as the beauty of the place is clearly the lagoon and surrounding beaches. Mostly American and Europeans staying there but no "obnoxious" behavior. It is a long way to go for a short break but overall we loved it. One more scratched off the bucket list.
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
I'm planning to travel to Bora Bora for my mum's birthday. Sounds very cool.
Kathbirk
Kathbirk
Qantas - Qantas Frequent FlyerJ
Member since 19 Apr 2013
Total posts 13
Yes I have been but it was 30 years ago. Loved it, very beautiful but expensive and a favourite with the Americans.
russell
russell
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 04 Nov 2011
Total posts 232
It’s not the easiest place to get to from Australia and the fact it’s quite expensive probably limits it’s local appeal.
ratrace
ratrace
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 50
I have been to French Polynesia recently to both Tahiti and Mo’orea Islands. I have not been to Bora Bora.
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
It's not that hard, given (1) Air New Zealand fly AKL to PPT on 787. (2) Air Tahiti Nui put codeshare on some Qantas flight to AKL, then you'll be transferred to their own AKL to PPT flight, also on 787. You can even redeem Qantas points on option (2) because Qantas partner with Air Tahiti Nui.
Pabs
Pabs
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 May 2017
Total posts 21
I went to Bora Bora for my honeymoon 6yrs ago and absolutely loved it! Even Hollywood movies that show it as paradise don't do justice to how stunning it is.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
Responding to Pabs, my own experience is that "wealthy" or otherwise Americans are no more or less "obnoxious" than Europeans and Aussies. And ratrace, perhaps you'd clarify what you mean by "a certain type". I don't think one can, nor should, generalize.
Batesy
Batesy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Jun 2016
Total posts 3
mickp99
mickp99
Member since 06 Mar 2015
Total posts 3
Most beautiful place I have ever been. I stayed a few nights at both Intercontinentals and both were excellent in their own way. Expensive - but better!
newbie
newbie
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 Aug 2018
Total posts 1
I've been to Bora Bora and loved the time we had rain free - we went in December/January and only had about 3 days of the 8 without any rain. So be aware of that when you choose when to travel.
In terms of getting there - it wasn't difficult - we flew from Brisbane to Auckland and then from Auckland to Papeete. The connection times from memory weren't great but we did get lounge access in Auckland (nothing was available for us in Papeete on the return). You will need to stay a night in Papeete both when you arrive and when you depart. From memory the flight arriving from Auckland (Air Tahiti Nui) arrived very late and the connections through to Moorea and Bora Bora were not until midday the next day. The inter-island planes are all dash 8 or similar. Air Tahiti Nui was great and it was a pleasant flight.
Have a great time! It is a beatiful place and the people are lovely. We stayed at the Four Seasons and I would recommend that no matter where you stay, you get rates which include full board. It's expensive anyway, but if you don't have full board it is eye watering. We had half board (breakfast and dinner) and the staff at breakfast would send us away with snacks etc. as lunch was just crazy expensive.
Make sure you try swimming/snorkelling with the reef sharks and rays - lots of fun.
Simsopleo
Simsopleo
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 01 Feb 2019
Total posts 1
Pabs
Pabs
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 May 2017
Total posts 21
Fair enough and you are likely right. It was just my experience when we went there as we stayed with 80% Americans at the resort and those who clearly were better off, were extremely rude to staff and other guests, louder in common areas detracting from the peace and relaxation etc. Could've just been the people that were there at the time
austrav
austrav
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
Member since 02 Nov 2016
Total posts 2
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Staying on any of the islands is super expensive, so I would suggest you take a look at the Paul Gauguin cruise ship. It is based in Papeete and offers mostly 7 day cruises which arrive at a different island each day so you get to see a lot; it is very comfortable; and you will have a wonderful experience without worrying about the extra costs (it is all-inclusive). In my view, the way to get there is to fly with Air New Zealand thru Auckland. Flight times are not the best so I stay at the Intercontinental for a couple of nights prior to the cruise - it is a lovely hotel, close to the airport and on the waterfront. (Unless you are super rich you don't need an over-water bungalow). You will find Aussies and Europeans both on land and on the Paul Gauguin too... Your mum will love it!
Dunc
Dunc
Member since 30 Sep 2011
Total posts 25
Ia ora na and welcome to paradise and no one ever said paradise would be cheap! The only form of tax the have is import duty which varies from 50-120% depending on country of origin France then the EU are the cheapest for duty and the rest of world at the high end, which distorts where the actual stuff comes from. Yes there is a certain type of person that flocks to Boring boring (locals call it) honeymooners, thus the local name. Unless you are on a honeymoon not much happens after dark. The main island is best for food, a few small bars and a few things to do. Learn a few words of Polynesian it will reward you heaps. The locals tolerate the French and detest the Americans so put on your best Aussie accent so they know your not from USA again you will get better treatment. As mentioned Moorea is one of the best of the islands and have spent close to 30 years going there. Watch out for the number of zeros on the bill , there is no way to explain it but 1,000.00 and 1.000,00 are not the same! The taxi from Moorea to home is 1,400cfp the most the tried to rip me of was 14,000cfp watch the zeros big time! When you get a bill and pay by CC make sure the number of zeros match on both, BIG TIME. The main island of Tahiti is great but not Papeete is refered to the Po bell of the south pacific, shit hole though the markets, waterfront and the food trucks at docks are good.
Billwright
Billwright
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 24 Dec 2018
Total posts 1
We went there about four years ago. Flew with Air NZ to Auckland and Air Tahiti to Papeete. Because of late arrival and departure times we stayed the night before and after on the main island. Flew to Bora Bora about midday and transferred to the Sofitel on their boat. I am pretty sure all the hotel transfers were the same and you need to pre book. The boat trip was an amazing introduction to our week on Bora Bora. The blue and green water colours and scenery are stunning as was the hotel location. If you want nightlife or tours you can almost forget it. If you like chilling out and lots of relaxing welcome to paradise. We were lucky to have an over-water bungalow so great views you could go for a swim anytime. We had an AccorPlus card so all our hotel meals were half price which is a big saving as others here have correctly pointed out how expensive it can be. We also went on a tour around the island but I wouldn't recommend it as the beauty of the place is clearly the lagoon and surrounding beaches. Mostly American and Europeans staying there but no "obnoxious" behavior. It is a long way to go for a short break but overall we loved it. One more scratched off the bucket list.