French Polynesia is a group of 118 islands spread across an area of ocean about the size of Western Europe!
The region is a heady blend of tropical fragrances and colours, unspoiled white beaches, exotic and traditional cuisine, and untouched wilderness. Bring your tramping boots - walks vary from easy to more demanding, and you'll be rewarded with views of soaring peaks, spectacular waterfalls and awe-inspiring lava tubes. Bring your snorkel and flippers too: divers come from the world over to experience the crystalline waters of its many lagoons.
About five hours from New Zealand, French Polynesia is nature at its most creative. Jagged volcanic islands that leap into the sky rub shoulders with low coral atolls that float like gossamer on the sea.
Idealised by European explorers as an "earthly paradise", French Polynesia still retains enough unspoiled beauty to draw romantics and dreamers. Moorea and Bora Bora are true island getaways - places you can imagine you're shipwrecked and feel quite happy at the thought!
For those who like their wilderness with a bit of civilisation attached, Papeete offers plenty of action. Capital of Tahiti, the largest island, it's a bustling town where shopping and eating are a way of life. It also features the stunning Botanical Gardens and the Gauguin Museum, named after the French Impressionist who gave up everything to find inspiration here.
And it's only a short drive from black sand beaches, some of the best surf in the world, and lush tropical bush walks.
French Polynesia is dotted with islands, atolls and small villages. Ra'iroa ("huge sky") is one of the four largest atolls in the world, comprising a necklace of more than 240 small islands that are almost touching one another.
Crushed coral roads, bordered by bougainvillea, camellia, hibiscus and frangipani, separate the villages. Birdsong is constant: French Polynesia is home to over 90 species, 33 of them native.
Until you venture from Papeete, you haven't really seen French Polynesia!
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