4 Exciting stopovers to French Polynesia with Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui offers some brilliant stopovers on the way to French Polynesia. Even better, you’ll be flying on its Dreamliner planes, which glide smoothly through the air thanks to the Smoother Ride technology. The Dreamliner features innovative air purification and humidification systems, cabin pressurization management, and lighting systems that will help reduce your jetlag upon arrival.

There are currently four different stopover routes for flying to French Polynesia with Air Tahiti Nui from London. Here’s a rundown of all four options – we hope they’ll come in handy when you’re planning your French Polynesia adventure!

Seattle

If you're travelling to French Polynesia via the USA, consider adding a stopover in Seattle using one of Air Tahiti Nui’s newest routes. This eclectic city is bursting with live music bars, delicious food, and spectacular views. It’s a perfect destination for a varied stopover that combines both city and beach.

Start with a guided tour of the iconic Pike Place Market, where you’ll discover the best cheeses, pastries and seafood in this vast market. You can also watch some local fish-throwing as the catch of the day arrives.

Next, explore everything from Bowie to Star Trek at the Museum of POP Culture. Be sure to wander through the Guitar Gallery, which is home to instruments owned by Kurt Cobain, the Kinks and Van Halen. Then, why not visit the aquarium to learn about local wildlife before heading out on a cruise of Puget Sound, with gorgeous views of the many islands and mountains that surround the city.

If you want to get out of the city, you can extend your time here with a road trip through Washington State. Sip wine in the lush vineyards of Columbia Valley, admire the wildflowers on the slopes of Mount Rainier and hike amongst the majestic peaks of the North Cascades.

Olympic National Park is one of our favourite places to explore in the USA. Watch the sunrise over Hurricane Ridge, explore the rugged beaches of La Push, and walk amongst the mossy green banks of the Hoh Rainforest. Washington State has so much to offer and combining it with a trip to French Polynesia will give you a varied holiday.

Tokyo

Tokyo and Tahiti in one trip? Yes, please! This is a wonderful combination that mixes space-age city living with castaway island life. Enjoy the history and culture of Japan before relaxing on the white-sand beaches of French Polynesia – what more could you want?

 You can cover a great deal of ground with a three or four-day stopover in Tokyo. Head to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Old Town, Shitamachi. This is the oldest geisha districts in the city, and home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

You can also admire the serene beauty of Hie Shrine, a quiet haven in the heart of this busy district. Statues of mythical creatures guard the shrine that sits at the atop several escalators (a modern addition!). The shrine is famous for the 90 bright red tori gates that divide the human world and the spirit world.

You can’t leave Tokyo without enjoying some of the incredible food. Why not enjoy a sushi-making class where you’ll learn to roll and slice up some delicious lunch? Wander through the maze of atmospheric laneways, where street carts sell exotic snacks and locals toast each other’s health over a glass of sake. There are so many delicacies to try, from smoky barbequed meats to eye-wateringly sweet desserts.

Don’t miss Tsukiji Outer Market, a great spot to grab a snack before heading over to the 400-year-old Zojoji Temple, next to the Tokyo Tower. Here, you'll get a glimpse of Japan’s ancient history and modern architecture side by side.

Beyond the food and temples, be sure to admire Tokyo’s urban design and landscapes. Hiring a bike and cycling through the city is especially beautiful during the spring or autumn, when pink cherry blossoms or deep orange trees line the roads.

If you want to explore more of Japan, it’s easy to head off and explore the country on the brilliant rail network. Explore traditional culture in Kyoto, hike the Nakasendo Trail through dappled bamboo forests, and gaze up at the heavenly peak of Mount Fuji. Explore the arty island of Naoshima before heading to Osaka to taste the delicious comfort food that makes this city famous.

Auckland

While most people don’t visit New Zealand for the cities, a few nights in Auckland will give you a taste of Kiwi on your way to the islands of French Polynesia. Auckland has a lot going on, so it’s easy to fill your days with interesting activities, unique experiences, and delicious food.

We highly recommend taking the ferry across to Waiheke Island to explore the vineyards and pretty beaches – it’s a classic day trip from Auckland. Back in the city, you can visit the All-Black Experience, where you’ll learn about the world-famous team and try your hand at the haka before testing your rugby skills in the interactive zone.

If you need to shake off your jetlag, why not book a sailing tour on an actual America’s Cup yacht? You can simply relax and enjoy the views or take the helm and get involved – it’s completely up to you. It’s a great way to clear the cobwebs and soak up the scenery of the beautiful Auckland harbour. 

If you want to explore more of the North Island, why not drive up to Paihia to look for dolphins in the Bay of Islands or explore the beautiful coves and inlets of the Coromandel Peninsula by kayak. In the volcanic hotspot of Rotorua, you can meet kiwis at Te Puia, soak in the thermal waters at the Polynesian Spa, and admire the unique colours of Champagne Pool at Wai-o-tapu.

Los Angeles

The classic stopover choice en route to French Polynesia, Los Angeles is a brilliant way to break up the journey to Tahiti. Base yourself in Santa Monica to explore the iconic pier and ride the Ferris wheel with views down the coast to Malibu.

Stroll along streets full of trendy coffee shops and modern galleries before heading to the beach to relax. Why not hire a bike and cycle down the Venice boardwalk past quirky street performers? Eventually, you’ll arrive at Muscle Beach, where you can watch the bodybuilders pumping iron in the sunshine.

No visit to L.A is complete without a trip to Hollywood in search of your favourite stars on the Walk of Fame. Afterwards, you can head to Universal Studios to experience the magic of the movies.

In the early afternoon, why not take a hike through the Hollywood Hills from the Griffith Observatory to get 365-degree views over the twinkling city as the sun sets. This is the heart of La La Land!

If you want to explore further, you can extend your stopover to include a drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. This laid-back beach city is where celebrities hang out when they need a break from the busy pace of Los Angeles. It’s a charming place full of Spanish architecture with boutique shops and open-air restaurants. Spend the day shopping and sunbathing on the beach, before eating a delicious bowl of seafood in the balmy evening air.

If you’re looking for something more active, why not take a day tour of the Channel Islands National Park? Located just offshore, these scattered islands are home to miles of hiking trails. You can also kayak through clear blue waters, and spot the native wildlife, from the endemic island fox to rockpools full of anemones and crabs.

Inspired to travel to French Polynesia with Air Tahiti Nui?

Hopefully, these options have made you excited about planning a trip to French Polynesia with Air Tahiti Nui. We can include any of these stopover destinations and flight routes on your itinerary, and organise the perfect multi-centre holiday to French Polynesia for you.

If you’re ready to get planning, give us a call on 1273 320 580 or request a quote. We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, as well as round the world flights, so we can work together with you until we’ve created your perfect trip.