Air Tahiti Nui’s new direct Sydney–Papeete route, launching in December 2026, will add more than 60,000 seats annually between Australia and French Polynesia. For anyone already planning a Bora Bora trip, that extra capacity means something concrete: the rest of the Society Islands just became easier to reach, with better flight connections and more frequent services across the chain. This article runs through a practical island-hopping route starting from Bora Bora, with the transport links, time needed, and honest trade-offs at each stop. It’s built for travelers who want to see more of the archipelago without overcomplicating the logistics.
More than 60,000 new seats annually between Australia and French Polynesia will open up the Society Islands from December 2026.
This isn’t a rushed tour — it’s a measured route that works as a two-week add-on or a standalone trip. Each leg uses real flight or ferry connections, and the pacing leaves room for the kind of slow mornings that make this part of the South Pacific worth the journey. If you’re working with less time, the last section flags what to trim.
The Society Islands work best as a series of short hops — 2–3 days per island — rather than a single base with day trips. The flight connections between islands are frequent enough to make it practical, but the ferry schedules and weather windows need real attention. This route prioritises islands with reliable transport links and enough lodging variety to suit families.
First-time Society Islands visitors
Families with older kids (8+)
Travelers with 10–14 days
The table below lays out the full route at a glance. Each leg includes the transport connection and a realistic time slot so you can see whether the pace fits your trip before digging into the details.
| Leg | Where | What | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bora Bora | Arrival, lagoon, sandbars | 3 days | Book the first morning for the sandbar tour — afternoon winds kick up the chop |
| 2 | Maupiti | Secluded beach, lagoon hike | 2 days | Flights depart Bora Bora early — book the 7 a.m. slot to maximise daylight |
| 3 | Raiatea & Taha’a | Cultural sites, vanilla plantation | 3 days | Rent a car on Raiatea — the island’s public transport is sparse outside Uturoa |
| 4 | Huahine | Authentic Polynesian village feel | 2 days | Saturday morning market in Fare is worth shifting your schedule for |
| 5 | Moorea | Dramatic landscape, water sports | 3 days | The Aremiti ferry from Tahiti runs multiple times daily — no booking needed outside peak season |
| 6 | Tahiti | Paul Gauguin Museum, departure | 1–2 days | The museum reopens in late 2026 — check the schedule before you go |
Bora Bora: Settle In and Get Your Bearings
You’ll land at Motu Mute Airport, and the first thing you notice is the colour of the lagoon — it’s the same turquoise you see in photos, just more vivid. Three days here gives you time to adjust to the time zone, explore the main lagoon, and take one solid excursion before the hopping begins. The sandbars on the eastern side of the lagoon are the standout experience, and they’re best done early: morning tours run into calmer water and fewer boats.
Half-day. Most resorts offer a welcome lagoon cruise included in the stay — take it. It maps the reef, the motu (small islets), and the pass where the manta rays feed. If you’re arriving on the morning flight, you can be on the water by 2 p.m.
Full morning. The sandbars shift with the tide, so the exact spot varies — your guide will know where the shallowest water sits. Bring reef shoes; the sand can be sharp underfoot near the coral heads. Pack a dry bag for camera gear.
Half-day. Use this to explore the main village of Vaitape, pick up any supplies you need for the next leg, and eat at a roulotte (food truck) near the waterfront — the poisson cru is consistently good and cheaper than resort dining.
If you’re using a drone for lagoon footage, the DJI Mini 4K is under 249g — no registration required in French Polynesia, and the 3-axis gimbal handles the gusty afternoon trade winds well.
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Maupiti: The Quiet Escape
Maupiti is what Bora Bora looked like forty years ago — no resort chains, no airstrip big enough for jets, and a lagoon that’s nearly as dramatic but with a fraction of the visitors. Air Tahiti now runs eight flights weekly to Maupiti, up from five, which makes the connection from Bora Bora straightforward. The flight is roughly 25 minutes, and the plane is a small turboprop — book window seats on the left side for the approach over the lagoon.
Half-day. The morning flight lands you on Maupiti before 9 a.m. Most guesthouses will meet you at the airstrip with a transfer. Drop your bags, rent a bicycle (the island is flat and only 11 km around), and spend the afternoon at Plage de Tereia — the main public beach on the eastern side.
Full day. Walk across the sandbar at low tide to the motu on the western side — the water is shallow enough for kids to cross with water shoes. The coral gardens on the far side hold parrotfish, triggerfish, and the occasional reef shark. Pack lunch; there’s no food vendor on the motu.
Maupiti has no bank and only one small convenience store. Bring enough cash (CFP francs) to cover your entire stay — most guesthouses don’t accept cards, and the ATM on Bora Bora is your last chance to withdraw.
Raiatea and Taha’a: The Twin Islands
Raiatea and Taha’a share the same lagoon, and for island-hopping purposes, they work best as a single stop. Raiatea is the larger island — it’s the administrative centre of the Leeward Islands — and Taha’a sits just across a shallow channel, reachable by a 15-minute ferry. The combination gives you a cultural site (the Taputapuatea marae on Raiatea) and a low-key island day (vanilla plantations on Taha’a) in one base.
Half-day. The flight from Bora Bora to Raiatea takes about 20 minutes. After checking in, drive to the Taputapuatea marae on the southeastern coast — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant marae in Polynesia. Allow 90 minutes on site. The visitor centre is modest but informative.
Full day. The ferry from Uturoa to Taha’a runs multiple times in the morning. On Taha’a, visit a vanilla plantation (most offer a 30-minute tour showing the hand-pollination process), then snorkel the coral garden near the motu between the two islands. The current is mild, but wear a rash guard — the sun is intense.
Half-day. The coastal road circles Raiatea in about 90 minutes without stops. Pull over at the Fa’aroa River — it’s one of the few navigable rivers in French Polynesia, and a short kayak trip upstream leads into a mangrove tunnel. The rental car return is in Uturoa near the airport.
Car rental on Raiatea books out weeks ahead during the June–August high season. Reserve through your guesthouse or a local agency like Avis or Europcar at least three weeks in advance. The circular coastal road is sealed and well-maintained, but some side roads to the marae are unpaved.
Huahine: Village Life and Authentic Pace
Huahine is often described as the most “authentic” of the Society Islands, and the description holds up — there’s no resort strip, no duty-free shopping, and the main village of Fare feels like a working Polynesian town rather than a tourist hub. The flight from Raiatea takes 15 minutes, and the island is split into two parts (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti) connected by a bridge. The Saturday market in Fare is the social highlight of the week.
Half-day. Arrive on the morning flight, check into your guesthouse, and walk to the Fare market if it’s a Saturday. The market runs from 7 a.m. to noon and sells fresh fruit, vanilla, pareu, and local crafts. After lunch, drive the coastal road south to the sacred blue-eyed eels at the Faie River — the eels are fed by locals and are surprisingly large.
Full day. The reef on the western side of Huahine Iti has good snorkelling with minimal current. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from a beachfront stall — rates are typically around 2,000–3,000 CFP for a half-day. The water is clear enough to see coral heads from the surface, so you don’t need to be a strong swimmer.
Huahine’s mosquito population is noticeable, especially near the mangrove areas on the eastern side of the bridge. Pack DEET-based repellent and consider a mosquito net for the bed if your guesthouse doesn’t provide one. The island’s pharmacy in Fare stocks basic supplies but runs out during peak season.
Moorea: Dramatic Scenery and Water Activities
Moorea is the most developed of the outer Society Islands, but the development is concentrated along the coast — the interior remains a jagged spine of volcanic peaks that look like they belong on a movie poster. The ferry from Tahiti runs multiple times daily, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. This leg works best as a three-day stay with a mix of water activities and a land-based excursion into the mountains.
Half-day. Take the Aremiti ferry from Papeete to Moorea’s Vaiare dock. The morning crossing is the smoothest — the afternoon wind picks up and the crossing can get choppy. After check-in, book a two-hour bay cruise of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. The cliffs are most dramatic in the late afternoon light.
Full morning. The lagoon on the northern side of Moorea has a shallow sandbank where stingrays and blacktip reef sharks gather. Several operators run half-day tours from the Vaiare area — the water is waist-deep, and the rays are accustomed to people. Don’t wear jewellery; the rays are curious and will investigate anything shiny.
Half-day. The interior of Moorea is accessible only by guided tour — the roads are unpaved and steep. Most tours stop at the Belvedere Lookout for a panoramic view of both bays. The tour takes about three hours. Book through your hotel desk; standalone operators near the ferry dock charge similar rates.
For water activities, the DJI Osmo Action 6 handles the bright lagoon conditions well — the 8K video and 360° stabilisation mean you don’t need to hold the camera still in the current, and the waterproof housing works down to 20 metres without an extra case.
Tahiti: Culture and Departure
Tahiti is the hub — it’s where your international flight arrives and departs, and it’s the most urban of the Society Islands. But there’s a strong cultural reason to spend a day here: the Paul Gauguin Museum at Papeari, within the botanical gardens, is scheduled to reopen in late 2026 with films, sound installations, large images, digital material, and recreated rooms. If your trip aligns with the reopening, it’s worth a half-day visit.
Half-day. Take the morning ferry from Moorea to Papeete. From Papeete, drive south to Papeari — about 45 minutes along the coastal road. The museum is inside the botanical gardens, so allow time to walk the grounds. Check the museum’s reopening schedule before you go; it’s been closed for renovations and the exact date may shift.
Half-day. The Papeete Market (Marché de Papeete) is open daily except Sunday, with the best selection in the morning. The market sells vanilla, monoï oil, black pearls, and fresh produce. From the market, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to Faa’a International Airport. Allow two hours for check-in on international departures.
Faa’a International Airport has limited dining options after security — the main terminal restaurant closes by 6 p.m. on weekdays. If you have an evening departure, eat at a restaurant in Papeete before heading to the airport. The airport’s free Wi-Fi has a 30-minute limit, so download entertainment before you arrive.
Planning the Logistics: Flights, Ferries, and Booking Windows
The inter-island transport in the Society Islands runs on a mix of scheduled flights and ferries, and the reliability of each varies by island and season. Getting the timing right matters more than the specific route.
Air Tahiti and Air Moana
Air Tahiti operates the bulk of inter-island flights under a public service contract that covers 34 islands, including all the Society Islands. The airline has a codeshare agreement with Air Tahiti Nui that allows combined long-haul and local tickets on select routes, initially Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Air Moana has added a fourth ATR 72 aircraft, named Poereva, which increases seat availability across the same routes. For the itinerary above, Air Tahiti covers every leg except Tahiti–Moorea (which is ferry-only).
Ferry connections
The only ferry routes that work for island-hopping in the Society Islands are Tahiti–Moorea (Aremiti and Terevau, multiple daily crossings, roughly 30 minutes) and Raiatea–Taha’a (small local ferries, 15 minutes). There is no regular ferry between Bora Bora and Maupiti, or between the Leeward Islands and Tahiti — those legs require flights. Ferry schedules are seasonal, so check the Aremiti website for the current timetable before booking accommodation.
Booking windows and costs
Air Tahiti’s inter-island flights open for booking 90 days in advance. The Bora Bora–Maupiti leg is typically the most expensive per kilometre because the planes are small — expect to pay roughly 15,000–20,000 CFP one-way per person. The Raiatea–Huahine and Huahine–Tahiti legs are cheaper because the routes are served by larger ATR aircraft. Book all flights as soon as the window opens; the Maupiti route in particular sells out weeks ahead during the July–August peak.
| Route | Transport | Duration | Typical Cost (per person) | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora → Maupiti | Air Tahiti | ~25 min | 15,000–20,000 CFP | 90 days |
| Maupiti → Raiatea | Air Tahiti | ~20 min | 12,000–15,000 CFP | 90 days |
| Raiatea → Huahine | Air Tahiti | ~15 min | 10,000–12,000 CFP | 90 days |
| Huahine → Tahiti | Air Tahiti | ~35 min | 12,000–15,000 CFP | 90 days |
| Tahiti → Moorea | Ferry | ~30 min | 1,500–2,000 CFP | Walk-on |
| Moorea → Tahiti | Ferry | ~30 min | 1,500–2,000 CFP | Walk-on |
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on for any of these stops, this interactive map of the Society Islands’ hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to the airstrip, the ferry dock, or the best snorkelling beach.
- Book inter-island flights 90 days ahead — the Maupiti and Huahine routes sell out fastest.
- Carry enough cash for Maupiti and Huahine; cards are only widely accepted on Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti.
- The ferry between Tahiti and Moorea is walk-on and reliable — don’t book flights for this leg.
- If you’re short on time, cut Maupiti and Huahine and focus on Bora Bora, Raiatea/Taha’a, and Moorea.
Before You Go: Society Islands Island-Hopping Questions Answered
Do I need a separate visa for each island?
No. French Polynesia is a single overseas collectivity of France, and all the Society Islands fall under the same visa rules. If you can enter Tahiti, you can visit all the islands in this itinerary without additional paperwork. The Air Tahiti Nui codeshare with Air Tahiti also means your luggage transfers automatically on combined tickets.
What’s the biggest risk with the ferry schedule?
The Tahiti–Moorea ferry can be cancelled in rough weather, usually between November and March during the rainy season. The crossing is short, but the swell through the pass between the two islands can be uncomfortable. If you have a same-day international flight connection, take the earliest morning ferry to leave buffer time, not the last one.
Can I do this trip without booking flights in advance?
Not reliably. Air Tahiti’s inter-island flights have limited seats, and walk-up availability is rare during the June–August peak and the December–January holiday period. The Maupiti route, at eight flights weekly, is the most constrained. Book all flights at the 90-day mark or risk being stuck on Bora Bora for extra days.
Is the Paul Gauguin Museum worth the detour?
If you’re interested in 19th-century post-impressionist art or colonial history, yes — but only if the museum has reopened. The original building has been closed for several years, and the late 2026 reopening schedule is still tentative. Check the official Tahiti tourism website for the confirmed reopening date before you plan the Papeari stop.
What should I pack that’s easy to forget?
Reef shoes, a rash guard, a dry bag, and a power bank. The islands have 220V power outlets with the European two-pin plug (Type E), so bring an adapter if your devices use a different standard. The inter-island flights have no USB ports, and some guesthouses on Maupiti and Huahine have limited electricity during peak usage hours.
One Chain, Many Paces
The Society Islands are often sold as a single postcard, but the reality is more interesting — each island has its own rhythm, its own lagoon colour, its own way of slowing you down. The ferry from Raiatea to Taha’a takes fifteen minutes, but it feels like crossing into a different country. The flight from Bora Bora to Maupiti is shorter than a bus ride across town, yet the landscape below shifts from resort-lined motus to empty beaches in the span of a single descent. The throughline of this itinerary isn’t the number of islands you can tick off — it’s the realisation that the chain works best when you treat each stop as its own world, not a checkbox. For a deeper look at what makes Bora Bora’s quieter side worth the extra effort, that’s where the real value of island-hopping shows itself.
References
eGlobal Travel Media. “Tahiti Flights Spark Island Hopping Boom.” eGlobal Travel Media, 2026. ↗
If you’re planning a trip to the Society Islands, the IslandHopperGuides library has several posts that dig deeper into specific aspects of the region. The guide to Bora Bora black pearls covers the farm-to-fashion process and how to tell real pearls from imitations, which is useful before you visit the Papeete Market. The coral gardens diving guide includes specific reef sites around Bora Bora and Moorea that match the snorkelling stops in this itinerary. And the Bora Bora honeymoon planning guide has resort and restaurant recommendations that work just as well for families, with honest notes on which properties genuinely welcome children.
Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.