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Above: My sister and me at Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
Yes you can!
If you've ever dreamed of visiting a tropical South Seas paradise, but thought you couldn't afford it, read on. I'm here to tell you how you can get there and help you make it a reality. 2 and 3
At the time of this writing, French Polynesia is open for tourists and no longer requires pre/post-flight COVID tests. New Zealand is gradually phasing in its reopening, but at a more cautious pace.
Entry requirements can change rapidly, so be sure to check those for your destination before booking your trip.
Above: A well-equipped kitchen in Hokitika, New Zealand.
Cutting Costs in the South Pacific
Now, to turn your dream into a reality. First, when planning a trip to this part of the world-- or any island for that matter-- you need to remember that these places are islands, so everything must be either produced on the island or arrive by boat. Chances are it's the latter.
Expect food to be expensive and prepared food to be even more so. You can get around some of this by:
choosing lodgings with a kitchen and preparing your own meals
eating what the locals eat, and
bringing small items (like spices) with you.
If you haven't already done so, please review Ruth's Radical Cost Cutters. See below for saving tips which are especially relevant to this part of the world. (Note: all prices are in US dollars.)
Above: Resorts of French Polynesia as seen from the air
Ruth's Top 5 Tips to Save
Ruth's Top 5 Tips to Save
Tip#1: Price shop airfare and plan travel on the less expensive days.
On a recent trip to Tahiti, my husband and I paid $800 pp for our transpacific flights. That was half the fare charged on different days of the week. We saved another $300 pp by driving to an airport 90 minutes from our home. The money we saved paid for our lodging.
Above: Ferries from Moorea to Tahiti are frequent, inexpensive and convenient.
Tip #2: Avoid Island hopping.
At least...on your first trip! Remember, this site is all about budget traveling and if you're visiting French Polynesia for the first time and only have a week, there's plenty to do on Tahiti and Moorea without shelling out another $430 pp for a round trip flight to a neighboring island.
Also, bear in mind that not all islands have scheduled flights every day, and if you're island-hopping, you'll have to time your outgoing flight with a later incoming one to your desired destination. So if you want to get from Bora Bora to Rangiroa, expect that there will be only 2 or 3 days of the week when this is possible.
If you're determined to island hop, consider buying the Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass. This pass may save you money over the cost of two inter-island flights.
Above: My husband enjoying our first dinner in Bora Bora.
Tip #3. Choose accommodations with kitchens.
On a recent trip to Tahiti my husband and I spent $350 for food and drinks for a 12-day trip to Bora Bora and Moorea. Compare this to paying $200 pp per day for food at a resort and the savings really add up.
Above: Practice discretion when buying activities.
Tip #4. Avoid tours and excursions.
Okay, if you've come to New Zealand expressly for the purpose of visiting Hobbiton, then by all means do so. Likewise, if you really have your heart set on swimming with sharks and stingrays, then go for it!
But what I caution against here is loading up your limited time with so many excursions, you don't have time to enjoy what you came to do. This tip can save you a bundle when you apply it to heavily-commercialized islands, like Oahu or Maui in the Hawaiian Islands, where tour operators will package excursions to sell to those who don't have a rental car. Also, this rule may not be applicable in countries like New Zealand, where the exchange rate makes tours affordable.
My rule of thumb is simple: when purchasing anything, ask yourself if it is worth the money to you. If the answer is yes, then go ahead and spend!
Above: Overwater bungalows are lovely but pricey.
Tip #5. Forget the overwater bungalow
If you're cost conscious, forget staying in an overwater bungalow. Why? Because prices for these generally start at $1500 per night. Food is extra and can run between $300-$700 per couple/day.
Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer affordable lodging and most will have kitchens which allow you to prepare your own meals. See Ruth's Radical Cost Cutters for more of my money saving tips. There is one exception to this and it can be found on my French Polynesia page.
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