Marquesas Islands, Tahiti And French Polynesia
Orchestrate your journey well in advance to secure bookings and manage necessary arrangements.
A structured approach to your Nuku Hiva journey.
Verify passport validity (six months beyond departure). Research visa requirements for your nationality.
Secure international flights to Tahiti (PPT) and inter-island flights (Air Tahiti Pass) to Nuku Hiva (NUQ).
Book Nuku Hiva accommodation and arrange airport transfer with your chosen lodging.
Consult a travel health clinic for vaccinations. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (e.g., World Nomads).
Begin learning basic French and Marquesan. Plan your Nuku Hiva itinerary and pre-book tours.
Create digital and physical copies of all essential documents; store them separately.
Reconfirm all bookings: international and domestic flights, accommodation, transfers, and pre-booked tours.
Acquire travel necessities: power adapter, strong insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, a Basic first aid kit, and a reusable water bottle. Packing organizers from Eagle Creek can be beneficial.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid fraud alerts or blocked transactions.
Certain bookings ahead of time prove paramount for a smooth journey.
Final preparations at home contribute to peace of mind.
The ultimate steps to a seamless start.
Construct a digital folder for all your bookings and documents. Keep it accessible offline on your phone or tablet. Email copies to yourself for added security.
These steps aid a smooth arrival in French Polynesia and on Nuku Hiva.
Clear immigration and customs at Tahiti Faa'an International Airport (PPT). This location marks your initial entry point into French Polynesia.
Collect your baggage.
Consider acquiring a local SIM card (Vini or Vodafone) at the airport if you have not pre-ordered one. This secures immediate connectivity.
Upon arrival at Nuku Hiva Airport (NUQ), locate your pre-arranged airport transfer (the 4x4 driver). They typically await with a sign.
Upon reaching Taiohae, check in to your accommodation. Seek orientation guidance from your hosts regarding the village center, the pier, local shops, and recommended activities.
Utilize an ATM in Taiohae for your initial withdrawal of CFP Francs (XPF). This secures local currency for smaller purchases and cash-only vendors. Acquire bottled water if your pension does not furnish potable water or if immediate departure is planned.
Reliance on your pre-arranged 4x4 and boat transfer to Taiohae is complete.
This mode is the standard and sole dependable route from the distant airport airstrip to the main village.
The journey incorporates a boat leg due to Nuku Hiva's unique airport location.
This combined transfer represents a customary part of arrival.
The airport is situated in a remote area, necessitating the dual mode of transport.
Advance coordination with your accommodation simplifies this essential first step.
Upon arrival at Nuku Hiva Airport (NUQ), locate your pre-arranged airport transfer. The 4x4 driver typically awaits with a sign. This initial journey to Taiohae forms a distinctive part of your Nuku Hiva experience.
Plan for your exit to a stress-free departure from Nuku Hiva.
Prior verification of your airport transfer time is beneficial. The journey back to Nuku Hiva Airport necessitates sufficient allowance due to its character and road conditions.
