Flight to NZ - layover in Tahiti??
 

Has anyone booked one of these flight options that allows for a "free" layover in Tahiti (or other Pacific island)??? Air Tahiti offers it, and I have heard other airlines also do. Sounds wonderful, but does anyone have any experiences? TIA!

Check Air New Zealand as they fly LAX to NZ and some flights are via Tahiti and the Cook Islands.

But once you arrive in Tahiti, be prepared to spend some bucks - rather expensive for lodging and food and most people don't stay on Tahiti Island, rather go out to Moorea, Bora Bora, and others.

You might want to consider The Cook Islands for your stopover, as they're less expensive, though Air Tahiti doesn't fly to The Cooks.

We've done that layover, but, as Sandi points out, you will probably want to go over to Moorea. That's not a big deal; there is a 'Le Truck' transport that goes straight from Fa'aa Airport to the ferry dock in downtown Papeete. The ferry takes less than an hour, then you can take a bus to various accommodations on Moorea.

I also agree with Sandi that a layover on Rarotonga (Cooks) is preferable, but a Tahiti layover is great too.

Thanks for the info! What do you like better about the Cook Islands??

Cheaper, less touristy, nicer people (in general), less commercial. Less is more!

Another vote for the Cooks - for the same reasons as ALF mentioned.

Ken