Tetiaroa - Description & map
See also :
Map of the Society Islands
Map of French Polynesia
Attention ! All flights to Tetiaroa have
been suspended by the French authorities for security
reasons
since February 2004.
The only solution to go there is a day excursion on either
Jet France or Biotherm catamarans that are based in the
Marina of Papeete (waterfront).
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 Located
42 km north of Tahiti (15 mn by plane), Tetiaroa is the unique atoll
(low island) of the Society Islands. Its crystal-clear lagoon is
circled by 13 white sand islets. Totally close to the ocean, its
reef barrier does not offer a pass to enter the lagoon by boat.
Those 6 square kilometres with a population of 50 persons really
constitute a little paradise on earth, with a rich and preserved
land and aquatic fauna as well as exceptional purple coral gardens.
This natural reserve is currently subject to many scientific studies.
The atoll and more specifically motu Tahuna Iti (called
the “Island of Birds”) is also a natural reserve for sea birds
(frigate, gannets, phaetons, brown and red-footed boobies), and
is used for reproduction purposes …
Many archaeological sites have been discovered on Tetiaroa:
marae, paepae, an archery platform, gates and and
taro holes.
During the pre-European period, the atoll was called “Teturoa”
or “Tetuaroa”. It became successively the summer residence of the
ari’i (big chiefs) of Arue (district of Tahiti) and of the
royal Pomare family – on motu Rimatuu – until it was abandoned
by Queen Pomare IV. According to the legend, Tetiaroa was used to
hide the royal treasures.
In 1789, William BLIGH was the first European to visit the island
while seeking for the Bounty mutineers.
In 1904, the royal family gave in present the island of Tetiaroa
to Dr. Johnston Walter Williams (1874 – 1937), the only dentist
of Tahiti. He became later Consul of England from 1916 to 1935.
In 1965, famous actor Marlon BRANDO “acquired” the atoll
for 99 years (the lagoon remaining the property of the Marine Territory)
after was shooted the movie Mutiny of the Bounty where he
played the role of Christian FLETCHER. He built an airstrip on motu
Onetahi as well as an hotel
managed, at that time, by his Tahitian spouse Tarita, also starring
on his side in the Mutiny of the Bounty.
Today, Tetiaroa - that can be accessed only by boat since February
2004 - has successfully managed to maintain its
exceptional natural
calm
and
beauty, leaving the visitors with unforgettable souvenirs.
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