Tetiaroa: The Pristine Paradise of French Polynesia

• HelloIa Orana
  [ya oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [nah-nah]
• YesE
  [ay]
• NoAita
  [eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMaeva
  [mah-eh-vah]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-dohn]
• How are you?E aha te huru?
  [ay ah-hah tay hoo-roo]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. E te huru?
  [my-tie. ay tay hoo-roo]
• Do you speak English?E haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• I don't understandAita au e mohio
  [eye-tah oh ee moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE mea parau atu mau i te menu, maru
  [ay may-ah pah-rah-oo ah-too mow ee tay may-noo, mah-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au e haere i te kai
  [eye-tah oh ee hay-ray ee tay kai]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE mea parau atu mau i te moni, maru
  [ay may-ah pah-rah-oo ah-too mow ee tay moh-nee, mah-roo]

• Help!Aide!
  [eye-day]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ray ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tapura i te paui!
  [tah-poo-rah ee tay pow-ee]
• Call a doctor!Tapura i te taote!
  [tah-poo-rah ee tay tow-tay]
• I'm lostUa haere au i te hea
  [oo-ah high-ray oh ee tay hay-ah]
• I'm illUa piha au
  [oo-ah pee-hah oh]

• I'd like to buy...E mea parau atu mau i te ...
  [ay may-ah pah-rah-oo ah-too mow ee tay ...]
• I'm just lookingE haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• How much is it?E aha te huru?
  [ay ah-hah tay hoo-roo]
• That's too expensiveE huru rahi teie
  [ay hoo-roo rah-hee tay-ee]
• Can you lower the price?E haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]

• What time is it?E aha te huru?
  [ay ah-hah tay hoo-roo]
• It's one o'clockE haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• Half past (10)E haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• MorningA tiu
  [ah tee-oo]
• AfternoonA auatiu
  [ah ow-ah-tee-oo]
• EveningA pō
  [ah poh]
• YesterdayE aha te huru?
  [ay ah-hah tay hoo-roo]
• TodayA tenei ra
  [ah tay-nay rah]
• TomorrowA tānei
  [ah tah-nay]
• 1Rahi
  [rah-hee]
• 2Piti
  [pee-tee]
• 3Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 4Maha
  [mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Ahuru
  [ah-hoo-roo]

• Where's a/the...?E haere outou i te ...?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ...?]
• What's the address?Aha teie i te afaresa?
  [ah-hah tay-ee ee tay ah-fah-ray-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• When's the next (bus)?E haere outou i te reo anga?
  [ay hay-ray oh-too ee tay ray-oh ahn-gah]
• A ticket (to ....)E pape (i te ....)
  [ay pah-pay ee tay ....]

Tetiaroa, a small atoll in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, was originally settled by Polynesians who navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using traditional sailing canoes. They established a thriving community, utilizing the atoll's natural resources for sustenance. Archaeological evidence suggests that the early settlers engaged in fishing, cultivation of taro and other crops, and built marae (sacred sites) which were essential for their spiritual and social activities.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Tetiaroa became a favorite retreat for the Tahitian royal family. The atoll's seclusion and natural beauty made it an ideal escape from the pressures of court life in Tahiti. King Pomare IV, one of the most notable monarchs, frequently visited Tetiaroa. The royal family used the atoll for relaxation, fishing, and ceremonial purposes, leaving behind remnants of their presence that can still be explored today.

The arrival of European explorers in the 18th century marked a significant turning point for Tetiaroa. European sailors, such as Captain James Cook, documented their encounters with the island's inhabitants and its natural beauty. This period also saw the introduction of new plants, animals, and customs. The influence of European contact eventually led to changes in the traditional lifestyle of the islanders.

Tetiaroa has an indirect but fascinating connection to the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty. Fletcher Christian and the mutineers, after commandeering the ship, sought refuge in various islands across the Pacific. While they did not settle on Tetiaroa, their journey brought attention to the region, and Tetiaroa's isolation continued to be a point of interest for those tracing the mutineers' path.

In the 1960s, Tetiaroa gained global attention when Hollywood actor Marlon Brando purchased the atoll. Captivated by its natural beauty during the filming of 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' Brando envisioned Tetiaroa as a model of sustainable development and environmental preservation. Today, The Brando, a luxury eco-resort, stands as a testament to his vision, blending luxury with ecological responsibility and attracting visitors from around the world.

In recent years, Tetiaroa has become a focal point for conservation and marine protection efforts. The Tetiaroa Society, a non-profit organization, conducts research and implements projects aimed at preserving the atoll's unique ecosystem. The society's initiatives include coral restoration, sea turtle protection, and sustainable tourism practices. These efforts ensure that Tetiaroa remains a pristine sanctuary for future generations to appreciate and explore.

Tetiaroa is an atoll in French Polynesia, located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Tahiti. The primary way to reach Tetiaroa is by private plane from Tahiti. Air Tetiaroa offers charter flights that take about 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are private boat charters from Tahiti, but these can take several hours depending on sea conditions.

Tetiaroa is a small atoll, and transportation options are limited. Most visitors stay at The Brando, the island's exclusive eco-resort, which provides bicycles and electric carts for getting around. Walking is also a viable option given the compact size of the atoll. There are no public transportation services on Tetiaroa.

The official currency in French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (XPF). The Brando resort accepts major credit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for tips and small purchases. There are no ATMs on Tetiaroa, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash in Tahiti before your arrival.

Tetiaroa is generally very safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. The island is privately owned, and access is restricted to guests of The Brando and authorized personnel. Always follow resort guidelines and take standard precautions such as securing your valuables. There are no specific high-crime areas on Tetiaroa.

In case of emergencies, The Brando resort has a medical clinic staffed with healthcare professionals. For more serious medical emergencies, there is an arrangement for evacuation to Tahiti. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in communal areas. Religion: Do be respectful of any local customs or religious practices. Public Transport: There is no public transport on Tetiaroa. Use the provided bicycles or electric carts. Greetings: Do greet staff and other guests with a friendly 'hello' or 'ia ora na' (hello in Tahitian). Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and fresh seafood offerings. Don't waste food, as resources are limited on the island.

To experience Tetiaroa like a local, take the opportunity to learn about the island's history and its connection to Marlon Brando. Participate in eco-tours and conservation activities organized by The Brando. Engage with the staff, many of whom are locals, to learn more about Tahitian culture and traditions. Don't miss the chance to explore the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard, and enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the atoll.