โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
25
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Moorea Airport (MOZ), also known as Temae Airport, is a compact inter-island facility located near the village of Temae in northeastern Moorea, opened in October 1967. The single-terminal building serves exclusively domestic flights, primarily the 15-minute hop to Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport. With its single runway (12/30) at just 9 feet elevation, the airport offers spectacular approaches over turquoise lagoons and volcanic peaks that make it one of the most scenic airports in French Polynesia.
The terminal features basic passenger facilities appropriate for its role as a short-haul island connector, with open-air waiting areas taking advantage of the tropical climate. Check-in counters for Air Tahiti and Air Moana, the only two carriers serving the airport, operate simple but efficient procedures. The small terminal building includes a snack bar, restrooms, and a small gift shop selling local crafts, with most amenities reflecting the relaxed Polynesian atmosphere.
Handling several flights daily to Papeete, the airport serves as a vital link for Moorea's tourism industry and local population of approximately 17,000. The facility's intimate scale means passengers often walk directly to aircraft on the tarmac, with boarding typically completed just 10-15 minutes before departure. Despite its modest size, the airport efficiently processes tourists heading to Moorea's luxury resorts and locals commuting to Tahiti for business or services.
๐ Connection Tips
Moorea Airport (MOZ) sits in northeastern Moorea near Temae village, requiring pre-arranged ground transportation as no public transport serves the airport. Taxis are available but relatively expensive, with fares to popular destinations running 3,000-5,000 CFP ($30-50 USD) to nearby resorts and up to 8,000 CFP ($80) to distant parts of the island. Car rentals are available through Avis, Europcar, and local agencies with desks at the airport, though fleets are limited and advance reservation is essential, particularly June through September and December. For connections to Tahiti, both Air Tahiti and Air Moana operate multiple daily 15-minute flights to Papeete, with morning and evening services most frequent.
Most resorts and hotels provide complimentary shuttle services that must be booked in advance, with journey times ranging from 10 minutes to southern beaches to 30 minutes for northwestern resorts. Taxis don't always wait at the airport, so having your accommodation arrange pickup is recommended. The 60-kilometer coastal road circles the island, making navigation straightforward. The alternative is returning to Papeete via ferry from Vaiare port (30 minutes from airport), offering a scenic 30-40 minute crossing for about 1,500 CFP ($15) per person.
These shuttles typically coordinate with flight arrival times but may wait for multiple passengers. Some drivers accept euros or US dollars but change rates are poor. Scooter rentals are popular with younger travelers but require an appropriate license. Allow minimum 2 hours for international connections in Papeete, as you must transfer between domestic and international terminals.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apataki Airport (APK) is a remote and essential regional airfield located on the Apataki atoll within the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Originally inaugurated in 1977, the airport serves as the primary aerial lifeline for the atoll's small population, providing a critical connection to the outside world. Its presence is vital for the social and economic health of this low-lying coral atoll, which is part of one of the largest chains of atolls in the world.
The airport is primarily served by Air Tahiti, the regional carrier that facilitates scheduled flights connecting Apataki to the capital city of Papeete on the island of Tahiti. These flights are indispensable for the transport of local residents, the delivery of essential medical supplies, and the movement of fresh provisions. Additionally, the airfield supports the local economy by providing a means for copra producers and pearl farmers to transport their goods to larger regional markets.
Facilities at Apataki Airport are functional and minimalist, reflecting its status as a remote island outpost. The facility consists of a single, basic passenger terminal building that offers essential shelter and a simple waiting area for travelers. There are no commercial retail shops, duty-free stores, or dining establishments available on-site. Passengers arriving at APK are advised to coordinate their local boat or pension transfers in advance, as the terminal is located some distance from the main village centers.
Technically, the airport features a single runway designed to handle light regional aircraft, including the turboprops commonly used by Air Tahiti. Flight operations are highly dependent on the favorable Pacific weather conditions, and schedules may be adjusted during periods of rough seas or extreme tropical weather. Despite its small scale and rugged nature, Apataki Airport remains an indispensable pillar of regional infrastructure, ensuring that the remote beauty of the Tuamotus remains accessible and connected.
๐ Connection Tips
Apataki Airport is a lifeline for a very small Tuamotu atoll, so the connection model is simple: arrive on the Air Tahiti flight, meet your host, and move straight into a boat transfer across the lagoon. The airfield sits on a motu away from the main village area, which means you should never assume that a taxi or ferry will simply be waiting on demand.
Flight frequency is limited, and that makes timing important. If you are planning to continue to Papeete or another atoll, build a buffer because the Tuamotus are sensitive to high winds, rough lagoon conditions, and aircraft disruptions, and because the island network is designed around a few reliable rotations rather than constant daily flexibility.
For a smooth arrival, coordinate the pickup before you leave Tahiti, keep French Pacific francs in cash, and arrive expecting a very modest field with basic shelter rather than a commercial terminal. The value of APK is not in amenities but in keeping the atoll connected to the wider archipelago with the least possible friction. The best connection plan is to treat the boat transfer as part of the flight booking, not as a separate improvisation, especially when the lagoon is rough.
โ Back to Moorea Airport