By James Shrimpton
Tahiti is hot, in more ways than one.
Daytime temperatures in mid-year hover around 25 to 28 degrees - a warming thought for Australians shivering their way through winter.
Direct seven-hour flights from Sydney by Air Tahiti Nui started a year ago with two a week, and have since increased to three, sending Australian visitor numbers soaring.
The airline's regional director Craig Lee says an application for more flights is being discussed, and eventually there could be a daily service.
A Tahiti Tourisme road show has been to Melbourne and Sydney to spread the word that the islands of French Polynesia are hot.
Regional director for Australia, Jonica Paramor, said the thrice-weekly Air Tahiti Nui flights between Sydney and Papeete came at a perfect time for Australians.
They eliminated the previous need to change planes, led to offerings of new value-for-money package holidays and offered attractive stopovers on routes to New York, Los Angeles and Paris.
"Previously Tahiti may have been a once in a lifetime experience," Ms Paramor said.
"Now it's a destination for everyone."
And it was more than just "fly and flop" - activities included island cruising, diving, snorkelling, surfing, shark-feeding, hiking and regular music festivals.
"You can do everything or nothing," Ms Paramor added.
Australian tourists between January and April this year jumped to 3,382 - up 53.8 per cent compared with 2005.
The monthly figure for April rocketed more than 86 per cent to 1,076 - and numbers continue to rise.
In the past, Tahiti was perceived as an expensive destination, but is now within the reach of most people with accommodation ranging from pensions to five-star resorts, Ms Paramor said.
Package prices compare with those for resorts in Australia's Whitsundays and in Fiji, according to Air Tahiti Nui's Craig Lee.
He said the airline's stopover holiday program includes hotel prices from $A69 a night.
It had also joined with travel companies to offer a broad choice of honeymoon and other romantic holidays.
IF YOU GO:
For information on holidays in French Polynesia call Tahiti Tourisme on 1300-655-563 or visit http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com.au.
Air Tahiti Nui flies thrice-weekly between Sydney and Papeete. Stopovers are available on services to and from New York, Los Angeles and Paris.
AAP
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.