'It's photoshopped': Island nation hits back at common myth about stunning ocean

The alluring Islands of Tahiti offer white-sand beaches, sprawling mountains and colourful reefs.

And the stunning destination landed firmly on many peoples' radars when it played host to the surfing competition during the last Olympic Games.

But it is a place not many have had the opportunity to visit and because of this, there are a few myths going around about the destination.

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Now the island nation has decided to set the record straight and dispel some of these incorrect rumours.

Myth 1: There are only overwater bungalows

While the iconic overwater villa originated in The Islands of Tahiti, and there are plenty of them around, there is a wide range of other accommodation options to choose from.

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Whether you want to stay in a beach villa in a resort overlooking the Bora Bora lagoon, in a bungalow guesthouse run by the locals on Raiatea, a city-centric apartment in the capital of Papeete, or in a catamaran while traversing the 118 islands, there's something for everyone's preferences.

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Myth 2: It's too expensive for those wanting to travel on a budget

Given its reputation as a popular luxury resort destination, The Islands of Tahiti is often considered by many as inaccessible to travellers on different budgets.

What not a lot of people know is that there are plenty of ways to have a holiday in paradise on a budget.

To save money on accommodation, you can opt to stay in a guesthouse or for a big group of friends you can choose a vacation rental. There's even camping on Bora Bora for those who want to stay close to nature.

To save on transport, there are ferries you can take between the islands instead of flying domestically. On all islands, there are groups of roulottes (food trucks) dotted around the marinas where you can enjoy a delicious Tahitian meal for under $15.

Travelling in the low season (between November and April) means that there are plenty of deals at hotels and resorts at a fraction of the price compared to peak season.

The airlines Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui and multiple tour operators often have a range of deals throughout the year, so you can save further on your trip. With a little bit of planning, there's nothing to say you can't enjoy a holiday in The Islands of Tahiti on a budget. 

Myth 3: It's only for romantic couples and honeymooners 

"We honeymooned in Tahiti" is something a lot of people have heard from a near friend of family member, which adds to the misconception that the destination is only suited for romantic couples.

With its 118 islands, ranging from hiking-friendly tracks, diving havens, and beautiful lagoons to keep everyone entertained with aquatic experiences, there's a wide variety of types of holidays that suit all kinds of travellers.

Families have access to a plethora of fun activities both on land and in the water for kids of different ages, and with a range of holiday homes, the grandparents can also join the fun, and the entire family can stay in the same house. 

Myth 4: It's too far away and hard to get to 

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it seem like The Islands of Tahiti are located worlds away, however it is surprisingly easy to get to the destination from Australia.

The trip to the islands from Australia is a fairly straightforward journey, with a short stopover in Auckland before a 4-hour flight to Papeete.

When arriving in Papeete, a range of quality hotels and homestays are available just a short ride from the airport, ensuring you can get settled at the hotel quickly and easily. Travelling to The Islands of Tahiti from Australia is visa-free and makes for an easy entry. 

Myth 5: It's photoshopped, and the waters aren't actually that blue 

While it might seem like it is unrealistic, The Islands of Tahiti are simply that beautiful.

The waters in the lagoons are actually astoundingly azure-blue, the white-sand beaches will make you squint, and the coral reefs and underwater life will make you feel like you're dreaming. Don't believe us? Come and see for yourself!