Hiking
For hikers of all classifications, Tahiti and her islands offer innumerable hiking possibilities among diverse landscapes: -Valleys, cut by refreshing rivers and draped with superb waterfalls where paths wind through luxuriant tropical vegetation.
-Vertiginous crests leading to summits attaining heights of more than 2,000 meters (6,500 ft).
-Seashore paths bordering remote creeks overshadowed by towering cliffs (the Te Pari cliffs, the Marquesan cliffs)
From the family walk to the athletic hike, the routes will satisfy everyone’s expectations. Depending on the nature of the terrain, hiking in Tahiti and her islands is very specific, including:
- river crossings
- pathways which are slippery at times and/or carpeted with roots
- particularly crumbly volcanic rocks
Even if certain hikes seem easy, it is always recommended (even vital) to hire the services of a licensed professional guide (DPA) which guarantees that security regulations will be respected and that the guide will be familiar with the terrain as well as the fauna, flora and Polynesian culture. The guide will also know how to advise visitors regarding necessary equipment adequate for the excursion being undertaken.
Some examples of hikes on Tahiti and Moorea:
On Tahiti, more than thirty routes have been registered and just under a dozen on Moorea, certain ones being circuits for speed races. On Tahiti, Papenoo Valley offers innumerable hiking possibilities. Here the professionals play a very important role; their knowledge of the often unknown sites being a real plus.
Simple and short hikes, family-style:
The entrance is generally easy with wide and sufficiently developed paths.
Tahiti
-Mount Marau: accessible by car for beautiful walks to the summit.
-The belvedere panoramic viewpoint of the peninsula (Tahiti Iti).
-The three waterfalls
Moorea
-Afareaitu Waterfalls
-The “pathway of the ancestors” which joins up with “the pineapple route”
-The pedagogical circuits of the professional high school of agriculture
-The Vaiare-Pao Pao crossing
More difficult hikes:
Due to the nature of the terrain or the unevenness, requiring good physical condition and for which the services of a professional guide are highly recommended.
Tahiti
-The Fataua Waterfall
-The crossing of the peninsula (Tahiti Iti) either by the interior or by the cliffs of the Pari, requiring a minimum of two days of hiking
-The ascent of Mount Aorai (2,066 meters - 6,714 ft): requires two days by passing over the crests
-The Faraura Waterfalls, a very aquatic and athletic hike
-The Hitiaa Lavatubes
-The Diadem pass
Moorea
-The ascent of Mount Rotui (900 meters – 2,925 ft) by passing over the crests
-The ascent of the pierced mountain-The three coconut trees pass
