Purpose of the trip:

4-wheel drive tour to the centre of Tahiti, following the road along the Papenoo valley and river, climbing to the head of the valley and into the mountains, driving through the tunnel and looking at the view over the Vaihiria lake. Crossing the tunnel and the mountain to reach the other side of the island.

 

This guided trip proposed by Teuai, allows you to explore part of the east coast of Tahiti then traverse the Papenoo valley and the caldera, the extinct volcanic crater of Tahiti. This is an area rich with myth and legend at the very heart of Tahiti, with many remarkable sights en route.

 

Excursion itinerary:

-Pick up at your hotel from 8 a.m. onwards (or from the « Fare manihini » Tahiti tourist information center, Papeete) in the fully equipped 4x4 Nissan Patrol.

An early start is recommended to fully appreciate the sublime lighting of the rising sun in the valley.

- An 18 km drive along the east coast to the mouth of the Papenoo valley, the largest valley on Tahiti.

- Multiple short stops along the length of the valley: panoramas and explanations about the waterfalls, « marae »,

-Lunch stop : picnic by the river with swimming,….

-Exploring the upper valley: panoramas, legends, views of mount "Orohena", the highest mountain on Tahiti, and its sister peak "Pito Iti", driving through the tunnel and looking at the view over the lake.

-Exploring the caldera (the "pito" or belly-button of Tahiti, the extinct volcanic crater) and its legends...

- Return via the tunnel, crossing the mountains to reach the other side of the islands in Mataiea district, with further stops for photos and panoramas, before arrival at your hotel, around 4 p.m.

 

Points of interest:

Impressive panoramas including several sightseeings on waterfalls

Get closer to nature and experience the pure mountain air

Learn about Tahiti’s plants and animals

Learn some of Tahiti’s myths and legends

River swim stop

 

Level of difficulty:

Easy

Excursion in a 4WD vehicle

Not advised for pregnant women, people suffering from back problems and children under 4 years old.

 

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