Option
C: Tahiti Tour -- Fare: 58 Euros (6 900 CFP)
The
tour of Tahiti
Island
is made in a private air-conditioned coach and is led by an experimented
guide. It covers both peninsulas of the island of Tahiti: Tahiti
Nui and Tahiti-Iti. It also includes entrance to
Gauguin Museum, to Tahiti & Island Museum
and a lunch at the restaurant of the Gauguin Museum (beverages
not incl.), with a visit of the fish farm. A description of the highlights
of the tour is provided hereafter.
Tahiti
Nui
After departing from the hotel, we head towards the east coast
following the seashore through the city of Papeete. We then continue our
trip in direction of the small village of Pirae that is
featuring very interesting (black) sandy beaches. We will then reach Arue
that holds the grave of the last King of Tahiti Pomare V,
a historical landmark very much appreciated by the fans of colonial History.
The Town Hall deserves taking a look: recently renovated, this mansion,
sheltered by of a magnificent tropical garden, is an exemplar illustration
of the genuine colonial style. The road around the island then starts
to climb a bit to reach the Tahara'a Promontory that offers
an outstanding viewpoint of the coast and of the surrounding mountain:
one of the most renowned spot in the island to get memorable souvenir
pictures! [10-mn stop]
The descent leads us to the village of Mahina. It is in
the nearby bay of Matavai that famous sailors reached the
island: among them, Cook, Bougainville, Wallis
and also Captain Blight of the Bounty! Its
is also on the beach of Venus Point that the first protestant
missionaries came to the island, at the end of the18th century. The unique
lighthouse in Tahiti, is erected on this historical landmark.
[25-mn stop]
Papeno'o is famous for its open surfing beaches and its
river, the longest in Tahiti, that allows the heart of the
island to be reached easily by walkers. After the Papeno'o
river, the road enters the community of Tiarei. Arahoho
(Prompt Hole) invites us for a brief recreational halt to discover
one of the most interesting natural phenomenon in the island: the ocean
waters enters this ancient lava-tube and pass under the
road to exit compressed as a powerful and booming jet down the abrupt
cliff. One hundred meters further, we reach the junction towards the three
cascades of Faarumai, in the valley of Vaipuu.
[15-mn stop at the first cascade -- a 5-mn walk is enough to
reach a suitable point of view]
After passing through the communities of Mahaena and Hitiaa,
we will arrive in the last community on the east coast: Faa'one,
before reaching the isthmus of Taravao.
Tahiti-Iti
We now enter Tahiti-Iti the small peninsula of Tahiti.
On the way back to Papeete, the first district that is met after Taravao
is Papeari, where are located the Gauguin Museum
and the Botanical Garden. The museum provides
a tribute to the famous French artist with presentations of some original
paintings, sculptures, etc., as well as several reproductions. This will
give a sample of the multi-facetted creative talent of Paul Gauguin. This
will allow the visitor to better understand the route he had followed
across the whole dimensions of Polynesia he was so in love with. [35-mn
stop at the museum]
The Botanical Garden was created at the beginning of the
20th century by an American adventurer Harrison Smith who
can thus be considered as an early ecologist! An impressive collection
of tropical species is offered to the visitors under the protection of
two giant turtles of the Galapagos. [No specific stop is planned]
About one kilometer farther, we will take a break at the restaurant
of the Gauguin Museum to enjoy a delicious buffet-lunch.
[1 hour stop] -- you are also invited to visit the
fish farm where you are welcome to feed the fishes.
The next district of Mataie, forms together with Papeari,
the community of Teva i Uta and offers a remarkable flora.
Paul Gauguin was attracted by the surrounding scenery and sojourned there
for a couple of years.
Further on our way, the road follows the Vahiri river that
leads to the eponym lake; this is the way for accessing the center of
the island and for reaching the valley of Papeno'o.
The road enlarges a bit and we arrive in the main community of Papara.
We first go across the impressive domain of Atimaono. Previously
a cotton plantation, then a sugar cane plantation, the domain was neglected
for a long period. Today, besides it regained a very important position
in the Territory from the agricultural standpoint, the domain also accommodates
the International Golf Course Olivier Bréaud. The
golf features one of the best trails in the world, as spoken by many talented
overseas golfers who have walked on its greens!
We then reach the Mara'a Caves. Located behind a judiciously
arranged car park and edged by carefully maintained gardens, one can reach
the submarine cave of Paroa, the largest cavity in the area.
[15-mn stop]
Further on the road, we reach the junction of the Arahurahu Marae,
one of the most beautiful maraes (ancient stone platforms).
Each year in July, this imposing scenery serves for a dramatic reconstruction.
[stop on request -- free entrance]
When leaving Paea, we get to the wealthy community of Punaaui
(Tahiti's residential area). The Museum of Tahiti and of
its Islands has been built there on the beautiful site of Fishermen
Point (Pointe des pêcheurs). The museum is devoted to the
History and Culture of Polynesia. [45-mn stop -- last stop of
the tour]
After
the visit of the museum, we will hit the road again for a
smooth return to the hotel.
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