Hiking

Tahiti has a great number of hiking trails such as the cross-island Papenoo Valley-Lake Vaihiria route. Pack a lunch to go, wear comfortable shoes, and bring lots of bottled water as you make your way up to the top of Mount Aorai. Hiking up this mountain should not be undertaken without the proper equipment and a guide. Occasional downpours can occur in the higher altitudes so bring a rain jacket just in case it pours. If you are planning to spend your nights camping out, it can become bitterly cold and damp. In addition, the quick-growing tropical foliage can quickly obscure a path that was easily followed a few days before. Permits are required to use some trails that cross government land. Gather the essential tools for a hike, and the Tahitian trails won’t let you down. Watching the ocean, waterfalls, and having the feeling of being so high up that you can touch the sky, is earth shattering. If the hike doesn’t leave you breathless, the views will!

Tahiti Evasion (tel. 56.48.77; www.tahitievasion.com).
This Moorea-based company has all-day treks into the Fautaua valley, home of Loti's Pool; the Orofero Valley on Tahiti's south coast; and to the top of Mt. Aorai, the island's third highest peak. These treks cost about 9000CFP ($90) per person. Hikes along the wild, uninhabited east coast of Tahiti Iti take 3 days and 2 nights of camping (call for prices). All except the Mt. Aorai climb are rated as easy walks. Tahiti Evasion will also organize hiking-and-water sports trips of up to 3 weeks throughout the islands.

Tahiti Nui Travel (tel. 42.68.03; www.tahiti-nui.com)
Tahiti Nui Travel offers 3- to 7-day hiking trips on Tahiti, starting at 60,000CFP ($600) per person.

You can also check with the Tahiti Manava visitors bureau in Papeete (tel. 50.57.12; www.tahiti-manava.pf) for the names of guides and hiking clubs.