FAUTAUA VALLEY

Several excursion possibilities are available in the Fautaua valley: a belvedere, the fort of Fachoda, the governor's garden, or the magnificent Fautaua waterfall. Also known as the Loti waterfall, the latter stands 135 m high - not 300 as Pierre Loti said! A relatively easy hike will take you there in a dozen kilometers: count 3 hours of walking, including about 1 hour of ascent after the small bridge, without too much hurry. Note that you can reach the waterfall from the bottom by following the river, or from the top (the fachoda): we prefer this alternative because it leads to a water basin with a natural slide, very pleasant to refresh yourself.

To reach it from Papeete by car, take the east exit on Avenida de Fautaua and follow the road for 3 km. You pass by the old Loti bath (now an esplanade), and less than a kilometre later you can park in the car park above the hydraulic service. Take the maintained track on foot, and follow the river (left bank) to the Tearape bridge or Fachoda bridge. Tropical atmosphere assured, don't forget your mosquito repellent. The ascent then starts towards the viewpoint on the waterfall. Leave equipped accordingly: it often rains and the mosquitoes are bloodthirsty barbarians! Swimming in the basins dug in the basaltic organs is more than recommended.

Finally, you can continue for about 30 minutes towards the Teovere pass: superb view of the Diadème pass.