Things to see and do Uturoa

Uturoa may be the second most important city in Polynesia, but it is still very easy to find yourself in the middle of nature! The access to Mount Tapioi and its pretty belvedere is unfortunately closed, but the tour of the island is highly recommended. A paved road of only 100 km awaits the travelers, delivering magnificent views on the lagoon and the interior mountains. A traverse road leads to two viewpoints: one overlooking Faaroa Bay, the summit of Orataio volcano and the strange bamboo forests; the other overlooking Fetuna Bay and the motu Nao-Nao. It is recommended to rent a car for the day. If you prefer to be guided (a guide always knows a lot more and can share his knowledge and love of the island), choose Trucky Tours. From the old Hawaiki Nui hotel, don't miss a look at the mountain side: a superb view of Mount Temehani, where the Tiare Apetahi grows, a flower endemic to Raiatea.

From PK 15 on the east coast, the Faaroa River flows inland: it is the only navigable river in Polynesia. Check with Lagon Aventure for a half-day river trip.

At PK 17, in the heart of the crater, the view is interesting on Mount Tefatua. Time seems to have stopped and nature is back in control. Further on, the village of Opoa is famous for hosting the descendants of the ancient Arii (kings), and the famous Taputaputaea marae , at KP 31, one of the most important archaeological sites in Polynesia and the South Pacific. The magic of ancestral ceremonies still seems to rustle..

The following kilometers are perhaps the most beautiful. There is no lack of panoramic views of the lagoon. The walkers can reach the sugar loaf of Faeratai, where not less than 3 500 petroglyphs have been recorded. A beautiful waterfall follows the river; count about 40 minutes of walking.

The small villages that follow are enchanting. The west coast of the island is bathed in an old-fashioned tranquility. The road follows the lagoon very closely.

At PK 13 on the west coast, the marae of Tainuu has not retained its charm. However, the upright coral slabs and the engraved stones evoke a glorious past that we enjoy imagining.

You finally reach the Miri-Miri pass, a joy for experienced surfers, around PK 10, while a hiking trail leaves in the direction of Mount Temehani, a superb walk not to be missed. Here you are in Tevaitoa, which has a beautiful white sand beach.

The mountains of Raiatea are little Steep and allow easy hikes, but there are few trails: also advise us to take a guide, especially since it can give you a lot of information about history, botany, legends…

We recommend Gérard (✆ +689 73 96 48), a greedy guide.

Let's start with the Three Cascades. We're starting from Km 5, east coast, for 4 to 6 hours of relatively easy walks, except a few slippery passages, amidst a rich tropical vegetation (giant ferns, mape, bamboo…). You can bathe at the end: supreme reward after effort! This trip is recommended for a short stay in Raiatea.

The second trip takes you to the Faaroa valley. Counting between 4 and 8 hours of walking according to your rhythm is rather easy. This is in fact a number of different loops, as you wish. There are several archaeological sites that once inhabited and lovers of botany will be happy. Closed for a while, this circuit is again possible.

The last hike wins Mount Temehani Nui. The advantage of passing through a guide is that one can start from one point (e. g. the PK 12 on the west coast) to arrive across the island, at KP 2 on the east coast. This thus prevents us from coming back. This hike is aimed at the good walkers. We cross pine forests (possibility of bivouac along the river). Magnificent show at the summit: You can admire Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora and even Maupiti in the distance. The hiking takes about 8 hours, with 820 m of difference. Possibility of swimming. Attention: It's not sure you'll have the chance to discover the famous Endémique tiara, don't count too much on it.