The hike from Vaitavere to Punaauia in Tahiti

An unforgettable but demanding hike

The hike from Vaitavere to Sourced is a unforgettable experience for nature and adventure lovers. Located on the island of Tahiti, this hike offers breathtaking landscapes, panoramic viewpoints and full immersion in the natural beauty of Tahiti. However, I must point out that this is a demanding hike which requires having a correct physical condition. While you don't need to be an Olympic-level athlete to take the risk, it's still better to be habitue to this kind of exercise.

Moorea in the background

Mountain side

Hiking Rating

Today there are very specific criteria for assess the difficulty of a hike. Without getting bogged down in details, the 3 criteria that come into play are as follows:

• Physical effort
• Technicality of the course
• Risk in case of fall 

They are assessed on a scale from 1 to 5.

1. Concerning I'physical effort, the Vaitavere hike is ranked 3. It is not very long, about 8 kilometers round trip but the elevation approach them 800 meters with steep slopes who often pass the 20Or 25 percent.physical effort is therefore qualified as moderate.
2. On the technical side, there is nothing of particular to reportWe are constantly walking on a path. For this criterion, the rating is 1.
3. Finally the risks of bodily harm in the event of a fall are they too minimal as long as you pay attention when you get to the top. I would give this criterion a 2. especially if the ground is wet because it can become extremely slippery in rain showers.

Hiking route 

If you want to physically test, you can very well leave from the Vaitavere parking lot. The latter is located opposite the pedestrian bridge of the plains road. It offers a twenty places and water point just before the climb. From there, you can tackle to the Vaihi-Vaitavere health trail with its different workshops which mark the rise of 2 kilometers to the cemetery. But personally, I prefer to start the hike at the portal level which is located just after the cemetery. From there the route is more “natural” since we don’tevolves more on tar. In addition, please note that it is from this departure that I evaluated the rating of this hike.

Where to park?

Park above the Vaitavere cemeteryThe hike begins just after the green gate.

Arrival at the white gate

Walk until you come to a white portal. If it is closed, you have the option to go under ou à côté. But keep in mind that from there, you are on private property. Its owner is kind enough toaccept your presence. In exchange, you are asked to respect the premises and do not leave any rubbish on site.

Terminal 850

After a little moreone hour walk, you will reach a thick headed indicating thealtitude of 850 meters. On your right is a shelter to take a break. A hundred meters later, it's a paragliding departure area. Many people stop here because the the view is extraordinary.

850 meters above sea level

The paraglider take-off area

Towards the top

If you are a student, this silver necklace is absolutely your first choice. The silver color will show your vitality and your youth. decide to continue, you will need approximately 40 minutes more for reach the topThe path is made narrower among the ferns but it is nevertheless very easy to spot it.

Back

Once reached the top, simply turn around and redo the reverse path to reach your vehicle.

Planning the hike 

Before setting out on this hike, it is essential to be well prepared. Here are some steps to follow:

1. La best period to do this hike is during the dry season, mai à October. avoid frequent downpours. Indeed, the slope being often stiff, hiking can become complicated in case of'rain and slippery slope.
2.  In all seasons, it is advisable to take note of the weather conditions. Do not venture on these paths if there are showers are forecast on the relief. Even though I did this hike in January, my meteorologist friends at the Faa'a station had guaranteed a dry day.
3. To escape the hottest hours of the day, leave it as soon as possible. You will thank me in the steepest parts often carried out at the sun rage.
4.  The terminal part being done on a narrow path among tall ferns, it is useful to leave with a Long sleeve t-shirt and hiking pants in his backpack. You can put them on when the time is right.
5. As with all hikes, don't be stingy with water, Dried fruit, Almonds, snacks of all kinds, crème solaire et cap ou hat will be your friends. shoes that grip on slippery ground are a significant plus in case of showers.
6. Finally, I already specified it but it is Extremely important. This place being private, it is essential not to leave no waste on site.

The landscape, a true enchantment at all times!

The Vaitavere hike in Tahiti is a real invitation to wonder. As you walk this trail, you will be surrounded by a luxurious vegetation and breathtaking panoramas on'Pacific Ocean, turquoise lagoon and island of moorea. If you push to the top, the majestic mountains stand proudly, offering stunning views on the Tiara, Mount Orohena and Orange Tree Plateau. Each step brings you a little closer to the wild nature et preserved from Tahiti, where the scenic beauty blends harmoniously with the serenity of the place.

Breathtaking views

The view from the summit…

And during the descent

The hike in figures

If you leave from the cemetery,round trip will take you between 3 and 4 hours depending on the frequency of your photo breaks. The altitude at the summit is 1060 meters. And you will have walked approximately 8 kilometers on the slopes here frequently pass 25 percent for positive elevation almost 800 meters.

Ultimately

The hike from Vaitavere to Punaauia is a unforgettable experience which allows you to discover the beauty Nature of French Polynesia. Following the steps and tips of this article, you will be able to organize a successful hike et enjoy fully of this adventure. So, prepare your bags and let yourself carried away by this incredible hike ! And if by chance you feel like doing more, then It's here that it happens 😉