Undiscovered Tahiti
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Port
Papeete, French Polynesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
In the comfort of an air-conditioned motorcoach, enjoy a panoramic drive through the vibrant city of Papeete and out into the rural west coast district of Punaauia.
You'll pause at the ancient Marae Arahurahu -- one of the most significant archeological sacred stone temples on the island. The Tahitians of yesteryear performed religious rites and sacrifices here.
Pass through the Paea and Papara areas en route to Mataiea -- the village where preeminent French painter Paul Gauguin lived from 1891 to 1893. It was here that he discovered the Tahiti he had envisioned and some of his finest masterpieces dated from this period.
Visit a privately-owned colonial property whose homestead was built early 1920s by English writer Robert Keable. Today, the home is owned by another Englishman -- Mr Roger Gowen and his wife, Juliet. This charming couple welcome you with a refreshment of fresh local juices. Leave the shade of the verandah to follow them on a personalized guided tour of the meticulously manicured gardens and grounds. This tropical oasis is intoxicatingly beautiful and serene.
Take photos and stretch your legs at Vaipahi Gardens, with its picturesque waterfall and, at the Fern Grotto Caves, view a freshwater spring pool. The latter natural site was described by Captain Cook in his journal in 1769 and was portrayed in Paul Gauguin's novel Noa Noa.
Step inside the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands at the Fishermen's Point. Set into a coconut grove with a picturesque view of the lagoon and Moorea in the background, this ranks as one of the finest museums in the South Pacific. It focuses on the Polynesians and their history, people, language and culture. The displays and exhibits range from early European explorers to ship anchors, ancient canoes, traditional weaving, tapa-cloth making, early tools, body ornaments, tattooing, games, sports, sacred tikis and funerary practices.
A short drive returns you to Papeete and the ship.
Please note:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Papeete.