French Polynesia - Wanderstories

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French Polynesia

Known for the moss-green peaks and coral-fringed, vivid turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows, French Polynesia is a place to take it slow and experience warm, laid-back island culture. Offering both surf and turf activities, the islands feature white and black sandy beaches, rugged mountain peaks, and towering waterfalls.

French Polynesia

Mount Ahutaa

A steep climb up the sideline takes you to Mt Ahutaa. This can be done as a circuit.

Afareaitu Waterfalls (’Āfareaitu Cascades)

French Polynesia

Afareaitu Waterfalls (’Āfareaitu Cascades)

There are many waterfalls in the Ãareaitu local, however, the two main tourist attractions are Vaioro Falls (a.k.a. Afareaitu Cascade) and Putoa Falls (a.k.a. Atiraa Falls). Both are worth seeing, even when they are just trickles in winter.

Magic Mountain (Montagne Magique)

French Polynesia

Magic Mountain (Montagne Magique)

Magic Mountain provides extensive views of the coast and coral reefs of Mo'orea. The lush vegetation covering its slopes extends into the valley with rich greens and light blues dominating the landscape.

Pic de l'Uui (Uui Peak)

French Polynesia

Pic de l'Uui (Uui Peak)

This peak is located on the north west tip of the island and is known as Peak Uui (Pic de l'Uui).

Uufau Pass (Col de Uufau) - Ha'apiti to Amehiti

French Polynesia

Uufau Pass (Col de Uufau) - Ha'apiti to Amehiti

The Uufau Pass, also known as Linareva Pass (Col de Linareva), passes between Mount Mou'apu and Atiati near Mount Tautuapae and provides yet another possibility of crossing Mo'orea north to south.

Vai'are Pass (Col de Vai'are) - Vai'are to Paopao

French Polynesia

Vai'are Pass (Col de Vai'are) - Vai'are to Paopao

From the village of Vai'are to Paopao in Cook's Bay, this hiking route ascends to the pass which delivers grand views of Mount Orohena (2,241 m) on the island of Tahiti, as well as the whole interior of Mo'orea Island.

Three Pines Pass (Col des Trois Pinus)

French Polynesia

Three Pines Pass (Col des Trois Pinus)

The Three Pines Pass is a short but enjoyable hike which leads up to three pine trees overlooking the pineapple fields and vast greenery of Opunohu Valley and the ancient volcano.

Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers) - Opunohu to Vaianae

French Polynesia

Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers) - Opunohu to Vaianae

Three Coconuts Pass is Mo'orea's most popular hike. The trail traverses the ancient volcano to towards the pass between Mount Mou'aroa and Mount Tohive'a and provides superb views over Opunohu Valley.

French Polynesia

Mount Atiati

Location - Ha'apiti or Amehiti, Mo'orea, French Polynesia Duration - 3-6 hours return depending on route taken Distance - ~7 km return depending on route taken Difficulty - Very strenuous and quite dangerous. No track. Mount Atiati (749 m), also written as Mont Atiati, is located close to the centre

French Polynesia

Mount Mou'apū

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Mount Mou'apu, also written Moua Pū, is 762 m in elevation and can be recognised by its iconic archway on it's eastern ridge and its pyramid-like shape. The three main ridges leading up to its summit are steep and minor cliffs make the summit unreachable.

Mount Mou'aroa (Shark's Tooth)

French Polynesia

Mount Mou'aroa (Shark's Tooth)

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Mo'orea has many iconic peaks and despite the relatively low altitude, the mountains are among the most vegetated and rugged in the world. Due to the loose soil, vegetated natures, and decomposing volcanic rocks, most of the peaks are considered impossible to climb and many

French Polynesia

Mount Ruahiti

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Mount Ruahiti is a peak and is located in Mo'orea, French Polynesia and is 510 meters above sea level, or 76 meters above the surrounding terrain. It is about ~0.5 km wide at its base. On it's northern side is Mt Mou'aroa, on its

Mount Tamarutoofa

French Polynesia

Mount Tamarutoofa

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Mount Tamarutoofa, also written as Tamaru toofa and Tamartoofa, is at an elevation of 916 m and is the Tefeo Valley. It is currently unsummited. Much like the rest of Mo'orea, the mountain is comprised of decomposing igneous volcanic rock and is chossy. The slopes

French Polynesia

Mount Tohiea

Mount Tohiea is a volcanic peak and the highest point on the island of Mo'orea in French Polynesia at 1,207 metres and is located near the island centre.

Mount Mou'aputa

French Polynesia

Mount Mou'aputa

Mount Mou'aputa (830 m) is fourth highest peak on the island of Mo'orea and is something surreal. The peak can recognised from the iconic hole near it's summit.

French Polynesia

Mount Rōtui

Mount Rotui (899 m) is located on the north side of the island between Opunohu and Cook's Bays. It's a strenuous hike but efforts are well-rewarded with scenic views of the island.

Hikes on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

French Polynesia

Hikes on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Many of the hikes on Mo'orea start in the lush Opunohu Valley where you are surrounded by unique mahogany trees, giant bamboo, and tropical flowers. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks picturesque Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Bay and the settlements around Cook's Bay. Inland,

Mountain Biking Trails on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

French Polynesia

Mountain Biking Trails on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia There is an extensive trail network on Moorea and modern signposts and markers have been installed in 2016. There is a good map of both cycling and hiking trails on the road to Belvedere Lookout - look for the information post on the side of

What to do on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

French Polynesia

What to do on Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia

Location - Mo'orea, French Polynesia Mo'orea, also spelled Moorea, is a South Pacific island that is part of French Polynesia and is often visited by sailboats. It's known for its jagged, volcanic mountains, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear blue lagoons. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks the picturesque Ōpūnohu Bay