Undiscovered Tahiti

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

In the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach, you begin with a city tour of Papeete towards the west coast of Tahiti though the district of Punaauia.

Our first stop is at the ancient "Marae Arahurahu" - considered to be one of the most significant archeological sacred stone temples of the island where Tahitians of yesteryear preformed all their religious rites & sacrifices.

We continue through the districts of Paea & Papara to the district of Mataiea - the home village of Paul Gauguin from 1891 to 1893. It was here where he discovered the Tahiti he had envisioned & some of his finest achievements were dated from this period.

After a short drive we arrive at a private colonial home originally built early 1920s by a known English writer, Robert Keibel. Home is currently owned by another fellow English man - Mr. Roger Gowen & his gracious wife Juliet who will welcome you with refreshments of local juices & fruits followed by a personal guided visit of the meticulous gardens & grounds.

On your return route, short picture stops are made at Vaipahi Gardens with its picturesque waterfall and the Fern Mara'a Grotto Caves to view the fresh water spring pool. This natural site was described by Capt. Cook in his journal on his first circumnavigation trip around the island in 1769 & portrayed in Paul Gauguin's novel "Noa Noa".

Our last stop is at 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 best museums in the South Pacific that focuses on the Polynesians and their history, people, language and culture. Displays and exhibits range from early European explorers ship anchors, ancient canoes, traditional weaving, tapa-cloth making, early tools, body ornaments, tattooing, games, sports, sacred tikis and funerary practices.

A short drive will return you back to Papeete where your ship awaits your return.

Special Notes:

The Museum of Tahiti is currently closed for renovations and it has been replaced with a guided visit at the Tahitian Secrets, a local workshop dedicated to traditional methods of producing natural oils and perfumes from local plants & flowers. You will learn the various processes from collection of flowers to the fermentation process and reduction.

Tour oder may vary.

As a disembarking tour, transfer to the airport is an additional cost and will have to be purchased separately.