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Tahitian
Lesson # 2
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maeva - |
welcome |
Maita'i? - |
how are you? |
marae - |
holy religious site |
mauruuru - |
thank you |
motu - |
island |
nana (or parahi) - |
goodbye |
orero - |
oratorical art |
Ori Tahiti - |
traditional dance |
paepae - |
stone platform |
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 Papeete.com and Tahiti Sun Travel are Basecamp International members.
Discover more fascinating travel and tourism destinations around the globe by visiting the Basecamp International homesite or by clicking on the links below:
> Mildura, Australia
This region is known for its wineries & river-centered recreational opportunities.
> Puno, Peru
The folklore capital of Peru lies on the shore of Lake Titicaca.
> Chiclayo, Peru
Peru's fourth largest city is an archeological treasure chest.
> Piura, Peru
South America's oldest Spanish city and the Piura region.
> Gustavus, Alaska
Your gateway to Gustavus and magnificent Glacier Bay Park.
> Burkina, Africa
Guide to the fascinating Country of Burkina Faso.
> Patan, Nepal
Visit one of the 3 Royal cities in the famous Kathmandu valley.
> Bhaktapur, Nepal
One of 3 of Nepals "Royal cities" and a cultural gem popular with travelers.
> Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
The famous island known for its pivotal role in WW2- the Battle of Guadalcanal.
> Krumlov, Czech Republic
Traveler's info for the UNESCO world heritage site Cesky Krumlov.
> Tokelau, New Zealand
A non-self-governing territory consisting of three coral atolls in the South Pacific.
> Tulcea, Romania
One of the larger cities in Romania located at the mouth of the famous Danube River.
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Exploring the interior of Tahiti via 4x4... |
Many people come to French Polynesia's most famous island of Tahiti "to get away from it all" and relax.
Although Tahiti is indeed a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful vacation,
not everyone wants to merely lounge around taking in the sun and sights at such a casual pace. Some people want adventure!
Explore the interior of the island by 4x4, head out for some world class deep sea fishing, go shark feeding, or find the hidden canyons, waterfalls, and mountain trails of Tahiti Polynesia's largest island...
This page is your ADVENTURES guide to Tahiti!
TST makes choosing your favorite island activity easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out our other "To Do" pages: WATERSPORTS, ISLANDFUN, RELAXATION, RECREATION & GAMES, or SHOPPING, SERVICES & RESTAURANTS.
For activities of an urban nature, see our PAPEETE ACTIVITIES section now, or check the "WHAT TO SEE" section for lots of sightseeing and exploring ideas, touring,
island attractions, and other interesting things to see and do!
4x4 Safaris
The island of Tahiti has the largest and most complex 4 wheel drive road system of any of the Polynesian islands.  The island's sheer magnitude is the reason for this. It has more land mass than any other island, and also more than one large, interconnected valley, perfect for trails and off roading fun.
Although the roads are open all year round, they are not always passable... 4x4's, motorcycles, or quadrunners are the only vehicles able to handle the often treacherous conditions.
The passability of these roads depends on the amount of rainfall and the season, with the winter months being the wetter. (and, according to more than one guide, the most interesting because of the amount of waterfalls and plants blooming...)
The most commonly traveled circuit for 4x4 tourism is a 40 kilometer journey cutting through the heart of Tahiti, beginning
and ending at Papenoo and Mataiea valleys, respectively. From either end, you'll start off at sea level and meander through steep valleys as you climb
and climb until finally reaching the apex (and tunnel) at nearly 760 meters high. Depending on the season, this island crossing can take 5 hours to 3
days...
There's also some great offroading possibilities on Tahiti's smaller island peninsula, Tahiti-iti.
Although nowadays the entire interior of Tahiti
and the peninsula of Tahiti-iti are completely undeveloped, this wasn't always the case...
On a typical 4 wheel drive excursion, you will see and learn about how Tahiti's interior used to have a large native population living within its valley walls. You will pass by old Maraes, numerous archeological stones
marking ancient villages and places of importance, and see the ancient valleys where the inhabitants grew their crops.
You will also visit French Polynesia's only lake- a place that also shares a rich and interesting history, see countless waterfalls and mountain streams, and vertical, tropical cliff walls that will astound you with their beauty.
Along the whole journey, you will also be learning about the fascinating botanical nature of Tahiti. There are over 15,000 kinds of plants living on the island! Many have been introduced by man and have interesting characteristics worthy of picture taking and notes!
There's a lot more to learn on a wonderful 4x4 journey on Tahiti. Take a tour with our featured guiding company below for a day you'll never forget!
Tahiti Sun Travel Recommends:
PO. Box 20 999, 98 713 Papeete- TAHITI
Contact: Mr. Patrick CORDIER
Telephone (689) 83.29.29, Cell (689) 79.08.09
Fax (689) 76.05.99
E-MAIL
& RESERVATIONS
Guided 4x4 journeys through the heart of Tahiti with long time Tahiti Resident
Patrick Cordier.
Papenoo and Mataiea valley trips, & Tahiti-iti exploration in custom
Mazda 4x4.
Minimum 1, maximum 8 passengers per truck, w/ groups of up to 40 persons ok.
Also, guided excursions including hiking and trekking, (Including Lava tube exploration), day touring and nature walks, camping, etc. His knowledge of the botanical, historical, and cultural aspects of the island make for excellent 1/2 day or full day
excursions.
SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
And here's the rest of the 4x4 companies on Tahiti:
TAHITI SAFARI EXPEDITION
PO. Box 14 445, 98 701 Arue- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 42.14.15/ 77.80.76, Fax- (689) 42.10.07
4 Land Rovers. 4x4 excursions on Tahiti and the Tahiti-iti peninsula.
Minimum 4, maximum 32 passengers. | NATURA EXPLORATION
PO. Box 381 236- 98 718 Punaauia- TAHITI
Telephone- (689) 43.03.83, Cell- 79.31.21, Fax- (689) 43.03.83
1 Landrover. 4x4 excursions of Tahiti island and her Tahiti-iti
peninsula. Minimum of 1 passenger, maximum of 8, Groups up to 40
passengers also possible... |
Quad Runners
Here is another company on Tahiti
that makes it their business to have fun every day in a unique way. They
take out groups of people to the Papenoo Valley on Quadrunners. (motorized 4 wheel, all terrain vehicles, for those of you not familiar with them.)They are a lot of fun!
In your day, you'll cross rivers, see waterfalls and pure mountain streams, and have lunch at the Relais de la Maroto in the Papenoo Valley.
POLYNESIE QUAD
PK 18, Papenoo Valley, PO. Box 10 647 - 98 711 Paea- TAHITI
Telephone- (689) 53.33.90/ 78.61.94, Fax- (689) 53.33.90
Guided quadrunner tours. 4 quadrunners total. Bring: Towel and running shoes.
Maximum passengers- 8, Full day trips. Reserve 7 days/ week. |
Hiking, Climbing, & Canyoning
Hiking
Tahiti's interior trail system is an entirely different proposition than our casual walking or Eco & cultural tours sections on the ISLAND FUN page.
Some of this hiking is pretty strenous, but the rewards are many, if you're willing to give it a go...
Take a trip to Fautaua waterfalls,
or one of the many other streams and waterfalls in the interior. Find and swim in chrystal clear streams and mountain pools...
Climb Tahiti's largest or second highest mountains, Mt. Orohena and Mt. Pitohiti, in a day, or
try ascending another tropical peak. The climbs are steep, but the views on top are oh so spectacular!
Other hiking and trekking trips include discovering the famous Lava Tubes of Tahiti for an interesting day, venturing out to see Tahiti's only lake, or exploring the solitude, cliffs, canyons and coastline of Tahiti's undeveloped Tahiti-Iti Peninsula.
You'll be best off with a guide on your outing. Here's a great list of Trekking and climbing guides, hiking organizations, and related businesses on Tahiti:
TE RO O NUI O TE PARI I HONOURA ASSOCIATION
PO. Box 50 155, 98716 Pirae- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 50.93.57/ 43.76.90
Fax- (689) 43.76.90
2 days/ 1 night excursions (with bivouac) Minimum 4,
Maximum 20 passengers. DISCOVER TAHITI- ITI peninsula. | TE FETIA O TE MAU MATO CLUB
PO. Box 9304, 98 715 Papeete- TAHITI
Telephone- (689) 43.04.64/ 77.02.22, Fax- (689) 43.04.64
Hikers association composed of many professionals offering different
outing levels. Hiking excursions organized in all the islands of the
Society Archipelago. | LE CIRCUIT VERT
PO. Box 7426, 98719 Taravao- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 57.22.67, Fax- (689) 57.21.67
2 to 3 day treks and camping. Minimum 5, maximum 10 passengers.
Discover Tahiti-Iti peninsula. | PRESQUILE LOISIRS
PO. Box 7509, 98 719 Taravao- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 57.00.57
1 to 2 day, 1 night treks with bivouac.
Minimum 4, maximum 6 passengers.
Discover Tahiti-Iti peninsula. | TIARE MATO EXPEDITIONS
PO. Box 11 023, 98 709 Mahina- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 43.92.76/ 77.48.11, Fax- (689) 43.92.76
Trekking, hiking, and canyoning on the Tahiti-iti peninsula and also the
interior of Tahiti Nui. Also, organized hikes on request throughout the Society Islands.
Minimum 4, maximum 8 people.
| PUARAI EXCURSIONS
PO. Box 110 361, 98 709 Mahina- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 48.16.24
1-3 days hiking and trekking circuits to the interior of
Tahiti-Nui and the Tahiti-iti peninsula.
Minimum 5, Maximum 10 passengers. | TAHITI EVASION
PO. Box 1180, 98 729 Papetoai- MOOREA
Telephone - (689) 56.48.77/ 41.35.07, Fax- (689) 56.48.77
Trekking, hiking, and canyoning: 7 days in the interior of Tahiti-Nui,
including 2 days in the Pari on the Tahiti-iti peninsula and also climbing the highest peaks on Tahiti.
Or, take a 21 day "trekking in the islands" trip with us on the islands of Raiatea, Tahiti, Tahaa, Moorea, and Tetiaroa atoll.
Minimum 6, maximum 12 passengers. | POLYNESIAN ADVENTURE
PO. Box 21 183, 98 713 Papeete- TAHITI
Telephone - (689) 43.25.95/ 77.24.37, Fax- (689) 43.25.95
1 to several days treks of the interior of Tahiti-Nui
and the Tahiti-iti peninsula.
Minimum 4, maximum 5 people. |
PATRICK ADVENTURE (see link above)
PO. Box 20 999, 98 713 Papeete- TAHITI
Contact: Mr. Patrick CORDIER
Telephone (689) 83.29.29, Cell (689) 79.08.09, Fax (689) 76.05.99
Hiking, trekking, lava tube exploration, & canyoning on Tahiti and
Tahiti-iti peninsula with long time Tahiti Resident Patrick Cordier.
Minimum 4, maximum- 20 persons, depending on the difficulty of the excursion.
His knowledge of the botanical, historical, and cultural aspects of the island make for excellent 1/2 day or full day excursions.
Also, guided 4x4 safari journeys through the heart of Tahiti and less strenous Day
touring and nature walks.
See the hyperlinks for details! |
Deep Sea Fishing
Details coming soon...
Shark & Ray Feeding
Details coming soon...
Adventures on the Other Islands of
An Internetwork of Travel & Tourism Guides
for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
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An interactive bulletin
board covering a diverse array of Tahitian subjects.
Ask questions, get advice, meet people, be crazy!
It's fun, easy, and informative!
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Discover the
TAHITI OF
YESTERYEAR |
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...with
our EZ Print
Internet Coupons for activities, lodging, car
rentals, and many other things travelers (and locals) spend
money on in French Polynesia.*
 Remember: French Polynesians don't "negotiate"
or barter with their published prices...
These coupons are worth cold, hard cash!
*For a quick glance at our vendors, see
our COUPON FINDER now!
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Find out Who's Who and Where - On the Tahiti Sun Travel Network.
Also, are they a Coupon Program participant?
We have lots of different linking members throughout our
pages and are adding more regularly...
This handy quick reference saves time when you don't have
time to explore the network. (Members are listed alphabetically
and categorized per/ island site.)
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Check out our online store for the most interesting Polynesian products on the planet.
Books, travel guides, maps, Polynesian music, videos, gifts, pareos, soaps, oils, lotions, perfumes & clothing are just a few of the items available.
If you sell Polynesian products: We'd like to sell your products in our store!
See the details here and let's get something going...
We'll bring you the traffic, you sell the products!
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