Papenoo Valley
Vallée de la Papenoo
Tahiti's largest valley, reachable only by four-wheel drive into the heart of the ancient volcano. Clusters of waterfalls and ancient altars lie hidden in the rainforest, making it a classic half-day trip.
The Papenoo River flows from the ancient crater of Tahiti to the north coast. The valley is about 20 km long and is the island's largest catchment basin. Most visitors join a four-wheel-drive tour, about 9,000 to 12,000 XPF per person for a half day, driving along dirt tracks and fording streams to reach numerous waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Near the end, Relais de la Maroto was once housing for hydroelectric workers, and the surrounding area has reconstructed ancient altars. Off-road tracks can continue over the mountains to Lake Vaihiria on the south coast. The roads are dangerous in rainy weather, and tours are canceled depending on conditions.
Opening hours
Daytime (with tour group)
Nearby sights
- Faarumai Waterfalls
- Arahoho Blowhole
- Point Venus
- Lafayette Beach
- James Norman Hall's House
- Tomb of King Pomare V
- Fautaua Waterfall
- Mont Aorai