PAPENOO-MATAIEA FERRY ROUTE

There are so many wonders on this barely traced road, clinging to the mountain! If several roads climb Tahiti, only this 39 km long cross-country track cuts it from one side to the other, along an impressive route between volcanoes and rivers, jungle and prehistoric sites. However, developments have transformed the dirt roads into concrete roads until the Relais de la Maroto. Then, it is the adventure: inquire about the conditions of access before committing yourself; a guide is highly recommended! The path is very winding, sometimes slippery, and some maneuvers are tricky. You will need a 4x4, especially to cross the fords of the rivers, whose level tends to increase quickly when it rains. The adventure begins at PK 17 on the east coast, at the entrance to the Papenoo Valley. This valley, whose history joins that of the Bounty rebels and that of the Tahitian religious, was once idyllic. Although it has lost some of its charm since it was used as a dumping ground and its hydroelectricity is exploited, it has retained its majesty. Running from the bottom of the Tahiti crater, the great Papenoo River winds its way to the sea in a deep, verdant gorge. The road crosses the river more than a dozen times, following it along natural or artificial basins, or diverging from it with waterfalls and dams. After 18 km, we arrive at the Relais de la Maroto, a real island of civilization in the heart of the jungle, in the middle of the gigantic amphitheater formed by the crater of the volcano. You can take a break here, take advantage of it to cultivate yourself by visiting the nearby Anapua and Farehape marae, or to bathe in the Maroto waterfall. From here, the road climbs steeply for 5 km, twisting and turning and clinging as best it can to the sides of the crater, until it reaches a tunnel. The relay, at 270 m of altitude, is already far away: you are at 800 m of altitude! After the tunnel, the trail starts to go down and leads to the Vaihiria lake: 500 m long, fresh water and jungle, nothing more, except an incredible view on the lagoon and its coral reef below. Ideal for a refreshing swim. The road descends just as sharply as it did on the way up, skirting a small reservoir and ending at KP 47.5 on the west coast. If you go on foot, allow about 3 days and don't forget your map! You can also use an agency.