Moorea
 Located
17 km from Tahiti. Moorea is a land of history and legend.
The sculptured beauty of Cook's Bay ranged with chiseled mountain peaks, including the very lovely
Rotui, paralleled
by its twin bay of Opunohu whose dark waters reflect the
steep mountain sides, will always attract artist, lovers
of beauty and philosophers from around the world. The scenic
beauty and its history are not the only attractions of this
island also known for its gentle, easy life style and its
high quality pineapples. Its many white sand beaches, the
wide variety of its coral sea bed and the richness of its
underwater life make Moorea a very special destination.
Moorea is very well endowed with hotels and pensions of
all categories, generally situated at the water's edge. The
numerous restaurants and snack bars sometimes offer a traditional
maa'a Tahiti, Tahitian earth oven, which is an absolute must.
TOURIST SITES
Toatea Lookout Point
Look down on the shimmering colors of the lagoon, the Pacific
Ocean and the impressive island of Tahiti in the distance.
A lookout point not to be missed.
Temae Public Beach
One of the most beautiful white sand beaches on Moorea is
opposite the island of Tahiti.
The Aquarium Pottery
This center offers aquariums with the rarest of tropical
fish. A potter craftsman presents you his pottery.
Apuhi Plantation
This lovely botanical garden is filled with opuhi (ginger
flowers), fruit trees and vanilla palnts, ferns and other
tropical plants. There is also a boutique.
Cook's Bay
Also known as Pao Pao Bay, this is the magnificent place
where the famous British navigator James Cook anchored his
ship during this first voyage to Tahiti and Her Islands
in 1777.
Fruit Juice Distillery
Open for visits and tasting. Enjoy the delicious tastes
of liquors, juices and various alcohol extracts from fruits
grown on Moorea plantations.
Marae
This historic site is located next to the route of the Belvedere
(panoramic lookout point). This restored ancient outdoor
temple made from volcanic stone was originally used for
sacrifices and funeral ceremonies. Nearby is a restored
ancient archery platform.
"Le Belvedere"
This lookout point offers a spectacular panoramic view of
the island's two large bays.
Opunohu School Farm
Situated in the Opunohu valley, on the road of Belvedere,
don't miss to visit the "Fare Vente" and the school farm,
animated by pupils (vanilla, coffee trees, tropical
flowers).
Opunohu Bay
This deep bay with long, undeveloped shores and a magnificent
stretch of smooth water ends in front of a beautiful valley
that rises up to the tallest point on the island, the
"Tohiea"
(shark's tooth). This bay was the location for the shooting
of the latest version of the film (Mutiny of the Bounty)
starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins.
Kellum Property
This former home of the Kellums, a late American couple,
offers a beautiful garden next to the shoreline of Opunohu
Bay. There are a variety of flowers and plants, depending
on the season. Guided visits present the history of the
island and its plants.
Papetoai Church
This stone church built in 1822 sits on the site of a
marae,
or ancient temple, that was originally dedicated
to the Polynesian God Oro. The Polynesian-octagonal church was rebuilt
on 1887 on the same site.
Dolphin Quest
This is a unique experience, offering visitors a completely
safe face-to-face encounter with dolphins.
Le Petit Village Shopping Center
Located in the district of Haapiti, this shopping center
is close to several hotels.
Tiki Village
This is a village where artisans weave and do wood sculpturing.
The Tiki Theatre also offers a big celebration on the marae
Tupuna with traditional food and a show of traditional Tahitian
singing and dancing, all in natural setting. The re-enactment
is of traditional Tahitian wedding ceremonies are possible.
A Fareiaitu
Waterfall
This 50-meter (164-ft) high waterfall is reached after a
lovely walk admits beautiful vegetation along the left bank
of the Tevaiatiraa River. The same path is the beginning
of an excursion to Moua Pua, the pierced mountain.
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