Meet your guide for an informative & intimate tour by minibus. Drive towards the south of Raiatea. Along the east coast of the island, past the small village of Avera, you will discover the world of pearl farming, visit a little local farmer and appreciate the process of one of the main resources of French Polynesia, a little shopping may be done here (cash only!) Continuing along the Faaroa River you will then reach the district of OPOA where the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site Marae Taputapuātea is located. This site is at the center of the ‘Polynesian Triangle,’ a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean, dotted with islands, and the last part of the globe to be settled by humans. The property includes two forested valleys, a portion of lagoon and coral reef and a strip of open ocean. At the heart of the property is the Taputapuātea Marae complex, a political, ceremonial and funerary center. As the ancestral homeland of Polynesian culture, Taputapuātea is of outstanding significance for people throughout the whole of Polynesia, for the way it symbolizes their origins, connects them with ancestors and as an expression of their spirituality. Your visit here will include a tour around the main platform and allow you to learn a bit more about this exceptional testimony to 1,000 years of Mā'ohi civilization. Before heading back to the pier, your tour will include a visit to the Botanical Garden for an in-depth walk through the local plants.
Please note: Tours operate mainly on paved road, however some road conditions may be bumpy, so those with bad backs, pregnant women or persons who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo should be advised accordingly, multiple buses for the same tour may be used, friends or families should present themselves together upon departure. Wear comfortable attire including non-slippery shoes, carry a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle filled up! Please carry Credit Card &/or cash if you wish to purchase souvenirs. All sensitive belongings should be carried with caution. Expensive jewelry or clothing are not recommended on tour. Guests should not leave their belongings unattended.