Facts and figures about Tahiti iti:

• Number of surfers per km2 : inestimable
• Number of cows grazing in the meadow : 417

3 reasons to visit Tahiti iti:

• Wrap yourself up in a blanket on a rainy day
• Make your own 100% local cheeseboard
• Explore the fenua ‘aihere

The Tahitian peninsula, that’s a whole ‘nother story…

For its inhabitants, the hardest part is to leave it (and the coffee-bread-butter combo is kind of bittersweet when it’s about time to jump in your pick-up at 3:00 AM on Mondays and spend 3h30 in traffic jam up to Papeete).
As for us all, the simple tourists, the Tahitian peninsula tastes like Twisties, apple-peach Ice-C, and pa’apa’ā pua’a we made sure to buy at the gas station to eat on the road as we slightly fold down the passenger seat.
Tahiti Iti, it’s the island tour going into extra time. It’s a decision made on a sudden impulse and the end of a Netflix & Chill session. And, let’s admit it, it’s often the best way to spend your Sunday…

The Beach Burger, the golf course of Atimaono, Mataiea’s infamous sheet of rain, the Vaipahi water gardens… We can tell we are getting closer but it’s only once we reach Papeari and the weather is getting a bit cooler that we realize we are about to arrive.
There she goes, our peninsula… Roll down your windows and breathe in. Do you feel it, the air of the countryside? Yep, Tahiti Iti has a micro-climate and looks just like Avesnois or Normandy… That’s probably why the grass is (literally) greener here.

The Taravao Plateau

Your first step has to be the panoramic viewpoint. To find your way, it’s easy as pie, just pass the herds of cows and horses grazing under the apple trees. Alright, you’ve got a point here: the mist makes it harder sometimes, but that, my friends, is what we call exoticism! Once you reach the top, if you are lucky and the weather is clear, the panorama overlooking Tahiti Nui and its sparkling lagoon is astonishing.

A cheese-tasting at La Fromagère de Tahiti

U-turn. This change of scenery has a peculiar taste, that of the Saint tahitien. If your little jaunt to Taravao falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, you should stop by the local cheese maker factory to taste a sampling of her products. Otherwise, you can go to Carrefour and make a whole cheeseboard as suits you (to nibble on by the beach or to bring back to your friends and family, if you feel like it can make it to the islands). Fresh pomelo cheese, St tahitien matured with white Manutea rum, Leeward cheese with pink pepper from the Marquesas islands, Urutier made out of uru ashes… Seems like Vai Ora milk is not just intended for Milo and Sao, after all.

The Teahupo’o Wave

Professional surfer, amateur, or simply used to staying on the beach, the mythical Teahupo’o wave is a must-see for anyone coming to Tahiti. You cannot ignore that it will host both Tahiti Pro and Olympic Games in 2024. Feel free to come closer with a taxi boat or to stay anywhere nearby, taking a look from afar and eating mape in your car seat…

A Buddha Bowl in Tautira

As you arrive at the Taravao junction, you have only two choices:
On the West coast: A Nordic walking and cliff somersault kind of mood.
On the East coast: Barbecue by the beach and river bathing.
If you chose option number 2, give us a hand and help us pitch the tent and carry the icebox and JBL! The Tautira beach has three main advantages: it is public, one can find yummy Buddha Bowls nearby (in case you forgot to bring your 5lbs BBQ Fiesta package), and there is a river right next to it.

What to do on the island of Tahiti iti?

The Fenua ‘Aihere

Just so you know, the Tahitian peninsula is all about the bush. That’s definitely why all the dancers venture out there just before the Heiva celebrations, hoping to find some opuhi and birds of paradise. But to get there, it requires a bit of equipment and motivation. Well, that’s pretty simple: the road simply ends there, so you can either wade about in the mud and walk for a while or jump from a boat. You attempted to reconnect with nature? There you go, it’s about time to get wet, hike, climb, and walk on the reef if you want to find the hidden treasures of Tahiti Iti.

The Lavatubes

Here is the refreshing/fun experience you had been looking for. The lava flows created small charming slides ending up in the river, natural ponds, and a few waterfalls. It’s time to eat those pomelos and coconut bites in your backpack.

Te Pari

If we take the three excursions above, add a guide supplement and a captain topping, what do we get? A Te Pari tour.
First stop in Teahupo’o to observe the fenua ‘aihere from the lagoon (and peep at the surfers). After a brief navigation of half an hour, it’s time to jump into the water and reach the Queen’s pond and its waterfall. The whole day will be about tanning sessions and pool splashes. As you arrive by the Faaroa Bay, the boat takes you to the humpback’s platform, where the boldest of you can jump from the cliffs before heading for a quick walk over the reef. New splash at the lavatubes, another quick walk in the heart of the mape forest, and now you can go Mowgli style and use the rope to jump into the Vaiau river.

A Traditional Massage by the Waterfall

The chill version of the Te Pari tour is the Taurumi tour: a 30-minute boat ride, a 40-minute walk, and a well-deserved traditional massage by the waterfall at key. On your way back, little DIY scrub made out of monoi, pomelo, grated coconut, tiare, and thin sand…

A Lunch at Le Manoa

Night is falling. If you are not full yet – and you were smart enough to make a reservation – we do suggest you stop at Le Manoa, on your way back to Taravao. Lobster, magret of duck, pizza… choosing is the hardest part!