Private Tour
Tahiti: Guided Hiking in a Biodiversity Sanctuary
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
In the heart of the sacred Mo’aroa Valley, 40 minutes from Papeete, AOA Polynesian Forests opens the doors to a 230-hectare private estate — the first educational forest in French Polynesia.
Guided by passionate naturalists, you explore a forest undergoing active restoration, populated by endemic and native species found nowhere else. Bamboo forest, large native banyan tree, medicinal plants, endemic birds, crystal clear river: each visit is an authentic immersion in Tahiti’s natural heritage.
Guided hikes, educational walks with trail games, vegetable dye workshops, immersion days — each activity contributes directly to the restoration of Polynesian biodiversity.
Winner of the 2024 Sustainable Tourism Award
UN Ecosystem Restoration Programme 2021–2030
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
AOA Polynesian Forests
A 4-hour guided hike in the heart of a 230-hectare private forest sanctuary, 40 minutes from Papeete — far from Tahiti’s classic sightseeing tours. Accompanied by a Naturalist Guide who specializes in Polynesian biodiversity, you pass through successive landscapes of rare beauty: bamboo forest, active eating areas, reintroduced endemic species, to the great native banyan tree — the emblem of the Mo'aroa Valley. Along the way, every plant, every bird becomes a story: traditional uses, threats, preservation efforts. The hike ends with a swim in the fresh waters of the river — the perfect end point of an extraordinary day. Welcome with floral infusion and local biscuits included. Completely private domain: your group operates alone in the valley, without meeting other visitors. Your visit contributes directly to the active restoration of Polynesian biodiversity.
What‘s Included
Bathing EN river
Admission fee
Snacks
Transport can be arranged EN option. The rate depends DE the distance between your accommodation and the AOA forest.
Options
Hiking + Shuttle Paea-Papara
Transport Papeete - Punaauia
Forest + Shuttle Arue-Pirae
Transport zone Arue - Pirae
Hiking Sanctuary Without Shuttle
Hiking Sanctuary Without Shuttle
Forest + Shuttle PPT-Punaauia
Transport area Paea - Papara
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exactly the Tahitian Forest Hike I hoped for!
bon gout,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went solo and joined two other people and our guide Melanie. Melanie is extremely knowledgeable about the plants and trees in the forest, their origins and their uses, even their legends. The pace was relaxed but progressive. The conversation was lively. The earthen trail was well maintained but not manicured. The AOA association should be applauded for the restoration and education they are providing. This was exactly the Tahitian Forest hike that I hoped for.
Real discovery of...
porcepic,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A true discovery of biodiversity with passionate guides, I was able to discover the riches of Tahitian nature throughout the day. I was also able to listen and see certain species of birds and discover and eat edible plants.
Where the forest whispers
geusselinchristelle,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This walk in the forest offered me a very calming. The guides shared their knowledge with such deep passion that it made discovering plants even more rewarding.
Great morning in the forest
F6382EJsim onc,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Many thanks to the guides for all the richness of their comments and explanations. It was really interesting, I had a pleasant time discovering the Polynesian flora and fauna. In short, an incredible ecological project that thinks about future generations!
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Operated by AOA Polynesian Forests