Papeete on Foot: City Loop and Fautaua
Two walks, one in the city and one in a protected valley. The city loop needs no booking, while the valley walk needs a permit and a plan.
Walk 1: the city loop
| Order | Stop | What you will see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place Vai’ete | Waterfront square, public toilets, craft pavilion |
| 2 | Parc Bougainville | Banyan trees and a monument |
| 3 | Mairie de Papeete, Rue Paul Gauguin | Palace-style town hall |
| 4 | Notre-Dame Cathedral | Active church; silent and modest dress |
| 5 | Marché Mapuru a Paraita | Produce, fish, flowers, crafts |
The ground is flat and paved. Walk before the heat builds, because the market is busiest in the early morning. Afterwards, Paofai Gardens (about 5 hectares) offers shade beside the lagoon.
Walk 2: Fautaua Valley and its waterfall
Permit first. The Mairie de Papeete issues access authorisations:
- 600 XPF per adult, 150 XPF per child over 12, free under 12
- Permit counter (Régie): Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 14:00, Friday 08:00 to 13:00
- Valid for 3 months
- Groups above 10 people need the city’s approval in advance
Valley hours. Open 06:00 to 17:00. Last entry 16:45, last exit 17:45.
On the trail. Tahiti Tourisme describes an easy, shaded path of about 3 km to the Fachoda bridge, after which the going is harder. A trail guide gives about 9.8 km and roughly 4 hours return to the waterfall, with fords. Quoted heights for the waterfall differ, with about 135 m common. Guides are recommended because the trail is not always well marked.
Rules.
- No swimming in the river
- No camping or hunting
- Dogs on a lead; carry out all rubbish
- Stay out when rain or bad weather is likely, because of rockfall and fast-rising water
The commune has shut and reopened the valley in the past, so check with the city at papeete.pf before you travel.
Short walk: Faarumai
Vaimahuta is a few minutes from the car park. The other two falls take 20 to 30 minutes and are closed on works days, so telephone +689 40 47 62 00 first.
What to carry
Pack plenty of water, sturdy shoes with grip for wet rock, mosquito repellent, a hat and a light rain layer. Keep your permit with you on the valley trail, since access is checked at the start.
Guided options
Walking and hiking guides appear at Papeete walking tours .
Read more: sightseeing in Papeete and the 3 day Papeete and Bora Bora itinerary .