Taipivai Valley Scenic Drive
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Port
Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The Taipivai Valley was originally made famous by the American writer and sailor, Herman Melville (1819-1891), who deserted his ship and hid in this valley. Captured by the indigenous people, he lived there for three weeks -- a period during which he observed their way of life. This experience enabled him to write the novel called Typee. This landmark was more recently made famous by being the base camp for the Survivor television show filmed here in 2001.
An on-road panoramic drive will lead you through lush vegetation among valleys and great viewpoints. The coastline of this part of the island is breathtaking and ensures you some time for rewarding pictures.
You will pass small villages and plenty of churches.
Visit the sacred Te A'itua temple and enjoy a refreshment.
You'll continue to Hooumi black-sand beach before returning to the pier.
Handicrafts are usually available for purchase at Te A'itua or at the beach.
Notes:
Bring local currency, as most vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Local transportation varies but is generally in private vehicles (double-cab-style SUVs) with no air-conditioning. Vehicles usually accommodate four guests (three in the back and one in the front). Seating cannot be reserved in advance. Families or friends may be split up. Vehicles are not guaranteed to be air-conditioned. Tour consists mainly of sightseeing from the transportation. Stops are brief, and participants can remain in the vehicle. Most of the drive is over a hard, flat road, although the short distance to the beach may be a little bumpy with some windy roads. Your driver may speak limited or no English; however, you will travel in caravan style, and there will be an English-speaking guide providing commentary at all the stops. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here; you are trading breadth of guide experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties or operational surprises that may crop up. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wear insect repellent. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes.