Introduction to Vaipahi Gardens
THE Vaipahi Gardens are a beautiful park located on the Western coast from the island of Tahiti, near the village of Mataiea. This exceptional site, which extends over more than 11 hectares, is nestled in the heart of lush greenery and bordered by a superb lagoon. The Gardens of Vaipahi offer a real haven of peace and beauty to all who visit them, with a rich and varied fauna and flora, hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.
A rich biodiversity in the heart of the Vaipahi Gardens
THE Vaipahi Gardens are a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to a large number of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to French Polynesia. Among the plants present on the site, there are more than 75 different species, some of which are rare or endemic.
Here are some examples of the floristic richness of the Gardens of Vaipahi:
- THE tiara, an emblematic flower of French Polynesia
- THE other, a plant used to make baskets and ropes
- THE tamanu, a tree whose fruits are used to extract an oil with medicinal properties
- There fern-rose, a fern endemic to Tahiti
Besides plants, the Vaipahi Gardens are also the refuge of many animal species, especially birds. Among them is the ro-ro, an emblematic bird of Polynesia, or the ‘otu’u, another bird endemic to the region.
Discover the Vaipahi Gardens on a hike
THE Vaipahi Gardens also offer many possibilities for hiking, with several marked and maintained trails allowing you to discover the park and its splendid panoramas. These paths will lead you through lush nature, dominated by the imposing presence of the mountain which overlooks the site.
Some of the most popular trails include:
- The trail of Udders, which will take you to two peaks with breathtaking views of the lagoon and the island of Tahiti
- The path of Ututu, which crosses a dense and rainy forest, ideal for observing the fauna and flora
- The path of Punauia, which will take you to a belvedere offering a panoramic view of the west coast of Tahiti
Tips for your hike to Vaipahi Gardens
Before setting out to explore the Vaipahi Gardens, here are some tips to make the most of your hike:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for the terrain
- Bring enough water to stay hydrated during the walk
- Pack a camera to capture the beautiful scenery before you
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun
- Respect the fauna and flora by not picking flowers and not disturbing the animals
| Distance | Duration | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Mamelles trail: 4 km | 2 hours | 350m |
| Ututu trail: 5 km | 2h30 | 400m |
| Punauia trail: 7 km | 4 hours | 600m |
The enchanting setting of the Vaipahi Gardens: an asset for tourism
The charm of Vaipahi Gardens does not leave insensitive the many tourists who come to visit them every year. Thus, the site has become a must on any visit to the west coast of Tahiti.
The Vaipahi Gardens are also a privileged place for photography, with their sumptuous landscapes, their picturesque waterfalls and their exceptional fauna and flora. Many professional and amateur photographers come to immortalize the natural beauties of French Polynesia.
The beauty of the Vaipahi Gardens has also inspired many artists and writers. The famous French novelist and poet, Pierre Loti, described the region of Mataiea as “a paradise lost at the end of the world”.
When is the best time to visit Vaipahi Gardens?
The ideal time to visit Vaipahi Gardens is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to October. During this period, the temperatures are pleasant and the rainfall less frequent, allowing you to make the most of the hikes and the landscapes.
What are the opening hours of the Vaipahi Gardens?
The Vaipahi Gardens are open every day of the year. Access to the park is free and the site is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How to get to Vaipahi Gardens?
To get to the Vaipahi Gardens, you have to take the T19 coastal road which connects the capital Papeete to Mataiea. It takes about 1 hour by road to cover the 33 km that separate Papeete from the Vaipahi Gardens.
Is there accommodation near Vaipahi Gardens?
There are several accommodations located near the Vaipahi Gardens, including guesthouses, lodges and boutique hotels.
The gardens of Vaipahi, located on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, are a true haven of peace for visitors and nature lovers. These gardens, maintained by the Parks and Gardens Service of French Polynesia, offer an idyllic setting for strolling and admiring the diversity of Tahitian flora and fauna. One of the most interesting aspects of these gardens is their commitment to the conservation of biodiversity. In effect, the gardens of Vaipahi are a fine example of biodiversity conservation.
As soon as you enter the gardens, you are greeted by magnificent vegetation and fragrant flowers that immediately awaken the senses. The paths lined with exotic plants and flowers allow you to discover spaces sheltering endemic plant species of French Polynesia, such as the Tumu (Cordyline fruticosa) or the Autera’a (Pandanus tectorius). It is also possible to admire plants introduced over the years, such as the essential Tiare Tahiti (Gardenia taitensis) or the Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis).
Beyond the visual beauty these gardens offer, their conservation of biodiversity also translates into the preservation of surrounding waterways and wetlands. Indeed, measures have been put in place to protect and restore these spaces, support aquatic life and promote ecological balance. Visitors can thus observe many species of birds, dragonflies and butterflies, witnesses of the richness of the local biodiversity.
Education and awareness of environmental protection are also at the heart of the missions of the gardens of Vaipahi. Information panels are placed along the paths to inform visitors about the different species encountered and the actions implemented for their conservation. Workshops and events are also regularly organized for schools and the general public, in order to share knowledge and discover the richness of Polynesian biodiversity.
The gardens of Vaipahi are thus a true example of the conservation of biodiversity and the balance between nature and Polynesian culture. By preserving this green setting and the riches it shelters, they help to make visitors aware of the importance of protecting the environment and its treasures.