You will set off on an educational exploration of the island and learn all about Polynesian geology, botany, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, economy, history, and traditions. Your guide will share his knowledge, experience, and passion for this beautiful island with such a rich culture. Boarding "Le Truck," French Polynesia's famous local style bus, you will depart from Maroe Village on the small island of Huahine Iti, crossing the bridge to Huahine Nui, or 'big island.' Here you will drive past lush green valleys and turquoise lagoons through the capital town of Fare, where Captain James Cook sojourned on his visits to the island. Your first stop will be Maeva Village, considered to be one of French Polynesia's most important archaeological areas and home to the largest pre-historic habitation site in Polynesia. During your walk through the village, you will explore the archaeological sites along the lake shore and the Fare Pote'e Museum. You will learn about Polynesian origins and migrations, traditional society, religion, botany, European explorers and get a first-hand look at various traditional tools, handicrafts and artifacts. You will continue on to Mata'ire'a Hill, just above Maeva and home to more than 200 stone structures, including marae, agricultural terraces, house foundations, fortification walls and burial platforms. Your next stop, via "Le Truck," is a local family-run vanilla plantation where you will have the opportunity to purchase various vanilla products. Continuing on, you will stop to see and learn about the 500-year-old fish traps that are used again today by the people of Maeva Village. Your return journey to port, will take you through the village of Faie where your guide will feed the island's giant blue-eyed eels that swim in the stream, before enjoying a photo-stop at the Belvedere Lookout, for panoramic views of Huahine Iti and beautiful Maroe Bay.
Please note: There is approximately 30 mins of optional uphill and downhill walking on uneven and natural surfaces. Le Truck is a casual, open-air vehicle resembling a windowless bus. Due to road conditions in some areas of the island, you should be prepared for a bumpy ride during parts of the tour. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. It is also not recommended for those with bad backs, pregnant women or people who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo. Lightweight clothing, a sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a bottle of water, and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour may be run using two of the 8-seater jeeps with groups smaller than 17. The itinerary and order of the stops may change and the duration of the stops can vary based upon group size and interest. This tour may depart from the Fare port, dependent on ship anchorage position, itinerary may be reversed or adjusted as needed.
