Papeete, Tahiti - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Discover Papeete, a bustling place by South Pacific standards. With its white sands and aquamarine lagoons, this Polynesian Eden holds much the same allure today that it had in the past. Visit the museum of one of Tahiti's most famous expatriates, painter Paul Gauguin.

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Excursions

  • Snapshot of Papeete

    This delightful tour along the east coast takes you through downtown Papeete and on to some of the island’s most noted sites.

    Snapshot of Papeete

    Point Venus is named after the infamous Captain James Cook’s scientific observation mission of the Planet Venus. Point Venus was the landing place of the first European discoverers and where the only lighthouse in Tahiti can be found. You’ll stop to take in the historic sights and special island atmosphere of this location.

    The splendid Blowhole of Arahoho is located 14 miles north east of Papeete in the district of Tiarei. This geological phenomenon has been fascinating visitors for centuries.Feel the power of the sea as it is pressed into an ancient lava tube, before exploding in a thunderous spray.

    Visit the beautiful James Norman Hall Museum, dedicated to the American writer and author of the legendary best seller, ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’. This charming colonial-style home is sure to captivate your imaginative heart.

    Your final stop on the tour will be to view at least one of the trio of falls that make up the Faaurumai Waterfalls in the north east of the island.


    This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are recommended to take bottled water, as this cannot be provided on the tour. There is rough and uneven ground at the Blowhole, so sensible flat-soled shoes should be worn. Guests should take care when crossing the road at the Blowhole as the stop is on a bend.

    Tour code

    PPT_001

    Features

    • Activity medium

      Activity Level: Medium

    Duration

    3½ hours

  • Island Drive & Gauguin Museum

    Learn about the history and culture of the island and see the works of Gauguin on this cultural insight to Papeete.

    Island Drive & Gauguin Museum

    Occupying the site of a former Tahitian temple on Fisherman’s Point, the historic Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands contains many fascinating archaeological and ethnological artefacts, as well as a display on the area’s beautiful flora and fauna.

    Enjoy colourful exhibits of Polynesian culture, traditional costumes, religion, dancing and music. The island boasts so much history to be discovered at the Museum. including the exploratory and missionary periods of the adventurers Captain James Cook, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and Samuel Wallis.

    A short stop will be made at Vaipahi Garden where you can view tropical plants, refreshing springs and waterfalls.

    Afterwards, visit the restored religious site of Marae Arahurahu, dedicated to the ancient gods and site of many important ceremonies.

    The Gauguin Museum is a remarkable memorial to the great post-impressionist artist, Paul Gauguin. Set around a tranquil garden, you’ll look around the beautiful rooms containing original Gauguin documents, engravings, sculptures and photographs, to experience the life and works of this important creator.


    This excursion will operate by coach. Please note that there is approximately 1 hour of walking in total on this tour over paved ground, with some sand and gravel.

    Tour code

    PPT_003

    Features

    • Activity low

      Activity Level: Low

    Duration

    3½ hours

  • Scenic Helicopter Ride over Papeete

    Take a breath-taking helicopter flight soaring over Papeete.

    Scenic Helicopter Ride over Papeete

    Your experience will begin with a short minibus drive to the helipad, where you’ll be briefed on your flight before you take to the skies.

    Capture the stunning lagoon of Papeete from the sky. Skim over the crystal clear waters, catch sight of coral reefs and take in the views of the white sandy beaches, the lush green valleys and mountains. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.


    This excursion operates by helicopter. All passengers are required to take their passports. Total flight time is around 15 minutes. Tour routes and sights visited may vary according to wind and weather conditions. A minimum of 4 passengers per flight is required. Children under 8 may not participate.

    Tour code

    PPT_005

    Features

    • Activity low

      Activity Level: Low

    Duration

    0¾ hour

  • West Coast Dolphin Watch

    Spend a couple of amazing hours with a pod of Spinner Dolphins.

    West Coast Dolphin Watch

    This unbelievable experience will take you out on the lagoon, up to Taapuna Pass, where surfers play with on waves, before taking to the high seas and sailing to Fishermen’s Bay where a family of Spinner Dolphins love to play.

    You may have the pleasure to see these beautiful marine mammals jump out of the water and will leave you spellbound with their leaps and acrobatics.

    Afterwards, see the famous surfing spot of Sapinus before heading back to the lagoon, where you’ll be met with a refreshing drink.

    Weather permitting, some free time will be given in order to snorkel and observe the marine fauna as well as seeing 3 wrecks.


    ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
    You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

    BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
    For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.



    This excursion operates by boat. Participants must be physically fit, have snorkelling experience, be competent swimmers and able to cope with undercurrents. Boats are basic and offer little or no protection from the sun. Masks and snorkels are provided, however fins are not. Please remember to wear your swimwear under your clothes, take a towel and sunscreen.Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Pregnant women and children under 12 cannot participate. The boat takes 12 people.

    Tour code

    PPT_004

    Features

    • Activity medium

      Activity Level: Medium

    Duration

    2 hours

  • Mountain Safari

    Take in the delights of Tahiti and enjoy the island’s magnificent interior discovering its hidden gems, many off road.

    Mountain Safari

    Your adventure begins with a drive through the vibrant capital. From the bustling downtown area, turn off the main road to begin your amazing 4x4 adventure. Travel along the beautiful east coast to the abundant hilly interior of this mystical Island.

    Papenoo Valley is the largest in Tahiti, with a dramatic bridge which spans the island’s longest river. Passing through the Papenoo Valley is as exciting as it is exotic. You’ll traverse the interior of the island following the line of the cascading valley, rich in archaeological sites, spectacular views of impressive waterfalls. See the cooling mountain streams and vertical cliff faces, laced with green vines and tropical vegetation.

    Hear about Tahiti's large native population, who used to live within the valley walls, and see where these inhabitants grew their crops. You’ll visit French Polynesia's only lake, a place which not only boasts an interesting history, but has incredibly beautiful surroundings.


    ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
    You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

    LIABILITY
    Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

    TRAVEL INSURANCE
    Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

    This excursion will operate by 4x4 vehicle. This is an off-road experience and the itinerary may be modified due to local weather conditions and accessibility. The trails can be muddy and slippery, so you may get dirty. Please take bottled water with you. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate.

    Tour code

    PPT_002

    Features

    • Activity medium

      Activity Level: Medium

    Duration

    3½ hours

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