Surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean the island of Mo’orea lays waiting to be discovered. From the ride over on the ferry across the Sea of Moons from Tahiti, the island castes a spell of mysticism from the sheer look of the rising craggy basalt mountains shrouded in fine mists, the intrusive valleys bristling with lush tropical rainforest, deep spectacular bays and the fine white sandy beaches that shimmer in the early sun. This is when you know you will soon be putting your foot on a piece of paradise. There is no town on the island but the main village is called Afareaitu and the rest of the population is spread in the many small scattered villages and clusters of shops which line the road. Here visitors can buy local handicrafts, beautiful hand printed fabrics, black pearls and mixed goods, or enjoy any of the many restaurants. There is a coastal sealed road of 65 kilometres that encircles this heart-shaped island making getting about easy. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs just waiting to be explored by snorkelers and divers, while past the reefs deep sea fishing and shark feeding await the more adventurous. Other activities include whale and dolphin watching, and inland opportunities exist for bushwalking or 4X4 adventure tours.
If touring the island it is worth noting that there are several places of interest including Belvedere Lookout which offers glorious views over Cooks and Opunohu Bays that is considered by some to be one of the best views in the world. Don’t forget your camera, and it is better to get there early (before 10a.m) to ensure the sun is behind you. Other attractions include the waterfall at Afareaitu, although visitors should be aware that access is by 4X4 and some good walking shoes; the Tiki Village Cultural Centre, for replica houses and temples, handicraft displays, tattooing demonstrations and traditional dances; and the beautiful Opunohu Valley, which is an ancient dwelling place that has been uninhabited for 150 years and contains over 500 ancient structures including many restored temples or marae.
Mo’orea is the second biggest island (134 square kilometres) in the Society Island Archipelago, which is part of French Polynesian in the South Pacific. Mo’orea has 8 mountains with the highest being Mount Tohiea, at 1207 metres. The population of the island is 14,550 (census 2003), and they live mainly in the coastal areas, with a high percentage of the residents working in the tourist industry. The island is the second most popular destination in the Society Islands, with 136,600 visitors in 2005. Tahiti has the highest number of visitors, but there again you have to go to Tahiti to get to Mo’orea.
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