Tahiti, Mo'orea & Bora Bora

Tahiti – we had a coach ride to a few highlights. First, to visit Point Venus, where Captain Cook landed in 1769.  Caught glimpses of the Papenoo surfing beaches on our way to the Arahoho blowhole.

https://www.google.ca/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTBxBwCF8cdPHacnYshzZJXsnAb2A:1569118265992&q=arahoho+blowhole+tahiti&tbm=isch&source=hp&sxsrf=ACYBGNTBxBwCF8cdPHacnYshzZJXsnAb2A:1569118265992&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwislOuGrePkAhVVJjQIHQMwD2EQsAR6BAgFEAE&biw=1148&bih=689&dpr=2

Then to a lovely waterfall in the Faarumai valley. On our way back to the ship we stopped at Tahara’s ‘One Tree Hill’ for a great view of Matavai Bay.  We had a wonderful guide filling us in on some of the history of the area – it was a great introduction to the island.

 "One Tree Hill" in Mahina, Matavai Bay, where Samuel Wallis and James Cook once anchored. Wallis originally named this hill "Skirmish Hill" because he fired cannonballs here on the Tahitians from his ship. However, Captain Cook renamed it to One Tree Hill because of a lone atae treethat grew on the top of the hill at the time.

Mo’orea – What a beautiful place!  We had a tour of the whole island and everywhere were spectacular views and magnificent scenery.  From the Kia Ora and Le Belvedere lookouts, to an ancient Marae (sanctuary) and of course to the obligatory stop at a Pearl Shop.

Bora Bora – We started the day catching a shuttle to Matira Beach!  Again, pristine water and so refreshing!  In the afternoon, we toured the island past coconut groves and small villages, with stops at Bloody Mary’s, back to Matira Beach for a photo op, on to Anau Lookout and another stop at Mama Ruta’s Shop for a traditional pareo demonstration.  The bus was a renovated truck bed (called Le Truck) and thankfully there was a lovely breeze and we didn't get too hot.