CC BY-SA 3.0, FRED / Wikimedia CommonsHike· Mangareva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Mount Duff Summit Hike (Mangareva)
23° 7.7′ S · 134° 58.4′ W
The classic Gambier climb: a pine-forest trail with fixed ropes to the 441 m summit of Mt Duff (Auorotini), with a view across the entire lagoon, the barrier reef and its pearl farms.
Practical
Coordinate is the summit (Wikipedia). From the main dock turn left and take the road before St Michael up to the pass, where the 'Belle vue' viewpoint is. On the far side the trail is clearly signed. Allow about 30 minutes to the start and 1.5-2 hours up, 1-1.5 down. About a third of the way up the trail forks: left for Mt Duff (steep but not difficult), right for Mt Mokoto. Ropes help on the steep pine-needle sections, which are dangerously slippery when wet. Locals advise waiting at least two days after rain. The top is above the trees in tall grass, with a rock outcrop to climb. Wear proper shoes and bring water.
Best for
The best view in the archipelago
Season
Any dry spell; avoid for 2 days after rain
Nearby
- Rouru Convent Ruins (Rikitea)0.3 NM away
- Rikitea Fresh Eggs and Ice0.4 NM away
- Buying Gambier Black Pearls0.5 NM away
- College St Raphael Carving School (Rikitea)0.5 NM away
- King Maputeoa's Tomb (St Pierre Chapel, Rikitea)0.5 NM away
- Magasin Leille (Rikitea)0.5 NM away
- Rikitea Cooking Gas (propane and butane)0.5 NM away
- Rikitea Ridge Walk0.5 NM away