Public domain, Angela K. Kepler, Wikimedia CommonsView· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Toovii Plateau Drive (Nuku Hiva)
8° 51.4′ S · 140° 8.7′ W
The high central caldera of Nuku Hiva, a tall-grass prairie with cattle and pine plantations that cruisers call 'mini New Zealand', with ridge-top lookouts over the island's 'Grand Canyon'; Mt Tekao, the 1,224 m summit, rises on its western edge.
Practical
Coordinate from Wikipedia/GeoHack. Reached on the cross-island road between Taiohae and the airport; best done as part of a 4x4 island day (Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, back over Toovii). Cooler and often cloudy; the ridge catches most of the island's rain. The Service du Tourisme lists the plateau for hiking and endemic biodiversity.
Best for
A cool, green inland drive with big views
Nearby
- Toovii Ridge Trail (Balade des Cretes to Mahakatu'ua)0.9 NM away
- Haapapani and Hakaea Beaches2.9 NM away
- Aakapa Village and Viewpoint3 NM away
- Hakaui Valley and Vaipo Waterfall Hike (Nuku Hiva)3.3 NM away
- Taiohae Waterfall Walk3.3 NM away
- Haapapani Bay (Hakaea, Nuku Hiva North)3.4 NM away
- Kamuihei and Tahakia Sites (Hatiheu)3.5 NM away
- Tohua Koueva (Taiohae)3.5 NM away