Hike· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Mount Teurafaatiu Summit Hike (Maupiti)
16° 26.8′ S · 152° 15.3′ W
A short, steep climb from Vaiea to the 372 m summit of Teurafaatiu (Nuupure), Maupiti's highest point. The view takes in the whole turquoise lagoon and its ring of motus, with Bora Bora, Taha'a and Raiatea on the horizon.
Practical
Noonsite: a 60-90 minute walk up from a trailhead in town. OSM maps the 'Traversée Île' route: concrete steps from the village (around -16.44555, -152.24803, near the mairie) become a dirt mountain-hiking path. Summit coordinate is the OSM peak (ele 372 m; Wikipedia gives 372 m and French Wikipedia 380 m). Wikivoyage: exceptional views of Bora Bora and Raiatea, and Taha'a on clear days. Go early in the morning before the heat. Take water and proper shoes; the upper section uses ropes and roots and is slippery after rain. Land at the Vaiea dinghy dock from the ZMR de Petei.
Best for
The best view in the Society Islands for a 90-minute effort
Season
Best on dry mornings; slippery after rain