
easy
3–4 hours
Comfortably step in/out of a high-clearance vehicle and walk short, uneven paths to lookouts; off-road bumps are part of the ride.
Climb from lagoon to lookout on a private 4x4 tour that strings together Moorea’s signature views, ancient marae, pineapple fields, and local tastings. A flexible, half-day route with hotel or port pickup makes it easy to see the island’s heart in one sweep.
The 4x4 eases off the pavement and onto red earth, tires humming as breadfruit trees lean in like curious onlookers. Ahead, Mount Rotui rises, shouldering the sky while Cook’s and Opunohu bays breathe in slow blue rhythms below. Trade winds thread the valley, carrying the sweet scent of pineapple and vanilla, nudging you toward the island’s high ground where Moorea shows its best angles.

The rear bench feels bumpier on steep tracks; riders prone to motion sensitivity should request front seating when you meet your guide.
These are sacred sites—avoid climbing on stones and keep voices low; cover shoulders and knees if you plan to linger at the temples.
Moorea’s sun is assertive; wear a brimmed hat and reef-safe sunscreen, especially for open-air sections and coastal stops.
Juice, jam, or vanilla purchases at family-run stops are often cash-friendly—bring a few CFP francs or small bills.
Cook’s Bay takes its name from Captain James Cook’s 1777 visit, while the forested marae in Opunohu Valley point to a much older Polynesian past of ceremony and agriculture.
Stay on existing 4x4 tracks to prevent erosion and avoid standing on marae walls. Pack out all trash, and choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect coastal waters you may stop beside.
Short hikes to lookouts and marae can be rocky and slick after rain.
Open-air riding and high viewpoints mean strong UV exposure year-round.
Quick tropical showers are common, especially in the warm, wet season.
summer specific
Windy viewpoints and bumpy tracks call for secure, ready-to-shoot setups.