Nuku Hiva Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Taipivai Valley Scenic Drive
This scenic island drive is an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the island.
YOUR SCENIC DRIVE
Drive through the small villages of Taipivai Valley , a location made famous by the American writer and former sailor, Herman Melville (1819-1891), who deserted his ship and hid in this valley. Captured by the indigenous natives, he lived three weeks in Taipivai Valley , a period during which he observed their way of life. This experience enabled him to write the novel "Typee."
Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea. It is the administrative, economic, educational and health center of the Marquesas Islands . The village lies on the south coast at the head of the Bay of Taiohae whose entrance is guarded by two rocks called "Les Sentinelles" - Motu Nui to the west and Matauapuna to the east.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Taihoae Bay - Enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Taihoae where your ship is anchored.
Hakapaa Bay - One of the two bays used in the reality television show "Survivor."
Controleur Bay - Taipivai Valley , where the main activity is agriculture, is also one of the richest archaeological sites of the Marquesas Islands .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
To reach Taipivai Valley , you will use a steep road through the interior of the island, among lush vegetation. During the drive through mountainous terrain, you will make several stops at breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline, bays and valleys.
SPECIAL NOTES
There is no significant amount of walking done. Guests will be four to a vehicle.
Taipivai Valley 4wd Overland & Hike
This tour for the more adventuresome includes a hike to the well-preserved Paeke Archaeological site.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Taipivai Valley - One of the largest and most fertile valleys in Nuku Hiva. The valley has numerous waterfalls, a long river and one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Marquesas, Paeke archaeological site, which includes several tikis.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Taihoae Bay - Enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Taihoae where your ship is anchored.
Hakapaa Bay - One of the two bays used in the reality television show "Survivor."
Controleur Bay - Taipivai Valley , where the main activity is agriculture, is also one of the richest archeological sites of the Marquesas Islands .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Made famous in Herman Melville's book "Typee," Taipivai is 10 miles from Taiohae, reached by a steep road through the interior of the island. During the drive through mountainous terrain, you will make several stops at breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline, bays and valleys.
SPECIAL NOTES
The visit to the Paeke archaeological site involves an approximately 30 minute hike each way over very rugged and slippery trails. Only those in very good physical condition should participate. Guests will be four to a vehicle. |
