Mount Temehani

Mount Temehani rises behind Uturoa on Raiatea as a plateau rather than a peak, and its slopes hold the tiare apetahi, a white flower with five petals opening on one side only, which grows on this mountain and nowhere else in the world despite repeated attempts to establish it elsewhere. The plant is protected and picking it is prohibited. In Polynesian belief the mountain is the departure point of souls, which gives it particular weight.

What you actually see

• The tiare apetahi - a flower that grows only on this mountain and nowhere else.
• The plateau - the flat upland the mountain forms rather than a peak.
• The spiritual significance - the mountain as the departure point of souls.
• The lagoon view - Raiatea, Tahaa and the reef from the upper slopes.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and best for the climb. The apetahi flowers mainly in the early morning. Cloud sits on the plateau often.

Honest expectations

The flower is rare, protected and picking it is illegal; it also cannot be transplanted and attempts have all failed. The track up needs four-wheel drive and a guide is advisable. Cloud closes the views frequently.

Nearby

Uturoa is below, and Taputapuatea is southeast.