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Te Pari Coast

The roadless southeastern shore of Tahiti Iti, walked or reached by boat, with cliffs and petroglyphs.

Updated 21 October 2026

Typecoast
WhereTahiti
Nearest cityPapeete
Best seasonMay to October
Time to allowTwo days
Getting thereOn foot from Teahupoo or by boat; guide strongly advised
EntryFree; guides and boats charged

Te Pari is the stretch of coast at the southeastern end of Tahiti Iti where the road stops and the cliffs come down to the sea, so the only ways along it are on foot at low tide with some swimming and scrambling, or by boat. It holds sea caves, waterfalls dropping straight into the sea, petroglyphs and marae, and the walk right round takes two days with a night camped on the way.

What's there

  • The cliff coast - the roadless shore where the land drops straight into the sea.
  • The sea caves - the openings cut into the cliffs along the route.
  • The petroglyphs - carvings on rocks along the shore.
  • The coastal walk - the two-day route round the end of the island.

When to go

May to October is the dry season. The walk depends on tide and sea state and is only possible in settled conditions. Guides are strongly advised.

Practical notes

The route involves swimming, scrambling and tide timing and is genuinely dangerous without a guide. There is no phone signal. Boat access depends entirely on the sea.

Nearby

Teahupoo is west, and Tautira is north.

What to pack for Te Pari Coast

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Te Pari Coast is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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