The dried-up Faaiti waterfall

Park in the car park at Marae Arahurahu. Public toilets are available; this is rare enough to be worth mentioning.

(S/E) Walk across the Marae and head right to the back towards the bamboo grove. The path starts here and is clearly visible. Continue straight ahead.

(1) Turn left as you cross the small river and you’ll come to a fa’apu with the entrance blocked off.

(2) On the left, there is a bypass path up the hill. It is marked by red and white barrier tape tied to the trees. Follow this detour for about a hundred metres until you reach the end of the fa’apu, where the path descends again. Then carry on straight ahead towards the trees.

(3) Return to the path and carry on, following the river for part of the way.

(4) There are some superb pools, including a series of three situated above a small waterfall about fifteen metres high. One of these pools forms a natural whirlpool. Exceptional! Carry on to the cliff face where the old waterfall used to flow.

(5) As you approach, the swifts become agitated and fly about in all directions, looking a little frightened; please respect their peace and quiet.

Then head back along the path in the opposite direction to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

The walk does not present any particular difficulties. You follow the river upstream to the dried-up waterfall.
You’ll be crossing the river numerous times, so make sure you wear shoes that can get wet.
Naturally, do not go on this walk when it is raining, as with any walk that follows or crosses a river.

At the start of the walk, you’ll pass through ancient archaeological remains from the pre-European era, buried amongst the lush vegetation. Take a good look to your left a few hundred metres after setting off. You can clearly make out the stacked stone blocks forming walls and, most likely, marae.

You’ll come across several fruit trees: banana trees, avocado trees, breadfruit trees… Above all, do not pick anything growing on the fa’apu. The owner would quite rightly not appreciate it.

Bring your swimming gear, as it would be a shame not to make the most of these wild and magnificent spots. The water may be a bit chilly.