The Mission’s circular loop

In Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, park near the junction of Chemin de la Mission and Rue Putiaoro,
just before the start of the walk if there are no parking spaces.

(S/E) At the end of the tarmac road, go through the chain blocking access to cars and turn onto the dirt track. Walk up to the mission cross, where the view over Papeete harbour is magnificent.

(1) Continue along the path as it descends and take the small path on the left halfway down the steep descent. It’s a lovely shortcut that takes you round a rather uninteresting section.

(2) Join the main track and carry on until you can see the roof of the Chapel in the Biblical Park.

(3) This is where the circular path begins. Leave the main path and head right. The path is marked and easy to follow.

(4) You’ll pass the ‘Altar’, then come to a fork in the path a little further on. Take either one; they join up further up. The path on the left is steeper but shorter.

(5) Take the path on the right to continue climbing and leave the Rosary Path. It’s quite steep.

(6) You’ll pass a stone that looks like a kilometre marker. There’s a small, shaded clearing 50 metres further on where you can rest. The path then continues to climb. Before reaching the top, you’ll come across an old path on the left, which is currently impassable.

(7) The climb is over. Begin the descent along the path leading to the ridge.

(8) Join the main ‘short circular’ path, then walk past the chapel before returning to the start of the circle.

(3) Follow the path you took on the way up in the opposite direction, keeping to the right.

(2) Take the shortcut on the right again (don’t be put off if it looks steep – this section is very short) to reach the start of the path closed to vehicles (S/E).

The walk is mainly in the shade.
Take one to two litres of water.
Avoid this walk when it’s raining, as the paths are very slippery and a section with a steep gradient can be dangerous.

It is possible to climb up to the ridge of the mission, which overlooks Faataua at the crossing point (7). From there, take the path on the right instead of heading back down.