The climb to Mt Aorai
A narrow trail runs along the peak of the mountain. Keep your balance! You don't want to tumble down the sides...
The Climb
The climb to the top takes an average two days. It has 2 shelters along the way for you to rest or camp out for the night and catch a breath-taking sunrise above the clouds at the top. The hike begins at roughly 600m, where the first ascent is still hot from the tropical climate. As you get higher, the temperature begins to decrease, and can reach 5 degrees in the dry season. The first half of the hike is not too hard, and there are clear trails most of the way, but passing the 1st and 2nd shelters, a lot more steep inclines are involved with ropes to assist you. You will find yourself rock climbing and walking on slippery rocks. It can be dangerous, especially when it has been raining (which is most of the time) so be cautious! Closer to the top, you will find yourself walking along the sharp ridge of the mountain. The trail is narrow, so keep your balance! You don't want to tumble down the sides...
The climb to the top takes an average two days. It has 2 shelters along the way for you to rest or camp out for the night and catch a breath-taking sunrise above the clouds at the top. The hike begins at roughly 600m, where the first ascent is still hot from the tropical climate. As you get higher, the temperature begins to decrease, and can reach 5 degrees in the dry season. The first half of the hike is not too hard, and there are clear trails most of the way, but passing the 1st and 2nd shelters, a lot more steep inclines are involved with ropes to assist you. You will find yourself rock climbing and walking on slippery rocks. It can be dangerous, especially when it has been raining (which is most of the time) so be cautious! Closer to the top, you will find yourself walking along the sharp ridge of the mountain. The trail is narrow, so keep your balance! You don't want to tumble down the sides...
Essentials To Bring
Food and Drink:
Plenty of water - enough food and snacks to last 2 days (two-minute noodles, muesli bars, sandwiches, biscuits, nutes, lollies etc). You will feel like you have been walking forever so snacks really help.
Clothing:
WARM CLOTHES. It gets colder than you think. The winds high up on the mountain are strong, and your body will be climatized to the 30 degree tropical heat down in the city so your body will feel super cold. Thin pants can be a good idea as the countless ferns along the trail begin to painfully scratch your legs after a while.
Head light, sleeping bag and optional thin camping mat.
Don't expect a 5-star resort up on the mountain. The wooden shelters give you a roof over your head and some protection from the wind, but not much more than that! You will sleep on a hard floor so a camping mat can give you a more comfortable sleep, but then you need to carry said mat the entire hike. Up to you!
Food and Drink:
Plenty of water - enough food and snacks to last 2 days (two-minute noodles, muesli bars, sandwiches, biscuits, nutes, lollies etc). You will feel like you have been walking forever so snacks really help.
Clothing:
WARM CLOTHES. It gets colder than you think. The winds high up on the mountain are strong, and your body will be climatized to the 30 degree tropical heat down in the city so your body will feel super cold. Thin pants can be a good idea as the countless ferns along the trail begin to painfully scratch your legs after a while.
Head light, sleeping bag and optional thin camping mat.
Don't expect a 5-star resort up on the mountain. The wooden shelters give you a roof over your head and some protection from the wind, but not much more than that! You will sleep on a hard floor so a camping mat can give you a more comfortable sleep, but then you need to carry said mat the entire hike. Up to you!
How to get there
The trail begins at Le Belvedere Restaurant. You will need a car to get to the start of the trail. Hitch hiking is common and safe in tahiti so that can be an option if you choose to walk (which we recommend you don't).
The trail begins at Le Belvedere Restaurant. You will need a car to get to the start of the trail. Hitch hiking is common and safe in tahiti so that can be an option if you choose to walk (which we recommend you don't).
It is often foggy on the mountain, thick enough that the surroundings aren't visible.
After camping for the night, leave early the next morning (while it's still dark) to make the the next leg of the journey to the top! It can be scary when it's dark and foggy, and you know that you're walking on the sharp ridge, but as the sun begins to rise, the beauty begins. Walking on the ridge feels like you're on top of the world.
As the fog and clouds begins to disperse, it is some of the greatest views you will see.
When you reach the summit of Aorai, you will see Mt Orohena, Tahiti's highest mountain.
If you have any questions on the hike, feel free to contact me.