Moorea, Tahiti, one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia, is also a perfect stop for spirited adventurers. On our way back from Australia we took a repositioning cruise from Sydney to San Francisco. Our second stop in Tahiti, French Polynesia took us to Moorea. In the case of Moorea I did not anticipate the possibility of having local wine but surprisingly it was.
Welcome to Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Moorea, Tahiti
This South Pacific island is part of French Polynesia's Society Islands archipelago. It's best known for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks picturesque Ōpūnohu Bay and the settlements around Cook's Bay.
After we left Papeete harbor in the very early morning our cruise ship traveled a very short distance to Moorea. We docked just outside the harbor. Once we anchored it was onto Moorea for a day of adventure.
Boats Waiting, Moorea © Spaswinefood
Arriving in Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
We were excited because we had planned a day of activities. A 4x4 Safari Tour in the morning and Snorkeling Tour in the afternoon.
4x4 Safari Tour of Moorea
After landing we were off for a tour on land. The tour was billed as an adventurous 4x4 Safari tour to Moorea`s volcanic peaks. Soon we were traveling through lush hillsides. Along the way we were introduced to a variety of plants native to these Polynesian islands.
Belvedere Lookout Point, Moorea © Spaswinefood
Inland you will find hiking trails that wind through rainforest on the slopes of Mount Tohivea, at 1,207 metres, it is located near the island centre. There are hiking trails along the summit close to Belvedere Point where you can view Mont Routui (899 meters), the two bays and three peninsulas of Moorea.
One of our stops included viewing a Moorea cultural site.
Learning about Local Culture, Moorea © Spaswinefood
Welcoming Rooster, Moorea © Spaswinefood
We would also stop at a pineapple plantation and visit a juice factory.
Taking in the Views, Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Our second stop included a pineapple plantation visit.
Off to View the Pineapple Plantation, Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Pineapple Country, Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Here they grow a local variety of pineapple, Queen Tahiti.
Queen Tahiti Pineapples, Moorea © Spaswinefood
Queen Tahiti Pineapple, Moorea © Spaswinefood
After visiting the pineapple fields we continued to explore. Like mosts tours they always stop at some local shop. In this case our tour guide took us to Manutea. Manutea Tahiti is a company, located on the same site as the Moorea Fruit Juice plant. They specialize in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, confectionery and condiments. I was about to learn that this company transforms the delicious local variety of pineapple, Queen Tahiti, into delicious fruit juice and an exceptional sparkling wine, Brut d’Ananas, the only one of its kind in the world, so we were told. The pineapples are specially selected, cut, pressed and bottled in the factory. Here you are able to taste some of the fruit juices, wines and rums.
Those who know me, know that I always look for ways turn our travels into wine adventures. This was both unexpected and not planned. It was one of those unique opportunities to taste some wine and rum. Hence, besides the juices, were introduced to their brut sparkling wine.
Manutea Tahiti, Brut d’Ananas
Brut d’Ananas, Manutea Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Manutea Tahiti, Brut d’Ananas © Spaswinefood
The wine was obviously made from pineapple. Still an interesting discovery because it is a sparkling wine. They also produce two other Pineapple Wines, Soft Pineapple and White Dry Pineapple. Yes, I know there are few other producers of Pineapple wines around the world.
They also produce a variety of rums. We were introduced to one during the tasting.
Manutea Tahiti, Les Arrangés Rhum
Manutea Tahiti, Les Arrangés Rhum © Spaswinefood
It was a quick stop.
Manutea Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Soon, we were on our way back to the harbor to catch a boat to go snorkeling.
Snorkeling Tour
For sure snorkeling is one the top activities most visitors select during a visit to Moorea. After a very fun filled morning we were off for a relaxing snorkeling experience.
Off to Snorkeling, Moorea © Spaswinefood
Snorkelers, Moorea © Spaswinefood
On the way to/from our snorkerling location we saw turtles, stingrays and sharks.
Turtle Spotting, Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
The Beautiful Turquoise Waters of Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Along the way to our beach hangout spot where we could snorkel, we passed dolphins playing in the turquoise waters. It was indeed an enjoyable day filled with adventure.
In case you are wondering, aside from Tahiti, some of the other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahē, Bora Bora, Hiva 'Oa, Huahine, Mai'ao, Maupiti, Meheti'a, Mo'orea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Taha'a, Tetiaroa, Tupua'i and Tūpai.
Bye Bye Moorea, Tahiti © Spaswinefood
Moorea, Tahiti is indeed a perfect stop for spirited adventurers. A wine romantic, such as myself, will always look for ways to checkout local wine when I travel. Discovering the local wines of Moorea was a pleasant surprise. I invite you to join me in my travels in French Polynesia and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I look forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations around the world.
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