Teva I Uta, Tahiti, French Polynesia: The Water Gardens Vaipahi, also known as Jardins d’eau de Vaipahi, is a sacred place on the island of Tahiti. The centerpiece is the Vaipahu Falls, where according to legend, you will experience the “mighty breath of the spirit of the waters.”
It is a historical religious site of purification and rebirth of the departed souls of the Teva clan. Markers throughout the garden (in English and French) tell the story.
The garden is FREE to visit and popular with hikers taking the upper trails.
Whether you plan a trip to the Vaipahi Water Gardens or are just interested in seeing it from afar, this post will show you the tropical experience. A Garden Travel Guide to the Water Gardens of Vaipahi is located at the end of the post to assist in planning your trip.
Water Gardens Vaipahi: Botanical Garden Tahiti
More than 75 plant species worldwide cover 2.5 acres (1 Hectare) past ponds and streams. These stunning gardens are next to the sea, lodged against the mountain.
The botanical garden is located at the base of the mountain and is an easy flat walk that can be covered in about a ½ hour.
In the lower botanical garden, manicured lawns and flowing water define the different areas of the garden.
Water flows throughout the gardens, from the plunging falls to cascading water and flowing streams. The path along the water is lined with tropical plants.
Water lilies fill the basins and glow in the sunlight. Mape trees dip their roots into the water. Eels glide through the ponds.
Roosters and ducks have their run of the garden and will approach in hopes of a handout.
There is a small souvenir shop in the Garden. The locally made dragon fruit juice drink is delicious and spiked with ginger, making it refreshing without being too sweet. There are also port-a-potties here tactfully described as to “provide a suitable service.”
Hiking the Vaipahi Gardens
The more adventurous who hike to the upper area of the gardens will be rewarded with panoramic views and a pine tree forest.
A word of caution: You must have good sturdy shoes to haul yourself up the mountain. There are rope grabs to help, but it is steep and slippery in the wet season.
After about the half-mile mark (1km) or about 35 minutes, you are at the end of the small loop. There’s a definite change to a wide clear path blessed shade from pine trees.
If you choose to continue, the ascent is easier from this point. Around the 1-mile mark (2km), you arrive at the summit offering a nice view.
Visitors Guide to Vaipahi Gardens Tahiti (Jardins d’eau de Vaipahi)
Address:
Address: Teva I Uta, French Polynesia. The Vaipahi Gardens are about 30 miles southeast of Papeete, Tahiti.
How to Best Experience the Vaipahi Water Gardens
You will need a car to visit the botanical gardens of Tahiti, including the Water Gardens of Vaipahi and the Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens. A few tour companies stop at the Vaipahi Water Gardens but not the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden.
The gardens are 30 miles south of the French Polynesian Capital of Papeete. Plan on a 40 – 50 minute drive, as the road is not straight, and the locals drive leisurely. Most rental cars in French Polynesia are manual transmissions.
Go early in the morning. By mid-day, the humidity and sun are intense. Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Stop by the gift shop at the entrance and pick up some homemade Dragon Fruit Juice. It is refreshing without being too sweet. Take it with you into the garden to stay hydrated.
I preferred the lower botanical garden to the hike. Most of the color is located in the Garden.
In the morning, you could easily do both the Water Gardens of Vaipahi and the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden. After visiting the Vaipahi Gardens, head 2 miles (5 minutes) down the road to the Harrison Smith Garden.
Vaipahi Water Gardens Map
Vaipahi Garden Hours
The garden is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.
Admission to the Water Gardens
The Gardens are FREE to enter.
Parking at the Vaipahi Water Gardens
There is a small parking lot on the ground of the Water Gardens Vaipahi, and the overflow parking is across the street along the road.
Accessibility at the Water Gardens Vaipahi
The lower botanical garden is flat and easy to walk around. The paths are compacted gravel, although muddy in spots.
Where to Eat Near Vaipahi Gardens Tahiti
Ô Tumu Mape
Within walking distance, O Tumu Mape is a low-key outdoor kitchen and eating experience by the ocean. Look for a handwritten board along the road with the restaurant’s name. Serving French, American, and Polynesian food.
Teva I Uta Vaima spring, 98726 French Polynesia. Less than 1.0 mile (about 1 minute by car or a 3-minute walk). Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Restaurant Bar du Musee Gauguin
The Restaurant Bar du Musee Gauguin sits on the seaside, about halfway between the Vaipahi Water Gardens and the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden. Listed as a “culinary journey through Tahitian, French, and Asian influences,” the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and serves them up in a Polynesian atmosphere.
PK 50.5, Seaside, Papeari, Tahiti, French Polynesia. 1.0 Mile (about a 2-minute drive) from the Vaipahi Water Gardens. Open 11:30 – 2:30, Tuesday – Friday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Where to Stay near the Water Gardens Vaipahi
Vanira Lodge
Most visitors will be staying in the resort areas closer to Papeete, but for those willing to venture out, the Vanira Lodge is a highly rated, eclectic stay on the peninsula of Tahiti (about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Papeete).
Located in Teahupo, a “village at the end of the world,” it’s famous for its surfing and sunsets, but not strong internet.
Vanira Lodge, Taiarapu-Ouest, French Polynesia. 16 miles (32-minute drive) from the Vaipahi Water Gardens.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
The Hilton Hotel tops the visitor ratings if you prefer to stay closer to the airport in a resort area with all the bells and whistles. Located seaside, it is a bit pricey.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti, Fa’a’ā 98713, French Polynesia. 30 miles (about a 40-50 minute drive) from the Vaipahi Water Gardens.
Website
Other Gardens Near the Vaipahi Gardens
Harrison Smith Botanical Garden features a magical mape forest and the flowing rivers of water lilies enchanting those who visit. The Most Enchanting Tahiti Garden.
Additional Resources for the Water Gardens Vaipahi
Tahiti Rando Facebook Tahiti – Water Gardens of Vaipahi discusses the trails at the Garden.
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