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Shore Excursions
Our shore excursions offer the most exciting experiences and dramatic scenary in the South Pacific. The opportunity to experience each destination in the most authentic, in-depth meaningful way is the very essence of luxury cruising with Paul Gauguin. To that end, we have created a variety of unique opportunities for you to explore the local environment. Enjoy the white sand beaches with swaying palms, hike the spectacular mountain peaks, or snorkel in the multi-hued lagoons.
Sample Shore Excursions
Suva and Rainforest Walk
Indulge your senses with Fiji's exquisite mountains, mountain pools and rainforest during this hiking tour in Forest Park, and a visit to the Raintree Lodge.
Depart the pier for the scenic drive by island bus into the mountains behind Suva, and a visit to Forest Park. En route, a shopping and restroom stop will be made. Upon arrival at Forest Park, you will take a guided hike through the peaceful green Fijian rainforest. Along the way, you will see the lower pool in the peaceful forest surrounded by bush land and an abundance of photogenic bird life. You will also have an opportunity to take a swim in the cool, crystal-clear mountain pools.
Afterward, you will be transferred to the Raintree Lodge. Built on a manmade pool, the lodge offers a lovely natural atmosphere in which to relax with a drink, snack on some seasonal fruits and listen as a singing trio serenades you with their local songs.
Following your visit, you will re-board your bus for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: This strenuous tour involves hiking over uneven terrain, and is recommended only for guests in excellent physical condition. Guests are encouraged to wear hiking boots/shoes, swimming attire, a hat, sunscreen, and bring your camera, a change of dry clothes, and a bottle of water from the ship. The island buses do not have air-conditioning, and are the best available.
Aitutaki Discovery Safari
Finally, someone has designed a way to get to the top of the highest mountain on Aitutaki without breaking a sweat. This tour is more than just a means of reaching the top without hard work. It is an opportunity to get to some of Aitutaki's best kept secret spots - places where no one else goes to. Even for locals living on Aitutaki, places like the Poatu o Rae ( the rock of Rae) and the Marae Are Mango (the house of Sharks) are places that most locals only hear about and never actually visit. These are the places, that moulded what Aitutaki is today.
This tour offers the opportunity to discover the history of this beautiful island. Visit the ancient sacred grounds or marae, such as Are Mango where ancient rituals and sacrifices where performed. Hear of how ancient Polynesian warriors defended their island with the help of supernatural beings. And of how warriors of old voyaged long distances to experience the music and drums of the Are Karioi ~ the House of Entertainment where the "Yuppies" of Polynesia gathered for what was reported a marathon of dancing and courtship. Today remnants of a this exciting bygone era still remains for all to see. Some sites are difficult to get to but well worth the effort.
Depart from the Wharf and head towards the coastal village of Nikaupara. Stop briefly at Vainamu, a fresh water pond once used as a gathering place by the young people of the island. Continue along to the inland village of Tautu stopping at the ancient temple grounds of Are Mango and the Poatu o Rae - the ancient throne of Rae. Rae was reputed to be the strongest man on Aitutaki. Your guide will tell of his legends.
After a short drive through plantations, your tour will head towards the top of Mount Piraki where you will see some of the best views of the coastal village of Amuri and Arutanga. At the top, you will see the remnants of a World War II bunker built by the Americans during their time on the island. From Piraki, you will head across to the highest peak on the island - Maunga Pu. The drive to the very top is exhilarating and the view that awaits you at the top is breathtaking: a panoramic view of the island and its magnificent lagoon.
