Mo’orea: Exploring Paradise
Jeffrey Kieffer
Join with world renowned photographer Jeffrey Kieffer on a Polynesian adventure to explore the island of Mo’orea.
Meet Jeffrey
G’day! I’m Jeff – award-winning Australian travel and lifestyle photographer. I have over 5 years experience in producing commercial content and social media marketing projects around the world and this is the second in a series of photographic expeditions to some of the most incredible places on Earth.
I can’t wait to travel with you and improve your photographic skills in one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever photographed!
Tropical, idyllic, and stunningly beautiful from every angle, Mo’orea for me is one of those places that after I first visited, I knew I had to come back to, time and time again.
There’s a special mana here – in the nature, the people, the landscape.
After months of planning, and a visit late last year solely to finalise locations and local partners, I believe we’ve got the perfect trip designed!
10 days of the island life – mornings on the reef, afternoons in the rainforest, nights under the stars. A small group of us will be immersing ourselves in Polynesian culture, capturing postcard-worthy moments, making new friends and memories of a lifetime.
Trip details
Dates
4-14 September 2024
Language spoken
English
Places available
5 (4 left!)
Price
$4645 USD. Deposit of $750, followed by monthly instalments.
Beyond Mo’orea’s dreamy shores, a large focus of the trip will be on witnessing and documenting the magic that happens underwater. Swimming alongside reef sharks, stingrays and of course, humpback whales. These gentle giants grace us with their presence for just a few months of the year, and witnessing their curiousity, playfulness and song is an experience to cherish.
Hiking, swimming, getting around – I’ll be your personal guide, driver, snack sharer, photo assistant, sharing my knowledge and expertise along the way. You’ll have unfiltered access to my world and I look forward to getting to know yours!
Whether you’re looking to develop your travel content creation portfolio or business, wanting to meet likeminded folks, or are just picking up a camera for the first time – the itinerary below will tick those boxes and then some.
What’s included
- 10 nights hotel and loft accommodation (twin share)
- In the field tuition + workshop afternoon with Jeff
- Meals, as per itinerary
- Excursions and activities, as per itinerary
- Transfers from Tahiti airport to Mo’orea
- Transport to Mo’orea
Itinerary
Day 1: Tahiti
Our Polynesian adventure begins the moment you arrive at Tahiti’s airport.
You’ll be greeted and picked up by Jeff, before heading together to the central Kon Tiki hotel.
Once checked in and settled for the evening, you can enjoy dinner and a cold drink at iconic Les 3 Brasseurs. Nightcap optional at Kon Tiki’s rooftop bar afterwards.
A good rest is in order as day two kicks off early!
Day 2: Arriving on Mo’orea
We leave Tahiti on the 7am ferry, arriving shortly after on Mo’orea. As you cruise into the port, you’ll begin to see why this place is nicknamed the “Magical Island”. The lush greenery, dramatic peaks and bright blue of the reefs make for a spectacular welcome.
Driving off the ferry, we’ll slowly do a lap around the island – stopping off at the most beautiful vantage points to get the lay of the land.
Before lunch we will check in at Le Loft, our accommodation for the next 9 nights, for a fruit platter and to get settled in.
The loft is a homely space in the lively area of Haapiti, with 3 bedrooms, bathroom, a fully equipped open kitchen, dining room and living area. Its location has us perfectly placed for the activities in the coming days!
We’ll wind down the day with sunset on Ta’ahiamanu beach and a delicious dinner at O2 Coco.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 3: Sunrise Sail, Sunset Hike
After yesterday’s tour on land, it’s only right we begin this morning on the ocean.
3 hours of sunrise bliss are in store on this excursion with Vaapiti – a traditional polynesian outrigger canoe, lovingly built and maintained by our captain Raphaël.
We’ll have the chance to anchor around the lagoon, swimming with reef sharks, stingrays and turtles. Fingers crossed for colourful skies too!
Later in the day, we’ll hike my favourite trail on the island – Col des Trois Pinus, reaching the top for golden hour and an unbeatable view.
Breakfast included
Day 4: Coral Gardeners & Chasing Waterfalls
A trip to Mo’orea is not complete without a visit to the Coral Gardeners. Devoted to restoring coral reefs, we will learn first-hand about their ocean conservation efforts, and snorkel and tend to their underwater nursery in Paopao Bay.
Inspired from the morning, our journey continues into the rainforest, hiking to Putoa falls, the most impressive waterfall on the island. A swim at its base is the perfect way to cool off.
To make this the most wholesome day ever, we’ll take in sunset on the beach next to the Tiki Village.
Breakfast included
Day 5: Beach & Feast
Returning to a personal favourite, Ta’ahiamanu beach, we’ll capture it bathed in beautiful morning light. The illuminated reef, glowing mountain range, and palm tree shadows are a postcard combination.
Since Sunday is practically a day off for the whole island, we’ll do as many of the locals do and join in on a Ma’a Tahiti on a motu (little island) just off the mainland. It will be a colourful feast of Tahitian cuisine and music, and the photo opportunities will be incredible.
As night falls we’ll make our way to Temae beach for some stargazing, stopping in along Opunohu and Cooks Bay.
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 6: Workshop & Relax
Workshop & Relax
We’ll have most of the day free to explore Mo’orea at our own pace. Rest, relax, rejuvenate as we’ve got an exciting few days ahead!
This is the perfect chance to revisit our favourite spots, lie on the beach, rent a kayak to explore the lagoon and its wildlife, or even hop on a scenic flight around the island. Wanting to move the body? Hikes like Magic Mountain or the outdoor gym at Ta’ahiamanu are perfect choices.
In the afternoon, we’ll go through our images and video taken so far on the trip, and I’ll be sharing aspects of my post-production process, colour grading, and workflows/life as a travel photographer.
For dinner, only the best burgers on the island at Nini’s!
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7: Pineapples & Culture
Journeying into the heart of the island, a morning walk on the Route des Ananas (pineapple trail) is one to remember. It’s a sensory experience and a chance to document life in Mo’orea in its purest form. Think endless fragrant fields of pineapples amongst lush valleys. The smell is amazing!
Our final dedicated cultural experience of the trip will take place at the Tamaeva Centre. Here we will learn and capture the art forms that make French Polynesian culture so special. Flower crowns, hat weaving, traditional dance – all in a welcoming atmosphere.
Close to Le Loft, we’ll enjoy a seaside dinner at Taohere Beach House.
Breakfast included
Day 8-10: Swimming with Whales
Every year between July and early November, a growing amount of humpback whales in the southern hemisphere migrate to warm Polynesian waters.
French Polynesia is one of the few destinations in the world where it is still possible to swim with cetaceans and having the opportunity to observe them in Mo’orea is honestly an experience second to none. For a moment you feel a part of their world… it’s pure magic.
At this point in September it’s considered peak season, where observations are consistent. Together with Manatea and Teddy from Mo’orea Sea Experience, we will be educated about this majestic species, and have the chance to enter the water, guided, with the utmost respect to the wildlife and environment.
To ensure we have the most natural and intimate encounters possible, we’ve organised specially to leave earlier in the morning than other tours do. On the 11, 12 and 13th we will be out on the ocean from 6-10am in a private boat.
Decompressing from this incredible experience in the best way possible – it means that our lunch spots, post-whale swim, are going to be next level. Coco Beach, Tropical Garden and Snack Mahana are on the cards.
If your energy levels are there – the afternoons are fit for more hiking and beach exploration.
Breakfasts & Dinner on day 10 Included
Day 11: Tahiti
This tropical adventure ends with a ferry back to Tahiti for your flight home.. or onto your next great adventure!
Breakfast Included
Book your place now
Main trip: $4645 USD. Deposit of $750, followed by monthly instalments.