About 2km north of Fare, the main sealed road runs along the inland side of Lake Fauna Nui. It’s also possible to turn off to the airport and take the road on the ocean side of the lake and then return to the main part of the island by the bridge at Maeva village.

The shallow expanse of Lake Fauna Nui (also known as Lake Maeva) is in fact an inlet from the sea. The land to the north of this is known as Motu Ovarei.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Matairea Hill Archaeological Sites

1.13 MILES

This walk up Matairea Hill is a high point for anyone interested in archaeology. A signpost on the Fare side of Maeva, about 200m west from the Fare Potee…

2. Fare Potee

1.23 MILES

This little museum with explications about the Maeva Marae is located in a beautifully reconstructed meeting house complete with woven bamboo floors.

3. Motu Tresor

1.25 MILES

On the airport road, what's even more impressive than this collection of more than 500 French Polynesian shells is the fascinating tour (in English or…

4. Fish Traps

1.47 MILES

Beside the bridge coming off Motu Ovarei are a number of V-shaped fish traps, made from rocks. They have been here for centuries and some are still in use…

5. Maeva

1.57 MILES

Prior to European influence, Maeva village, about 7km east of Fare, was the seat of royal power on the island. It’s mostly famous for its concentration of…

6. Marae Manunu

1.71 MILES

Marae Manunu stands on the motu, across the bridge from the main Maeva complex. The massive structure is 2m high, 40m long and nearly 7m wide. It features…

7. Gallery Umatatea

1.71 MILES

On an isolated property by the road on Motu Ovarei, you’ll find this art gallery, where the exotic paintings of the highly respected artist Melanie Dupre…

8. Fare

2.17 MILES

A visit to tiny Fare almost feels like stepping back in time, so perfectly does it capture the image of a sleepy South Seas port. There’s not a lot to do,…