From the western side of Tahiti, you’ll see the mountainous peaks of Moorea. The island is only 20km away, but the feel is quite different.

One hundred and eighty thousand people live in Tahiti, and downtown Papeete is busy by South Pacific standards. Cars and trucks ply two-lane motorways, cargo ships come and go, locals buzz about in their daily routine - it’s far from sleepy. By comparison, Moorea is home to just 18,000 people, virtually all of them spread around small coastal villages. Your family will sense the more laid-back vibe the moment you step off the ferry.

The drive around Moorea’s coastal road is scenic, to say the least. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road – those towering mountains and beautiful bays have a magnet-like attraction! The speed limit is 60kph, i.e. it’s illegal to rush. So take your time and pull over whenever you have the urge.

Moorea’s coastal villages have plenty for families to see. Particularly the bigger ones like Maharepa, which has a wide variety of eateries, plus shops and other services. Pearls, local handicrafts, clothing stores will satisfy your retail fix. You’ll find beauty therapists, and places to hire bikes – the coastal road is  (mostly) flat and traffic is minimal.

Getting amongst nature is a must for families and Mount Tohivea is the ideal place to start. It’s surrounded by vast tracts of tropical jungle, with the silence only broken by waterfalls and birdsong.

 The panoramic lookout at Belvedere Point is the starting point for the trails that go around the mountain slopes. (It will be warm, so fill up your water bottle and slap on some sunscreen.) Hike The Pass of the Three Coconuts, or hop on board a four-wheel-drive vehicle or an ATV for a safari tour through plantations and local villages.

Tiki Parc Moorea is a must-see for families too. It has four ropes courses that vary in difficulty from walking nets and bridges to swings, rope ladders and zip lines.

 Everyone, apart from those doing the simplest Tiki Tamarii course, starts with a little supervised training, wearing a full harness and gloves. The staff will then help you decide which two courses match your abilities. And you can do them twice if you want. Little ones as young as three can have their own fun on the Tiki Tamarii course, which is no more than 1.5 metres above the ground.

The most challenging course, Tiki Manu, has a jump into the void, and a high platform 20 metres above the ground. Be brave! Whatever level you choose, it’s a great way to bond as a family, with everyone talking to and encouraging each other. Unlike other zip-line adventure parks, once you’ve done your training you keep harnessed up and set your own pace.