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Harrison Smith Botanical Garden: A South Pacific Oasis

Explore a diverse collection of tropical plants in a serene oasis on Tahiti's west coast, founded by Harrison Smith in the early 20th century.

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The Harrison Smith Botanical Garden in Papeari, Tahiti, is a lush sanctuary showcasing a diverse collection of tropical plants established in the early 20th century by American Harrison Smith. It offers visitors a serene escape into the natural beauty of French Polynesia.

A brief summary to Harrison Smith Botanical Garden

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on potentially uneven terrain throughout the garden.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
  • Check for updates on the garden's reopening and any special events before planning your visit.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Papeete, take the 'Ligne 1' bus towards Papeari. The bus ride takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Inform the driver to drop you off near 'Teva I Uta,' which is the closest stop to the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden. From the bus stop, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the garden. Bus fare is approximately $8.

  • Walking

    If you are staying in Papeari, the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden is about 3 kilometers from the main village area. Follow the main road (Route 1) towards Teva I Uta. You will see signs directing you towards the garden. The walk will take around 30-40 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Papeete or other locations on Tahiti. A taxi from Papeete to Papeari will cost approximately $80 - $100 and take about 45 minutes. Provide the driver with the address 6JQJ+WWR, Teva I Uta.

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Discover more about Harrison Smith Botanical Garden

The Harrison Smith Botanical Garden, also known as Jardin Botanique de Papeari, is located on the west coast of Tahiti. This garden's unusual story began in the early 1900s with Harrison Willard Smith, an American physics professor who, after inheriting money, sought a simpler life in Tahiti. From 1920 to 1925, he purchased land and established Motu Ovini (Wild Islet), a 137-hectare domain where he planted hundreds of varieties of flowers, plants, and exotic trees from the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Smith, known as the “Grandfather of the Trees,” freely shared his botanical knowledge and plants with the local community. The garden became a meeting place for sharing plants and botanical knowledge. Although some of Smith's introduced species became invasive, impacting the local ecosystem, the garden remains a testament to his vision and passion for tropical flora. The garden features meandering pathways through water lily ponds, a swampy mape forest, palms, ferns, and exotic blooms. While the garden faced neglect and disrepair at times, it was renovated and restored in 2017. Today, visitors can explore this botanical time capsule and experience the serene beauty of Tahiti's flora.

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