Harrison Smith Botanical Garden - Is it worth the visit?

Life is but a splendid thing!

One splendid place here in Tahiti used to be the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden in Papeari, near the former Paul Gauguin museum.

I remember it as a little girl and it seemed like such an “Avataresque” place to come visit, also where two centenarian giant tortoises used to live... it’s been neglected and even though the garden still has its charm in stature and location, much of the Tahitian flora that use to exist here has withered away. It’s still beautiful however and worth a visit for its simple soothing and regenerating nature, where the breeze of Tahiti past comes to caress your cheeks as a warm welcome to this part of the island, Teva I Uta.

If you're exploring Tahiti and heading toward Papeari, the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden is the kind of off-the-beaten-path stop you might not want to miss. Here's what makes it special—and what to consider before you go.

🌱 A Bit of History & Charm

Founded in the 1920s by Harrison Willard Smith, a physics professor turned plant collector, this 137-hectare garden was meant to be a “global flora” showpiece—plants from Africa, Asia, the Americas all side by side tripadvisor.com+15tahititourisme.com+15postcard.inc+15. Over time, some native species were lost, but what remains is a fascinating botanical time capsule .

What You'll Find Today

• Lush tropical landscapes: meandering pathways through water‐lily ponds, swampy “mape” forests, palms, ferns, and exotic blooms tahititourisme.com+3gardentravelguide.com+3postcard.inc+3.

• Educational value: Many trees are labeled, making it enjoyable for plant lovers or curious explorers tripadvisor.com.

• Free admission: Yes—this lush paradise comes at no cost, with basic amenities like parking and toilets tripadvisor.co.nz+13tahititourisme.com+13tripadvisor.com+13.

Voices from Travelers

On Tripadvisor, opinions are mixed:

“For a short visit it’s nice… lots of plants, looks like it needs maintenance… if you’re driving by, stop in.” tripadvisor.cn+1tahititourisme.com+1“Garden is closed for renovation—save yourself the trip.” alltrails.com+1en.tripadvisor.com.hk+1

AFAR echoes the same sentiment:

“A sampler box of world botany… still, a lovely spot to wander around.” afar.com+1postcard.inc+1

⚠️ Important Status Update: Renovations

As of May 2024, the garden has been temporarily closed for restoration work gardentravelguide.com+3alltrails.com+3farandawayadventures.com+3. While plans specify improvements to infrastructure and plant care, the exact reopening date remains unconfirmed.

Should You Go?

Scenario	Worth It?	Why
Gardening/Nature Enthusiast	✅ Bip Yes – when open	Offers a unique blend of plant life from around the world
In Tahiti & Nearby	✅ Maybe	Can be a lovely, quick detour
Planning in Advance	⚠️ Wait	Visit only once confirmed open
Neutral Traveler	⏳ Hold off	Other Tahiti attractions like Vaipahi Water Garden might be more polished right now

Insider Tips

1. Check status before you go—the garden might be closed.

2. Bring comfy shoes, insect repellent and water—it’s natural, unpaved terrain.

3. A camera is a must if you love botanical photography.

4. Best time: early morning or outside tour bus arrivals. It’s quieter and cooler tripadvisor.cn+15evendo.com+15postcard.inc+15lesdeuxpiedsdehors.comtahititourisme.com.

Final Verdict

The Harrison Smith Botanical Garden is worth the visit—but only if it's open. It's a free, scenic, and educational spot steeped in botanical adventure and quirky charm. If you're nearby and love lush landscapes, it's a lovely detour. Just plan ahead, check reopening information, and consider pairing your trip with nearby highlights like the Vaipahi Water Gardens or Gauguin Museum, which is also under renovation.

Let me know if you’d like help tracking updates or planning the best Tahiti itinerary!