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Fiji Islands
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Taveuni
Lush rainforested slopes, and hiking trails to waterfalls and hidden pools for swimming. Excellent scuba diving.
Taveuni Accommodation
Taveuni Map
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Taveuni's beautiful mountainous terrain and spectacular waterfalls provide endless opportunities for the eco-minded adventurer. As host to nearly all the bird species found in Fiji, the island is also a paradise for the avid bird watcher. The island is equally rich in culture and history. See how a traditional village operates or visit a hill fort site that was used by the ancient Fijians as a secret enemy look-out. Or, if a good game of golf or tennis suits your fancy, that too can be arranged.
Taveuni is the third largest island in the Fiji archipelago. Verdant, rugged and volcanic in origin, the island is approximately 26 miles long (42km) and 10 miles (16km) wide reaching a maximum height of 4,072 feet (1,241 meters). Taveuni's population of 12,000 (mostly native Fijians) resides in villages, the largest being the chiefly village of Somosomo.
Bouma Falls is one of the most beautiful spots on Taveuni. Located in Tavoro National Park, it is a perfect half- or full-day trip. Bouma Falls actually consists of three waterfalls: the first is an easy ten-minute walk from the main road. The waterfall is approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in height and falls into a large pool where one can go swimming and dive off the rocks. A wonderful trail has been built up to a second waterfall which is a worthwhile trip for the more adventurous. About 60 feet high and perhaps more dramatic, this second waterfall takes about thirty minutes to reach from the first along a well-manicured trail which has steps, handrails and benches for rest stops. The walk to the third and final waterfall - which is only about 25 feet high (8m) - takes about thirty minutes but the path is not as well kept. However, the beauty of this waterfall is in the remoteness of the area and the perfect stillness - a wonderful place to meditate!
Travel to the far northeast end of Taveuni to Lavena, one of the most picturesque villages on the island. One of the resort staff, Wani the bartender, who is originally from Lavena, sometimes accompanies guests on this trip. At Lavena village you can see how a traditional village operates, meet some of the villagers and perhaps the Village Chief. Lavena also features one of the most beautiful beaches on Taveuni. This beach, with its spectacular white sand and crystal clear water, was featured in the 'Return of the Blue Lagoon'. It is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. There is 3-mile (5km) graded walking path to the Tobu Vei Tui falls. The walk takes about one and a half hours of which the last 20-30 minutes is up a creek bed (Wainabau River).
Lake Tagimoucia which is located in an old crater 2,699ft (823 meters) high in the mountains. The lake, which is filled with floating masses of vegetation, is located just below Des Voeux peak which is the second highest spot on Taveuni at 3,920ft (1,195 meters). The highest peak on the island is Mt Uluigalau which is 4,072ft (1,241 meters) high. These are among the highest mountains in Fiji. The hike to the lake is very strenuous and should only be attempted by the serious hiker. It takes about 3-4 hours each way. The highlands are also home to Fiji's most famous flower, the tagimoucia (tahng-ee-mow-thia), a red and white flowered creeper which is linked to a local romantic legend about love lost and love regained. It only grows above 2000ft, and usually blooms from end of September to end of December. Any attempt to transplant the flower at a lower altitude has failed.
Taveuni Estates, a privately-owned freehold development is situated at Soqulu, about a 1hr drive from Matei Airstrip. Taveuni Estates maintains a beautiful 9-hole golf course, tennis courts (asphalt as well as grass) and a lawn bowls green.
At the southern end of the island is located the village of Vuna which played an important role in the settlement of the first Europeans on Taveuni. The original plantations and homes of these white people were within the jurisdiction of Vuna and thus the land was either purchased or bartered from the Tui Vuna (the chief of that area). Some of this land is still owned by the descendants of the original settlers. Beyond Vuna at the very end of the coastal road is a village called Navakawau, which literally means 'end of the road'! It is a beautiful - though bouncy! - drive along rugged coastline down to Navakawau. One of the highlights is a tidal 'blow hole' which is quite impressive to see if the tide is right.
Horse-riding through the plantations is available.
It has been claimed that the island of Taveuni is host to nearly all the bird species to be found in Fiji. In particular, Des Voeux Peak at dawn is the place to be if you are a keen bird-watcher. In particular, you may catch sight of the Orange Dove and the Silktail, to be found nowhere else in the world. Qeleni is another excellent bird-watching area.
Don't miss a visit to the 180th meridian close to the town of Waiyevo. Taveuni is one of the very few land masses in the world that the meridian crosses. The saying here is "Every New Day starts in Taveuni".
Also close to Waiyevo if a natural waterslide. Surrounded by rainforest, it is a secluded and picturesque spot. If you visit there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the local children will show you how! A great experience!
A little further down the road is the lovely old Catholic mission at Wairiki. The mission is set into the hillside and overlooks the site where Taveuni warriors turned back thousands of Tongans in a battle which was fought in canoes just off the beach. This battle was of historical significance in the history of Fiji, for Tonga was gaining control of the rest of the country through a series of undefeated battles. The Taveuni warriors therefore saved Fiji from the Tongans ... they then celebrated by cooking the Tongans in a lovo and eating them with breadfruit! The French Missionary priest who advised the Taveuni warriors on fighting strategy was 'rewarded' for his help by the grateful people of Taveuni by the building of the large mission. If you visit the Mission on a Sunday morning you will hear the wonderful singing of the Fijian villagers.
For scuba divers, look no further than the famous Rainbow Reef. There are many dive operators and dive resorts in Taveuni to arrange your diving holiday.
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