Taveuni

Map of Taveuni

Undoubtedly the most popular island for eco-travellers is Taveuni. The Garden Island is the third largest island in Fiji, about 30 miles long and 6 miles wide. Volcanic is nature, with a clearly distinguishable volcanic ridge rising to over 1000 meters. The east coast is wild and mostly inaccessible due to steep cliffs and much of the land is protected by Bouma National Heritage Park. Access to the park is from the north-east coast, with the main attraction being the Tavoro Falls (three lovely waterfalls between 10 minutes and an hour walk from the main road). At the end of the road is the attractive village of Lavena departure point for the 3 mile Lavena Coastal Walk along the forest edge, passing cove beaches and waterfalls. This coast can also be explored by kayak. Most of the accommodation on Taveuni is in and around the small town of Matei, on the north point of the island where the tar-sealed airport is located. The beach here is nice, with two small islands just off the coast and several tour companies and restaurants. A mile to the south of Matei is the lovely Prince Charles Beach with a cluster of resorts and several camping grounds. About half way down the west coast are the small settlements of Somosomo and Waiyevo where several specialist diving resorts have set up. There is no beach here, but this is the closest point to the excellent diving in the Somosomo Straight and Rainbow Reed. A rough trail inland from Waiyevo leads to Lake Tagimaucia, home of the rare Tagimaucia flower that comes out in abundance between October and December. Beyond Waiyevo, the road becomes rough and passes several fine waterfalls. Near the southern tip are another cluster of budget resorts, offering the best snorkeling on the island and good offshore diving. On the southern tip of the island at South Cape are the Matamaiqi blowholes and coastal pandanus forests.

Popular Activities on Tavenu

As well as the fabulous diving, Taveuni offers plenty for the nature lover. There are treks and hikesgalore for those with the energy. Two not to be missed are the Lavena Coastal Walk, with its bizarre rock formations, pools and falls, and Tavoro Falls in Bouma National Heritage Park. Des Voeux Peak, the second highest point on the island, is also a rewarding experience especially for bird watchers.

A rough sometimes muddy trail just inland from Waiyevo takes you to Lake Tagimaucia. Here between October and December you can find in abundance the rare and beautiful Tagimaucia flower. Beyond Waiyevo, the road becomes rough and passes several impressive waterfalls. The Matamaiqi blowholes and coastal pandanus forests are the main attractions in the very south of Taveuni.

For the ornithologist inside you the island is a great place to spot rare and beautiful birds such as parrots and fantails. The king of the birds here however has to be the orange or flame dove, a rare and wonderfully coloured specimen.

If action is more your thing, then check out the thrills, spills and occasional gashes of the Waitavala water slide outside Waiyevo. Particpiants hurtle down these naturally occurring rock shutes with a delight only slightly lessened by high speed bone-on-rock collisions. If you see several people emerging unscathed it may be worth a go.

You can go horse-riding in the south or try your hand at game fishing from Matei if you wish to spend the afternoon slaughtering the wonderful creatures you spent the morning marvelling at.