Off The Beaten Track Regions

REGION INTRO

Reconnect with Nature in Fiji’s Garden Isle. Taveuni is called the ‘Garden Isle’ for good reason. With the Bouma National Heritage Park making up more than a third of the island, the Somosomo Strait on its northern shore and an extensive marine park at Waitabu –Taveuni is the place to go if you want to lose yourself in nature. Activities here are mostly nature-based. Cool off under a waterfall in the heart of the jungle or take a dip beneath the waves at world-famous dive sites like Eel Reef and the Great White Wall in the Somosomo Strait.

Hiking trails criss-cross the Bouma National Heritage Park where you can find over 100 species of birds like the colorful ‘Kula’ or elusive orange dove. Or hike further up Des Vouex peak to the crater lake in search of Fiji endemic scarlet flower – the Tagimoucia. Taveuni’s wild southern shore is a land of secluded beach inlets, rocky headlands and waterfalls that cascade into the sea. Walking the small trail that leads off the end of Lavena village is the only way to experience this stunning coast. If you’re looking to spice up your holiday with some adventure, Taveuni has you covered.

WHERE?

Located in the Northern district, east of Vanua Levu. .

HOW TO GET THERE?

Taveuni is accessible by boat or plane. Matei Airstrip is serviced by Fiji Link and Northern Air from Nadi and Suva. It takes about 70 minutes to fly from Nadi to Taveuni. A ferry from Suva, via Koro and Savusavu runs four times a week (13-14 hours). Captain Cook Cruises stops at Taveuni on its Colonial Cruise and Lau Discovery Cruise.

• Charter Flight
• Domestic flight – Northern Air (ex. SUV) and/or Fiji Link (ex. SUV & NAN)
• Scheduled Ferry
• Cruise

PRESENTATION IN PROGRAMM

1. By Air:

• Domestic flight – Northern Air (ex. SUV) and/or Fiji Link (ex. SUV & NAN). There are a number of flights from Nadi and Suva with Fiji Link or Northern Air (only bookable online) to Taveuni’s Matei Airport. The airport building in Taveuni is about the size of a garden shed. 

• Charter Flight – Charter flights can be a good and price-worthy option when you have a larger group of people travelling. Or when you have someone who wants full flexibility in the schedule and has more luggage than allowed on Fiji Link or Northern Air. 

2. By Boat:

• Scheduled Ferry: Ferry options are available from Suva (Goundar Shipping) and from Natovi (Patterson Shipping), on the Eastern side of Viti Levu. Ferrys take longer than flights and are more used by locals. If used by tourists you will need a certain sense of adventure and some flexibility in your schedule 

‍Cruise –Captain Cook Cruises sails to Taveuni during their 7-night Colonial Cruise and 11-night Lau Discovery Cruise

WHAT?

Taveuni is an eco-tourist’s dream destination - with pristine rainforest flush with endemic birdlife and rare Fijian flora to discover. Activities on this island paradise range from wild to mild.  Take a hike up a dormant volcano for breathtaking views of the island and surrounding reefs, or simply relax on one of the many remote beaches.

What are the Top 5 “Things To Do” in the region?

1. Bouma National Heritage Park,

150 square kilometres of coastal forest and Fijian jungle, makes up one third of Taveuni’s total area and is home to Tavoro (Bouma) Falls – the most iconic waterfalls in Fiji. The first waterfall is a short walk from the park’s visitor centre, with two more spectacular falls a longer trek away. The phenomenal views are worth the extra effort and you can cool off in the natural swimming pools.

2. The Lavena Coastal walk 

starts where the road ends on Taveuni’s wild south-eastern coast. The winding coastal track takes you to breathtaking beaches, across rock-strewn rivers and into vine-covered jungle before ending with a dip at some spectacular waterfalls. For an even wilder experience, opt for the kayak trip to explore the remote rocky coast where waterfalls fall directly into the ocean.

3. International Date-line 

Though Fiji adheres to the single time convention, the International Dateline cuts straight through Taveuni, offering visitors a great photo-op and the chance to. stand with one foot in today and the other in tomorrow.Take the road uphill from Waiyevo (towards the hospital) and cross the field on the right: you’ll find a big Taveuni map split in two to mark both sides of the dateline at the International Dateline.

4. Waitavala Water Slide –

Move like a local at the Waitavala Water Slide. Take a short walk through the forest and follow the lead of the village kids at this natural rock slide where you can shoot down the cascading water into the pool at the bottom

5. Diving Somosomo – 

Taveuni is most famous for its world-renowned dive sites, which attract both experienced divers and curious snorkelers from around the globe. Sites like the Great White Wall and others on the Rainbow Reef and Somosomo Strait are among the world’s top scuba sites.

DID YOU KNOW

• Did you know that there is a “nectar lab” on Taveuni? Take your tastebuds on a mouthwatering adventure at heavenly Gaiatree Sanctuary. You'll enjoy the breathtaking hilltop views while feasting on handcrafted seasonal menus and delicious concoctions from their nectar lab.  There's also a tour of the extensive organic food garden and a chance to help out in the collaborative kitchen if you're keen.
• Did you know that Fiji’s national flower, the Tagimoucia, can only be found in Taveuni on the shores of the crater lake?  
• Did you know that you can often include the domestic flights of Fiji Link into the long- haul sector of Fiji Airways and then the same luggage allowance applies?

WHY?

What are the Top 4 selling points for this region? 

1. Reconnect with nature! 
2. Playground for all active and adventurous travellers: Renowned as Fiji’s Garden Island, it is home to a few national heritage parks – Lavena Coastal Walk, Tavoro Falls, Bouma National Heritage park, Waitabu Marine Park.
3. Date line – you can stand with one foot in today and in one in tomorrow!
4. Variety in accommodation - You can stay in a budget resort or max it out on Fiji’s most expensive resort (Laucala Island Resort) and find plenty of accommodation in between. 
5. Diver’s heaven - Some of the world’s best dive sites are scattered around Taveuni. 
6. If you’re looking for “off the beaten track” – Taveuni is your place to go.

WHO?

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• Backpacker/Youth
• Couples
• Diving
• Family (to a lesser extent)
• Nature
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Weddings
• Cruise