Home to more than 600 waterfalls
By Andhy Blake
Ambrosial and beautiful, Taveuni has long been known as Fiji’s ‘Garden Island’. And it is true that Taveuni’s lush tropical flora is breathtaking and one of the first things you notice as you descend into Matei airport. But it is not until you finally land that your understanding of Taveuni’s many attractions deepens.
As Fiji’s third largest island, Taveuni has a land mass of 434 square kilometres. The cigar shaped isle is home to hundreds of waterfalls and is a diver’s mecca with the world-famous Rainbow Reef decorating the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu.
Things to do
Lavena Coastal Walk and Savuleveavonu Waterfall
The end of the road on Taveuni’s south-eastern coast marks the start of the Lavena Coastal walk, a winding trek that skirts beaches, rivers, and jungle, and some of Fiji’s most spectacular waterfalls.
If you want to skip the walk, a scenic 45-minute ride from Waiyevo will lead you to the coastal village of Lavena on the eastern side of the island and the Savuleveavonu Waterfall. The villagers organise boat tours to the waterfalls and the boat ride takes up to about 30 minutes (during fine weather).
Tips and Costs: Visit the waterfall during fine weather as the seas can get choppy with up to 7-meter swells. Boat transfers costs FJ$300.
Tavoro Waterfalls
The Bouma National Park is home to three stunning waterfalls, each accessible on foot along clear pathways. The first waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the main entrance, and it takes about an hour uphill to the remaining two, including an easy river crossing.
Tips and Costs: It is a 20-minute scenic ride from Waiyevo to the entrance of Tavoro Waterfalls. Entry fee is FJ$30.
Waitavala Natural Water Slide
This is Taveuni’s version of a natural theme park – its uniqueness is the gushing water that flows out of Lake Tagimoucia (which is located in the central mountainous region of the island) that fills the naturally made stone slides. The waterslide is surrounded by lush rainforest and is easily accessible on foot.
Tips and Costs: If you wear shorts, reef shoes and a t-shirt you’ll be a little more cushioned from the rocks. Watch the locals and copy their technique for maximum fun! Entry is free.
Des Voeux Peak
You will need a 4WD to get to this iconic peak, a haven for bird watchers who will want to look out for the Orange Dove, Blue Crested Flycatcher and the many other glorious birds that make their home in the jungles of this mountain. If you’ve got energy to burn and good hiking legs, you can continue on foot to Lake Tagimoucia. And if you are there between October and December you may even spy the scarlet Tagimoucia flower, a symbol of Taveuni and one of Fiji’s most iconic flowers.
South Cape Blowholes
This feature is located on the southern tip of Taveuni and is a one-hour scenic ride from Waiyevo. You will be entertained with the sprouting veils of water that rushes between the black volcanic rocks from the Vuna reef. The water sprouts can reach up to heights of 50 metres and occurs when the blowholes are at its full glory.
Tips and Costs: The best time to visit the blowholes is during the change of tides, when the spray is more likely to be impressive. Entry is free.
Dive or snorkel the Somosomo Strait
A number of dive companies can take you to the Somosomo Strait’s most famous sites on the Rainbow Reef; home to more than 1400 species of fish, plus manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Divers and snorkellers can generally drift with the current, which means you can spend your energy looking at the amazing sea life. The Great White Wall, which Jean-Michel Cousteau has dubbed one of the ten best diving spots in the world, is a bucket-list experience for experienced divers. There are a number of dive operators based in Taveuni; ask your hotel for details.
Also worth a look: the Wairiki Catholic Mission is a historic church, and its Easter service in the grounds of the church hall is a site of pilgrimage for many local Catholics. A drive around the island rewards you with some interesting sites, including the site of the international dateline and the now abandoned local cinema.
Where to Stay
Garden Island Resort
Garden Island Resort is renowned for its professional and friendly dive operation, ocean front rooms with breathtaking views, wonderful staff and gorgeous, lush tropical surroundings.
Taveuni Island Resort
Private oceanfront Villas that offer an elegant and comfortable stay. This is a family-owned and operated boutique resort with 12 stunning villas on 10 acres of spectacular manicured gardens.
Things to Eat and Drink
Yanuyanu Taveuni
Located in the heart of the island’s main business district of Naqara in Somosomo, Yanuyanu Taveuni serves delicious sorbets using seasonal sweetened fruits that are grown on the island. With their natural colours, sorbet flavours include—when in season— starfruit, soursop, guava, jackfruit, guava cinnamon, mango and mint and tuslisop (wild basil) and many more.
The Dive Café
This relaxed waterfront café features a breezy open-air deck, wholesome meals, freshly brewed coffee, refreshing smoothies, and invigorating matcha. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, promising a culinary experience that embraces both health and taste.
Must Try:
Cocochinnos – Coconut Cappuccinos made from fresh coconut milk.
Be sure to check out what’s fresh at the local market and sample a bowl of local kava (an important cash crop on the island). Taveuni cheese is making silky yoghurt and speciality cheeses like halloumi and feta locally, and can be found in several local supermarkets.
Getting There
Fiji Link flies up to 5 times daily from Nadi and 4 times a week from Suva.
Northern Air flies 4 times a week from Suva.
Goundar Shipping sails between Suva (Narain Jetty) and Taveuni.
Captain Cook Cruises‘ Fiji’s Remote North Discovery Cruise also visits Taveuni.
