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Your guide to Taveuni

Home to more than 600 waterfalls

By Andhy Blake more cushioned from the rocks. Watch the locals and copy their
technique for maximum fun! Entry is free.
Ambrosial and beautiful, Taveuni has long been known as
Fiji’s ‘Garden Island’. And it is true that Taveuni’s lush tropical Des Voeux Peak
flora is breathtaking and one of the first things you notice as You will need a 4WD to get to this iconic peak, a haven for
you descend into Matei airport. But it is not until you finally land bird watchers who will want to look out for the Orange Dove,
that your understanding of Taveuni’s many attractions deepens. Blue Crested Flycatcher and the many other glorious birds that
As Fiji’s third largest island, Taveuni has a land mass of 434 make their home in the jungles of this mountain. If you’ve got
square kilometres. The cigar shaped isle is home to hundreds of energy to burn and good hiking legs, you can continue on foot
waterfalls and is a diver’s mecca with the world-famous Rainbow to Lake Tagimoucia. And if you are there between October and
Reef decorating the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and December, you may even spy the scarlet Tagimoucia flower, a
Vanua Levu. symbol of Taveuni and one of Fiji’s most iconic flowers.
Things to do South Cape Blowholes
Lavena Coastal Walk and Savuleveavonu Waterfall This feature is located on the southern tip of Taveuni and is a
The end of the road on Taveuni’s south-eastern coast marks one-hour scenic ride from Waiyevo.
the start of the Lavena Coastal walk, a winding trek that skirts You will be entertained with the sprouting veils of water that
beaches, rivers, and jungle, and some of Fiji’s most spectacular rushes between the black volcanic rocks from the Vuna reef.
waterfalls. The water sprouts can reach up to heights of 50 metres when
If you want to skip the walk, a scenic 45-minute ride from the blowholes are at its full glory.
Waiyevo will lead you to the coastal village of Lavena on the Tips and Costs:
eastern side of the island and the Savuleveavonu Waterfall. The The best time to visit the blowholes is during the change of
villagers organise boat tours to the waterfalls and the boat ride tides, when the spray is more likely to be impressive.
takes up to about 30 minutes (during fine weather). Entry is free.
Tips and Costs:
Visit the waterfall during fine weather as the seas can get Dive or snorkel the Somosomo Strait
choppy with up to 7-meter swells. A number of dive companies can take you to the Somosomo
Boat transfers cost FJ$300. Strait’s most famous sites on the Rainbow Reef; home to
more than 1400 species of fish, plus manta rays, dolphins and
Tavoro Waterfalls humpback whales. Divers and snorkellers can generally drift with
The Bouma National Park is home to three stunning waterfalls, the current, which means you can spend your energy looking at
each accessible on foot along clear pathways. The first waterfall the amazing sea life. The Great White Wall, which Jean-Michel
is a 10-minute walk from the main entrance, and it takes about an Cousteau has dubbed one of the ten best diving spots in the
hour uphill to the remaining two, including an easy river crossing. world, is a bucket-list experience for experienced divers.
Tips and Costs: There are a number of dive operators based in Taveuni; ask
It is a 20-minute scenic ride from Waiyevo to the entrance of your hotel for details.
Tavoro Waterfalls. Also worth a look: The Wairiki Catholic Mission is a historic
Entry fee is FJ$35. church, and its Easter service in the grounds of the church hall
There is also a locals entry rate. is a site of pilgrimage for many local Catholics. A drive around
the island rewards you with some interesting sites, including the
Waitavala Natural Water Slide site of the international dateline and the now-abandoned local
This is Taveuni’s version of a natural theme park – its uniqueness cinema.
is the gushing water that flows out of Lake Tagimoucia (which is
located in the central mountainous region of the island) that fills Where to Stay
the naturally made stone slides. The waterslide is surrounded by Garden Island Resort
lush rainforest and is easily accessible on foot. Garden Island Resort is renowned for its professional and
Tips and Costs: friendly dive operation, ocean front rooms with breathtaking
If you wear shorts, reef shoes and a T-shirt, you’ll be a little views, wonderful staff and gorgeous, lush tropical surroundings.
gardenislandresort.com

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