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Exploring
the coastal and inland treasures of Taveuni is integral
to making the most of this unique Fijian eco-treasure
island.
Whether you opt for a challenging hike up the slopes
of one of the magnificent inactive volcanoes on
the island or prefer the idea of exploring the spectacular
beaches where movies like Return to Blue Lagoon
were filmed, there is no end to the list of things
to do and places to see. |
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Bouma
National Heritage Park
This
protected national park was the winner of the British
Airways ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ award
in 2002 for its strong preservationist and eco-tourism
slant. The Park is Taveuni's conservation success
story with approximately 15000 hectares of rainforest
protected by the park and forest reserve.
Four villages within the park are involved in self-sustaining
projects and are active examples of cultural
and natural preservation at work. Funds raised
from visits to the park are channeled into training
of park guides, education funds, forest conservation
and protection and the same for the reef that falls
within the marine park boundaries. Central to the
park is the growth of cultural awareness with controlled
access to the villages via guided trips.
Waitabu Marine Park
Knowledgeable local guides lead visitors to the
Taveuni reef conservation project. This is
an ideal opportunity for keen snorkellers to get
a taste of what has made Taveuni Island the ‘soft
coral capital of the world’.
Vidawa Forest
This forest hike takes you into the heart of Taveuni
Island’s Bouma National Heritage Park. Wandering
through wilderness, untouched rainforest and the
historic fortified site of Navuga
Village. The hike takes in stunning coastal
views, abundant indigenous bird life and offers
a unique opportunity to sample this unspoiled natural
treasure.
Local Taveuni guides offer insider information on
forest life, including the unique flora and fauna.
Lunch is prepared and served en route by local villagers
and the adventure finishes with a swim at Bouma
Waterfall where afternoon tea is provided.
Bouma Falls
This is truly one of the most
magnificent natural sights on Taveuni Island.
Located in Bouma National Park, it is an ideal day
trip for visitors. A two-hour drive from the Estate
takes you through beautiful natural scenery past
the village of Bouma
and the starting point for reaching the falls. An
easy walk 10 minute walk takes you to an 80ft
waterfall and a stunning pool to cool off
in. A small beach and picnic area caters for day-visitors.
Intrepid explorers can visit a second and third
waterfall, reached by a spectacular forest trail
Lavena Coastal Walk/Kayaking
Trip
A visit
to the area around Lavena village will yield a wealth
of eco-treasures for nature lovers.
Lavena is situated on the eastern side of
the island. From here, a trail follows the crystal
clear waters to a secluded canyon, where you can
swim or wade to the magnificent Wainibau waterfalls.
The afternoon can be spent swimming and enjoying
the natural splendour of this untouched corner of
the island.
Alternatively, trippers can kayak
one way and walk the other - an excellent
way to make the most of this fun-filled daytrip.
Birdwatching at Des
Voeux Peak
Fiji
is a bird watchers paradise and Taveuni Island is
home to all the indigenous species in the region.
Look out for the Orange
Breasted Dove and the Silktail
- found nowhere else
in the world but on Taveuni Island. This
is your chance to experience firsthand the rich
animal life on the island.
Lake
Tagimaucia
Perhaps
the most famous geographical landmark on the island
is Lake Tagimaucia located in an old crater 2500
feet high in the mountains.
The lake is filled with a floating sea of masses
of vegetation. It is also home to Fiji's most famous
and beautiful flower, the Tagimaucia,
which produces distinctive red blooms with white
centers. The flower usually blooms from the end
of September to the end of December and a trip to
see these beautiful flowers is well worth the effort.
The lake is located just below Des
Voeux Peak, at 4040 feet, the second highest
in Taveuni (the highest is Mount Uluigalau and is
3750 high – both are among the highest in
Fiji).
The hike to the lake can be challenging and is a
full-day excursion although indirect four by four
trips are also available.
Vuna
Village, Blow Hole and Navakawau (End of the Road)
The village
of Vuna is located at the southern end of Taveuni
Island and is an important landmark as the first
European settlement here.
The nearby village of Navakawau
is known as the place ‘at the end of
the road’ – literally the last stop
on the southern tip of the island. A highlight of
this culturally rich daytrip is the visit to the
dramatic Blow Hole–
perfect for photo opportunities. Picnic spots at
sugar white beaches and secluded lagoons add to
the magic of this multi-faceted excursion.
International Dateline
and Waikiri Mission
The
quaint Catholic church at Wairiki Mission is a must-visit
for culturally-keen visitors.
On the 10-minute drive from Taveuni Estates to the
mission, you will cross the International Dateline.
The official sign at Weiyeyo allows you to literally
put one foot in today and one in yesterday! However,
to keep Fiji in one time zone, the IDL has been
adjusted.
The Mission is situated on a hill overlooking the
site where Taveuni warriors turned back thousands
of Tongans in an historic battle fought in canoes
just off the beach.
This was a significant battle in the history of
Fiji. At the time, Tonga had gained control over
the rest of Fiji through a series of battles.
The French missionary priest who advised the Taveuni
warriors on their fighting strategy was rewarded
when the grateful people of Taveuni built the large
mission.
Sunday visitors will enjoy a visit to mass where
the sound of locals singing is truly moving. Local
children are often ready to take visitors around
their school and village and provide a charming
look into their way of life.
Waitavala
Waterslide
A must-do for adventure
seekers, this natural waterslide
is a favoured spot created by Mother Nature herself
and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Bus Tour
Get on our local bus and see the island for a
real Fijian 'slice of life'!
Horseback Riding
Exploring the island by horseback is an experience
not to be missed. Ask around once you have arrived
on the island, residents and locals will happily
point you in the right direction.
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| Discover
the majestic Bouma waterfall nestled in the Tavoro
National Park |
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| Visit
the Waitabu Marine Park to learn more about Taveuni's
reef conservation project |
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| Marvel
at Mushroom rock on the Lavena coastline |
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| Explore
the area around Lavena village on foot and discover
remote box canyons and waterfalls |
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| Step
back in time at the Waikiri mission and discover
a site steeped in history |
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| Put
one foot in today, and one foot in yesterday at
the marker for the International Date Line |
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| Invigorate
your senses with a ride down nature's waterslide
at Waitavalla |
RESTAURANTS
& SHOPPING
Garden
Island Resort
Beachfront hotel with pool, serving meals
all day long five minute drive.
Naquara
Taveuni’s main shopping centre featuring
a selection of shops selling local produce,
handicrafts and groceries.
Tovutovu
Resort
Small Fijian run resort with restaurant overlooking
the ocean. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lovo buffet every Friday evening is especially
recommended.
Lal's Indian Restaurant
If you are looking for luxurious surroundings
Lal's is not the place for you! However
if you would like to enjoy a top class curry
for a real budget price give Lal's a try.
Coconut Grove
Three beachfront cottages with restaurant
serving food all day and dinner. Restaurant
looks over white, sandy beach.
Taveuni Island Resort
Five star resort serving gourmet meals -
lunch and dinner are sometimes available
to outsiders strictly by reservation.
Maravu Plantation
Resort
Five star Plantation resort with a cocktail
bar. Meals are available by reservation
only.
Island Pizza
As the name suggests - Taveuni's very own
pizza hut! Cute setting with lots of charm
overlooking the ocean (of course!). Beer,
wine and soft drinks all served.
Tramonto
Small, inexpensive restaurant serving selection
of dishes, beer, wine and soft drinks. Special
lobster evening every Wednesday. Spectacular
setting with sweeping views over the ocean
- perfect sunset spot!
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