Things to see
Taveuni is known for its rich diversity of animal and plant life and, because of its thriving eco-system, is one of the most significant islands in the South Pacific for biology and conservation. Taveuni's beautiful mountainous terrain and spectacular waterfalls provide endless opportunities for the eco-minded adventurer. As host to nearly all the bird species found in Fiji, the island is also a paradise for the avid bird watcher. The island is equally rich in culture and history. See how a traditional village operates or visit a hill fort site that was used by the ancient Fijians as a secret enemy look-out. Or, if a good game of golf or tennis suits your fancy, that too can be arranged.
Taveuni is the third largest island in the Fiji archipelago. Verdant, rugged and volcanic in origin, the island is approximately 26 miles long (42km) and 10 miles (16km) wide reaching a maximum height of 4,072 feet (1,241 meters). Taveuni's population of 12,000 (mostly native Fijians) resides in villages, the largest being the chiefly village of Somosomo.
This 'Garden Island' has much to offer the eco-minded adventure traveler. Following are some of the activities available to our guests.
WATERFALL TREKS AND EXCURSIONS
Bouma
Falls and Lavena area (Ravilevu) Nature Reserves
Bouma Falls
is one of the most beautiful spots on Taveuni. Located in Tavoro National
Park, it is a perfect half- or full-day trip. Bouma Falls actually consists
of three waterfalls: the first is an easy ten-minute walk from the main
road. The waterfall is approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in height and
falls into a large pool where one can go swimming and dive off the rocks.
A wonderful trail has been built up to a second waterfall which is a worthwhile
trip for the more adventurous. About 60 feet high and perhaps more dramatic,
this second waterfall takes about thirty minutes to reach from the first
along a well-manicured trail which has steps, handrails and benches for
rest stops. The walk to the third and final waterfall - which is only
about 25 feet high (8m) - takes about thirty minutes but the path is not
as well kept. However, the beauty of this waterfall is in the remoteness
of the area and the perfect stillness - a wonderful place to meditate!
Lavena Village
and Ravilevu Nature Reserve Tobu Vei Tui Falls
Travel to the far northeast end of Taveuni to Lavena, one of the most
picturesque villages on the island. One of the resort staff, Wani the
bartender, who is originally from Lavena, sometimes accompanies guests
on this trip. At Lavena village you can see how a traditional village
operates, meet some of the villagers and perhaps the Village Chief. Lavena
also features one of the most beautiful beaches on Taveuni. This beach,
with its spectacular white sand and crystal clear water, was featured
in the 'Return of the Blue Lagoon'. It is an ideal spot for swimming,
snorkeling, and picnicking. There is 3-mile (5km) graded walking path
to the Tobu Vei Tui falls. The walk takes about one and a half hours of
which the last 20-30 minutes is up a creek bed (Wainabau River). The falls
are spectacular and, if you're lucky, your Fijian guide will show you
how to jump off the face of the cliff into the pool below! It is also
possible to take a boat trip to other spectacular falls further down the
coast.
Lake Tagimoucia
Lake Tagimoucia which is located in an old crater 2,699ft (823 meters)
high in the mountains. The lake, which is filled with floating masses
of vegetation, is located just below Des Voeux peak which is the second
highest spot on Taveuni at 3,920ft (1,195 meters). The highest peak on
the island is Mt Uluigalau which is 4,072ft (1,241 meters) high. These
are among the highest mountains in Fiji. The hike to the lake is very
strenuous and should only be attempted by the serious hiker. It takes
about 3-4 hours each way. The highlands are also home to Fiji's most famous
flower, the tagimoucia (tahng-ee-mow-thia), a red and white flowered creeper
which is linked to a local romantic legend about love lost and love regained.
It only grows above 2000ft, and usually blooms from end of September to
end of December. Any attempt to transplant the flower at a lower altitude
has failed.
DAY TRIPS AND BIRD WATCHING
Golfing,
Tennis and Lawn Bowls at Taveuni Estates
This large privately-owned freehold development is situated about 25 minutes
south of the hotel. Taveuni Estates maintains a beautiful 9-hole golf
course, tennis courts (asphalt as well as grass) and a lawn bowls green.
These areas are open to the public and equipment is available for hire
at the recently renovated Club House. It is possible to drive through
the Estates and enjoy the spectacular vista from the high elevation. At
dusk, you can often hear a variety of bird calls at the top of the road.
Vuna
Village, Blow Hole and Navakawau
At the southern end of the island is located the village of Vuna which
played an important role in the settlement of the first Europeans on Taveuni.
The original plantations and homes of these white people were within the
jurisdiction of Vuna and thus the land was either purchased or bartered
from the Tui Vuna (the chief of that area). Some of this land is still
owned by the descendants of the original settlers. Beyond Vuna at the
very end of the coastal road is a village called Navakawau, which literally
means 'end of the road'! It is a beautiful - though bouncy! - drive along
rugged coastline down to Navakawau. One of the highlights is a tidal 'blow
hole' which is quite impressive to see if the tide is right.
Vuniuto
Village Cultural Tour
'Vuniuto' is a beautiful village just a quick 10 minute taxi ride from
the Resort. The grounds have many lovely large green leafed breadfruit
trees, a local staple favorite food and quite delicious when ripe. 'Vuniuto'
means Breadfruit Tree. This special guided trip allows you to visit a
local homestead, where the villagers will welcome you in experiencing
their lifestyle. There will be demonstrations of Fijian crafts - basket
making, mat-weaving, coconut husking and uses, fire-making, earth oven
(lovo) demonstration, preparation of the traditional drink 'yaqona' -
more widely known as 'KAVA'. Enjoy an afternoon tea session (cakes and
tea) and a Fijian meke (songs and dance).
Horseback
Riding
Enjoy trail riding through the beautiful Taveuni plantations and rainforests
with a journey which starts at Vatuwiri Resort at the southern end of
Taveuni. A guide will lead you on a breathtaking ride enabling you to
view this wonderful island from a different perspective. Suitable for
beginners as well as experienced riders.
Bird-watching
at Qeleni
Qeleni also provides excellent bird-watching opportunities, although it
takes a very early start to get there for the dawn chorus (the best bird-watching
time of the day). Here birds are quite easy to spot, and a local guide
can take you to the specific areas for each type of bird. A good time
of year is August to September when the birds are nesting. Parrots, Orange
Doves, Silktails and Fantails inhabit this area.
Bird-Watching
at Des Voeux Peak
It has been claimed that the island of Taveuni is host to nearly all the
bird species to be found in Fiji. In particular, Des Voeux Peak at dawn
is the place to be if you are a keen bird-watcher. Professor Allen Keast
and Mr David Bishop, both respected in the field of bird-watching, describe
the experience here as one of their most memorable. In particular, you
may catch sight of the Orange Dove and the Silktail, to be found nowhere
else in the world.
SHORT HIKES FROM THE RESORT
Site
of International Dateline
No visit to Taveuni is complete without visiting the 180th meridian. Taveuni
is one of the very few land masses in the world that the meridian crosses
and the Resort is only a minute away. The saying here is "Every New
Day starts at Garden Island Resort" ... come the Year 2000, the saying
will be "Every new millennium!"
Waitavala
Waterslide
This natural waterslide is a 20 minute walk north of the hotel. Surrounded
by rainforest, it is a secluded and picturesque spot and is sometimes
filled with the laughter of the local children. Easy to find, we'll provide
you with a small map to guide you on your way.
Wairiki
Mission
A 25 minute walk takes you to the lovely old Catholic mission at Wairiki.
The mission is set into the hillside and overlooks the site where Taveuni
warriors turned back thousands of Tongans in a battle which was fought
in canoes just off the beach. This battle was of historical significance
in the history of Fiji, for Tonga was gaining control of the rest of the
country through a series of undefeated battles. The Taveuni warriors therefore
saved Fiji from the Tongans ... they then celebrated by cooking the Tongans
in a lovo and eating them with breadfruit! The French Missionary priest
who advised the Taveuni warriors on fighting strategy was 'rewarded' for
his help by the grateful people of Taveuni by the building of the large
mission. If you visit the Mission on a Sunday morning you will hear the
wonderful singing of the Fijian villagers.
WATER SPORTS
Korolevu
Island
This small island just off the resort has excellent snorkeling and beautiful
white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing. Dolphins are sometimes seen
just offshore. Regular boat taxis from the Dive Center whisk you away
to this tropical paradise. Romantic and picturesque, this is the ideal
spot for a romantic picnic lunch.
Snorkeling
Rainbow Reef
A twenty-minute boat ride takes you to one of the most spectacular 'underwater
gardens' in Fiji - the Rainbow Reef. It is excellent for snorkeling and
is quite different from Korolevu Island. In addition to the beautiful
coral, there are often multitudes of fish, and even an occasional reef
shark.
Paddle Boats
The Resort has two paddle boats with a panel for coral viewing. They are
easy to paddle and let you see the reef in front of the Resort without
having to use a mask and snorkel.
Kayaking
Tired of relaxing by the pool? Then set off in one of the Dive Center's
Scrambler ocean kayaks and discover the beautiful beaches of Korolevu,
or follow the coastline past Fijian villages, river inlets and occasional
mangroves. Take a packed lunch, perhaps, and have a picnic. Or take your
snorkelling gear and enjoy the nearby reefs.