The eco-friendly island of Taveuni offers several must-see attractions, including Bouma National Heritage Park – the largest rainforest preserve in Fjij, a 15,000ha reserve of tropical rainforest that encompasses roughly 80 per cent of the island of Taveuni.
Easy to follow walking trails lead to waterfalls, volcanic peaks and sea-pounded cliffs.
Don't miss Tavoro Falls, a 24m-high cascade that plunges into a natural rock pool – just one of three waterfalls easily found along the Bouma Falls Trail.
Enjoy panoramic views and see historic hill fortifications on the Vidawa Forest Walk or enjoy coastal breezes along the scenic Lavena Coastal Walk that follows an ancient forest and coastal track to several secluded coves and beaches.
Check out the easily accessible Tavoro Waterfalls (also known as Bouma Waterfalls) for swimming, picnicking, great views or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery.
It’s an easy 15-minute walk along a flat path from the visitors centre to the lower falls, which plunge 24m into a wide swimming pool. From here, the path climbs steeply to a lookout with scenic views of neighbouring Qamea Island and beyond.
A more challenging 45-minute hike through rainforest and over slippery rocks across a swift-flowing creek aided by a rope handrail leads to the second fall, which is not as impressive as the first fall.
An even more difficult trail leads to the third fall. This last hike usually takes around 60 minutes.
If you are a keen walker, try the 7km-long Vidawa Rainforest Trail, which leads to historic hill fortifications, archaeological sites and great coastal views before ending at the lower Tavoro waterfall.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the full day hike costs around F$40. You need to book in advance and bring your own lunch; streams provide fresh drinking water.
Enjoy coastal breezes along the scenic 5km-long Lavena Coastal Walk, which follows a well-worn ancient coastal track past rainforest on one side and secluded coves and beaches on the other side.
Allow four hours return to complete the walk with plenty of places to stop, swim and snorkel. The walk costs F$15.
Location: Eastern Taveuni, 18km from the airstrip and 37km from Waiyevo
Phone: 888 0390
Admission: F$8 per person without a guide; F$15 with a guide; hikes cost F$60
Tours: Guides lead full-day treks through the rainforest to Tavoro Falls, and can be booked at least one day in advance through the park’s visitor centre or through your hotel activities desk.
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Often referred to as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji, Taveuni is famous for its lush rainforest and idyllic sugar-white beaches that front a choice of beach resorts – the perfect location for couples wanting quiet time together away from the more crowded resort islands.
Renowned for its eco-tourism, the islands of Taveuni, Vanua Levu and several smaller islands including Matangi and Qamea are perfect for unhurried scenic walks among local bird life.
Spot exotic birds including orange doves and red-breasted musk parrots flittering through pristine tropical rainforests on a hike to Tavoro Falls through the dramatic jungle-clad mountain ranges of Bouma National Heritage Park.
Or head to the rocky shoreline and enjoy the scenic 5km-long Lavena Coastal Walk – perfect for active honeymoon couples.
Paddle a traditional bilibili bamboo raft, take a guided snorkel tour of Waitabu Marine Park, scuba dive the world-renowned Rainbow Reef, watch the famous Matamaiqi blowholes or explore secluded coves and beaches by kayak.
More about Taveuni Island…
Close to Taveuni lie the idyllic privately owned offshore islands of Matangi Island and Qamea Island – both easily accessed from Taveuni by fast launch.
Latest update: Bouma National Heritage Park, Taveuni Island, Fiji: 15 May, 2022
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