|
|
TAVEUNI ACTIVITIES
Taveuni offers the visitor or permanent resident a wide variety of activities - both onshore and offshore.
DIVING - Diving off the island of Taveuni is world-class. In addition to a rich variety of reef fish and pelagics, Taveuni dive sites live up to Fiji's oft-heard descriptor ... the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World' ! The soft coral comes in dramatic hues of red, orange, pink, and white-fringed by purple. The incoming currents are funnelled into a channel between the islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu (the Somosomo Strait), and this rich flow of nutrients is one of the reasons for the beautiful reefs and wide variety of pelagic fish. The most famous reef in the Somosomo Strait is the 'Rainbow Reef', which features many beautiful dive sites, including the 'Great White Wall'. There are a number of first-class dive operators in Taveuni offering both dive courses as well as diving. Equipment hire is also available.
FISHING - Deep-Sea Fishing is another popular pastime (mahi mahi, wahoo and other good-eating fish!), and charters are available if you do not have your own boat.
SAILING - If you are into sailing, Taveuni is a great starting point for fantastic cruising in the Lau Group. The Taveuni coastline offers some sheltered moorings.
OTHER WATERSPORTS - include swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The small island of Korolevu in the Somosomo Strait off Waiyevo has several pristine sandy beaches - close enough to kayak to for a picnic lunch. Or follow the Taveuni coastline past Fijian villages, river inlets and occasional mangroves. You will find small beaches all along the coastline, some white sand, some black sand, and some with wonderful volcanic rocks. The best white sand beach is at Lavena (part of the film 'Return to the Blue Lagoon' was filmed here, but there are also other lovely beaches, including around the Matei area.
TAVEUNI LAND ADVENTURES
The beautiful mountainous terrain and spectacular waterfalls provide endless opportunities for the eco-minded adventurer. The island is equally rich in culture and history. |
As host to nearly all the bird species found in Fiji, the island is a paradise for the avid bird watcher, including the Silktail and the Orange Dove. Local guides are adept at 'calling' the birds and most bird-watching..
Visit a Fijian village and learn more about the day-to-day life and activities in the village. By arrangement, some villages will demonstrate Fijian crafts - basket making, mat-weaving, coconut husking, fire-making, earth oven (lovo) demonstration, and preparation of the traditional drink 'yaqona' - more widely known as 'KAVA'. Some will provide a Fijian meke (songs and dance).
Or visit an ancient hill fort site that was used by the Fijians in years gone by as a secret enemy look-out.
The 180 degree meridian between Waiyevo and Wairiki marks the point where Taveuni is bisected by the 180 line of longitude. In days gone by, this would mean that one half of Taveuni was a different day to the other! The introduction of the International Dateline which detours around Fiji now means that the whole island shares the same day.
Many beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible - bathe in peaceful rock pools below the falls.
A natural waterslide near Waiyevo is a fun adventure - at the weekend you will be able to see how the skilled local children manoeuvre this fun ride!
Hike through the rainforest. The sloping topography means that you will see wonderful panoramic views out to the ocean on your climb. Not to miss is the Tavoro National Park near Lavena.
For those with good fitness, a hike to the Lake Tagimoucia which is located in an old crater 2,699ft (823 meters) high in the mountains is possible (the hike is very strenuous and it is best to employ a local guide). It takes about 3-4 hours each way. 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 higher region is also home to Fiji's most famous flower, the tagimoucia (tahng-ee-moe-thia), a red and white flowered creeper. Read about the romantic legend of the tagimoucia on the 'location' page. 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.
In the Southern end of Taveuni near the village of Vuna, visit the famous blowholes - quite spectacular when the tide is right.
|
|
Home Page
