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LOCATION OF TAVEUNI
Taveuni is the third largest island in the Fiji island chain. Green, rugged and volcanic in origin, the island is approximately 42km long (26 miles) and 16km (10 miles) wide reaching a maximum height of 1,241 meters (4,072 feet). It's population of 12,000 (mostly native Fijians) resides in villages, the largest being the 'chiefly' village of Somosomo.
Taveuni is popularly known as the 'Garden Island' of Fiji, owing to its rich diversity of animal and plant life. It is one of the most significant islands in the South Pacific for biology and conservation due to its thriving eco-system. The island slopes from the coastline up to a central and beautiful mountain ridge, thus offering residents and visitors alike to enjoy spectacular panoramic views, rainforested slopes, dramatic waterfalls and hiking trails.
Lake Tagimoucia which is located in an old crater 823 meters (2,699ft) high in the mountainous ridge. 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 1,195 meters (3,920ft). The highest peak on the island is Mt Uluigalau which is 1,241 meters (4,072ft ) high. These are among the highest mountains in Fiji. The hike to the lake is very strenuous but can 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-moe-thia), a red and white flowered creeper which is linked to a local romantic legend about love lost and regained. It only grows above 2000ft, and usually blooms from end of September to end of December.
 Once upon a time, a princess was about to be forced by her father to marry her predestined husband.
However, she was in love with another man and, in desperation, she fled from the village into the mountains and, completely exhausted, she fell asleep on the banks of the lake. While she was sleeping, she cried and in her dream tears trickled down over her cheeks and turned into beautiful red flowers. ... And the red flowers engendered the Tagimaucia plant.
Tagimaucia means "to cry in your sleep".
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Taveuni is also a paradise for the keen bird watcher, as it is host to nearly all the bird species found in Fiji, including some rare species. 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 is available.
The coastline features both white sand beaches as well as some black sand beaches. A coastal road follows the shoreline around approximately 65% of the island. There is no road access to the craggy and precipitous southern shoreline punctuated by waterfalls - it can be explored by boat for those looking for an eco-adventure. It is said that during the second World War, boats would manoeuvre below a waterfall that plunged direct into the sea, thus replenishing the fresh water supply on board!
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