10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni

Last Updated: 10 February, 2025

Free Activities on Taveuni (Or, at Least, They’re Pretty Darn Cheap)

It’s true; you don’t have to fork out for expensive scuba diving trips, fishing charters and cruises every day! In fact, on Taveuni, the biggest highlights of the island are free or at least super affordable. Waterfalls, natural waterslides, hikes, birdwatching, snorkelling and planting coral are all inexpensive ways to experience the wonderful natural environment of Fiji’s “Garden Island”. Check out some of our top recommendations with this list of free and cheap things to do on Taveuni.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Taveuni.

1. Snorkel at the Waitabu Marine Park – CHEAP

The first attraction you come to when travelling into the famous Bouma National Heritage Park, the Waitabu Marine Park is a stunning snorkelling spot. The reserve is completely protected from fishing, even from the villagers, resulting in thriving fish and coral life. Discover it for yourself on an affordable snorkelling tour (around FJ$50). Alternatively, there is a Cultural Experience Tour that includes refreshments, entertainment, and a ride on a traditional raft called a bilibili (around FJ$80). Learn more about snorkelling hotspots in The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Fiji.

Location: Waitabu, 17.5 km (11 mi) south of Matei along the east coast road. Be sure to contact the Waitabu visitor centre before you arrive (6798201999), so you don’t have to wait around for someone to find you.

2. Visit the Civa Pearl Farm – CHEAP

Don’t miss the pearl farm tours at Civa Fiji Pearls. Located in the picturesque Wailoa Lagoon on Taveuni’s eastern side, this fascinating farm offers 90-minute tours that will give you a whole new appreciation for these oceanic gems. During your visit, you’ll learn all about the intricate process of raising oysters and culturing different types of pearls. The highlight for many is the guided snorkelling tour of the lagoon, where you can see the farm’s operations up close. And if you’re in the market for a special souvenir, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase pearls and pearl jewellery directly from the source. Tours run Monday to Thursday at 2 pm and cost approximately FJ$50 per person. It’s essential to book in advance, as spaces are limited. What sets Civa apart is not just their stunning black pearls but also their unique blue, green, and pink varieties. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local, sustainable aquaculture program that’s helping to rehabilitate cyclone-impacted reefs.

Location: Wailoa Lagoon, off the northeast coast of Taveuni.

3. Check Out Bouma (Tavoro) Falls – CHEAP

Chasing waterfalls is a must-do on Taveuni! From the Tavoro Visitor Centre in Korovou Village (also known as Bouma Village) in the Bouma National Park, pay your (approximately) FJ$50 fee to enjoy a self-guided walk to three stunning waterfalls. The first one is only a 10-minute walk away, and the next will be an extra 30 minutes to the second. The last waterfall is a more demanding hike, taking an additional 30 minutes, but well worth it due to the 10 m (30 ft) waterfall cascading into the best swimming hole of the three… And the fact that most visitors don’t make it this far. See more adventures like this in The Best Day Trips on Taveuni.

Location: Bouma Village, Bouma National Heritage Park. On the east coast road (on the bus route – ask the driver).

4. Walk the Lavena Coastal Walk – CHEAP

The last attraction you’ll find when venturing down the east coast road through the Bouma National Heritage Park is the Lavena Coastal Walk. The walk starts on a pristine beach by the Lavena Lodge, where you will need to pay a small fee (around FJ$35) to access the trail. The 3-hour return walk features a varied coastline of black sand beaches and rocky cliffs, as well as the village of Naba (don’t wander through; stick to the well-established trail) and a suspension bridge. At the end of the walk is Wainibau Falls, which can only be seen if you swim through a passage, keeping left where there is a ridge just underwater to hold onto. Alternatively, boat tours to Lavena’s many waterfalls cascading into the ocean can be arranged with Lavena Lodge for around FJ$110 per person.

Location: Lavena Village, Bouma National Heritage Park, at the end of the east coast road (on the bus route – ask the driver).

5. Get a Photo with the International Dateline – FREE

Near Waiyevo on the west coast, take a short walk to Fiji’s quirkiest attraction. The International Dateline sign shows the place where the 180-Degree Meridian passes through Taveuni. The line indicates where the time zones determine the beginning and end of each day. Of course, Taveuni observes the same time zone as the rest of Fiji for convenience. Regardless, the signs showing “today” and “tomorrow” give a fun and free photo opportunity.

Location: Along the road from Waiyevo leading to the police station. Tours are also available from any resort on Taveuni.

6. Take on the Waitavala Waterslide – FREE

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Waitavala Waterslide. This 200 m (656 ft) long natural waterslide chutes you over an undulating set of rapids into a narrow stream at the bottom. Be prepared for a few bruises, but also make sure that the slide is safe before you go shooting down it anyway, as the currents at the bottom can be substantial after heavy rain. Watch the locals slide down before giving it a go yourself. Plus, remember to take insect repellent!

Location: Just south of Vuniotu, west coast of Taveuni. From the Garden Island Resort, walk five minutes north to a dirt road beside a bus shelter. Walk up this dirt road for about 20 minutes and turn left just past the sign for the prison. Look out for a worn trail on your right, which leads up to the waterfall.

7. Hike to Des Voeux Peak – CHEAP

For a cheap hike on Taveuni, hit Des Voeux Peak, Taveuni’s highest peak at 1,195 m (3,920 ft). From Wairiki, the walk up the access road is not too difficult but takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. Those who arrive at the top will be rewarded with views of Vanua Levu and even as far as Koro and Gau in the south on a clear day. The walk is also fantastic for birdwatching, especially during the nesting season in August and September. Note that the weather is very changeable on the peak, so we recommend taking a warm layer of clothing. For more free and cheap hikes, check out the 10 Best Walks & Hikes on Taveuni.

Location: Take the access road turn-off in Wairiki, between the Catholic Mission and Wairiki Wharf, west coast of Taveuni. There is a gated entrance to the access road where you may need to pay a small access fee (if no one is at the gate on the way up, you can pay on the way down).

8. Check Out the Vuna Blowhole – FREE

For adventures in the south of Taveuni, check out the volcanic remnants from Taveuni’s last eruption some 500 years ago. The black volcanic rocks spill into the ocean and, on the turn of low tide, shoot up seawater 15 m (50 ft) into the air! This is the Vuna Blowhole, otherwise known as the Matamaiqi Blowhole.

Location: Southern tip of Taveuni, between Kanacea and Navakawau villages. It is possible to walk from the Vuna Lagoon Lodge (1 hr 15 mins one way) – see the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Taveuni.

9. Listen to the Singing at the Holy Cross Church – FREE

The Wairiki Catholic Mission, also known as the Holy Cross Church, stands out like a sore thumb among the lush greenery of Taveuni. The Roman-style church makes for a good photo opportunity, but try to time your visit with the Sunday Mass at 7 am, 9 am or 11 am. You’ll experience the harmonious singing of the local villagers.

Location: Centre of the village green, Wairiki, west coast of Taveuni. You can’t miss it!

10. Check Out the Views From the White Cross – FREE

Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the iconic White Cross on Taveuni. This historical landmark offers a rewarding 25-minute walk from the main road in Wairiki. Follow the signs near the Holy Cross School, where little white crosses guide you along the track past the gate. At the top, admire the giant cross close-up, as well as unparalleled views across the Somosomo Strait to Vanua Levu. The White Cross holds significant importance in Fijian history, commemorating the paramount chief of Taveuni and his warriors who stood against Tongan invaders – see the 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Fiji. It’s also closely tied to the establishment of the Catholic Church on the island in the mid-19th century. Learn more about history in the Guide to the Religions in Fiji and A Brief History of Fiji.

Location: Wairiki, west coast of Taveuni. Follow signs near Holy Cross School from the main road.

More Free and Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni

That’s it for the free and cheap things to do on Taveuni. For more ways to help plan a frugal yet fruitful adventure, check out the following:

Finally, don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there are a lot of useful tips in there!

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Taveuni Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)
Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Taveuni Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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