10 Things to Do on Taveuni with Kids

Family Activities on Taveuni

For the family who wants to adventure together, Taveuni is sure to exceed expectations. With onshore and off-shore activities, families can enjoy fun and educational experiences concerning marine life, the Fijian culture, the rainforests and much more! So what is a family to do on the “Garden Island” of Fiji? Find out in this list of things to do on Taveuni with kids!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Taveuni for Families and The Best Day Trips on Taveuni.

1. Snorkel the Rainbow Reef or Waitabu Marine Reserve

While scuba diving is a popular sport on Taveuni, often the better (and cheaper) option for families is snorkelling. As long as your children can swim and/or you have buoyancy aids for them, snorkelling is a family must-do on Taveuni. Snorkel above the vibrant corals of the Rainbow Reef with Taveuni Dive through Aroha Taveuni. There are also several fantastic snorkelling spots off Qamea Island, which can be organised through Maqai Beach Eco Resort. The Boat Snorkel Tours with Makaira Beach Resort only need a minimum of four tour-goers for the tour to run, making it ideal for a family trip! Otherwise, they offer free guided snorkelling tours just off the shore of the resort. For those visiting the Bouma National Heritage Park, affordable guided snorkelling can be organised at the Waitabu Marine Park visitor centre.

Location: Waitabu Marine Park, northern Bouma National Heritage Park, or from any of the 10 Best Family Resorts on Taveuni.

2. See What a Fijian School is Like on a Village Tour

Often one of the most memorable aspects of a Taveuni vacation for the kids is discovering the Fijian culture. The culture is extremely accessible from any accommodation on Taveuni, whether it’s a village tour through a resort or even a resort run by local villagers! Some resorts offers tours to Kocoma Village where you’ll see traditional buildings, get stuck into Fijian crafting and weaving, eat lunch with the villagers, and enjoy Fijian music. At Maqai Beach Resort, the staff will give your family a down-to-earth tour of their own village, either Naivivi or Nadillo, where kids can meet other kids at a Fijian school or enjoy a game of volleyball with older kids. You’ll also get to live and breathe the culture at Fijian budget accommodations like Vuna Lagoon Lodge and Beverley’s Campground.

3. Catch Dinner on a Fijian Fishing Trip

Fishing might be the most cliche family activity ever, but it’s for good reason: fishing an amazing bonding experience. Amp up the excitement of fishing with a fishing trip in Taveuni, where the waters are teeming with 1,200 species of reef fish. At your resort, the team organises half-day fishing trips to hotspots around Qamea Island where your family can catch dinner for the resort chefs to cook up. Experience a family-friendly Fijian method of fishing with handline fishing at Tides Reach Resort. Or, if mum and dad want a challenge, try trawling for wahoo, dogfish tuna, mahimahi and more with Maqai Eco Resort.

4. Walk and Play in the Bouma Falls

While there are plenty of hiking opportunities on Taveuni, one of the best options for families is the Tavoro Waterfall Trail (otherwise known as Bouma Falls) in the Bouma National Heritage Park. This self-guided trail with a small entry fee paid to the Tavoro Visitor Centre in Korovou Village takes you to three different waterfalls, with the first one only being only a 10-minute walk away. The second waterfall is another 30 minutes, then the third is a slightly more demanding 30-minute hike worth trying with older kids (although it can be slippery after rainfall). While it’s possible to visit the falls by bus or car independently, trips are also organised to the falls at Tides Reach, Taveuni Palms, Maqai, Karin’s Garden, Maravu Lodge and Paradise Taveuni.

Location: Korovou Village (Bouma Village), Bouma National Heritage Park

5. Go Horse Riding Along the Beach or a Volcanic Crater

Taveuni is one of the few places in Fiji where horse riding is readily available. It’s perfect for kids who love animals while giving them the opportunity to explore further on Taveuni. Tides Reach Resort organises horse riding on the beaches and around Taveuni with local operators. Half- or full-day treks are available with Aroha Taveuni to ride to inland volcanic craters or along the shores. Be sure to inquire about horses suitable for children when booking.

6. Explore the Bays by Kayak

For something to enjoy independently as a family, try kayaking on the azure waters of Taveuni. Complimentary kayak hire is a staple of most resorts on Taveuni and its off-shore islands, for instance, at Paradise Taveuni where pods of dolphins are regular visitors.

7. Get a Photo with One Foot in Today and the Other in Yesterday

For a quick sightseeing activity, check out Taveuni’s quirkiest attraction, The 180 Degree Meridian, otherwise known as the International Date Line. The line of longitude passes right through here on Taveuni, which marks the beginning and end of each day. Of course, for convenience, Taveuni shares the same time zone with the rest of Fiji. An interpretation panel and a marking on the floor makes a fun photo opportunity where you can have one foot in today and the other in yesterday. Learn more about the sights to see around Taveuni with our 20 Things to Do in Taveuni.

Location: Along the road from Waiyevo leading to the police station. Tours are also available from Aroha Tavenui and Taveuni Palms.

8. Have a Go on the Waitavala Sliding Rocks

One of the west coast’s most popular attractions on Taveuni is the Waitavala Sliding Rocks. This 200m (656ft) long waterslide chutes you over rapids into a narrow stream at the bottom. Needless to say, it’s super fun for kids and adults alike, but make sure that the slide is safe before you go shooting down it, as the currents at the bottom can be strong after heavy rain. Check if the locals are using the slide or seek advice from one of the nearby resorts such as Aroha Taveuni. Remember to take insect repellent.

Location: Just south of Vuniotu. 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 turning left just past the sign for the prison. Then you’ll notice a worn trail on your right leading up to the waterfall.

9. Enjoy an Educational Visit to Na Bogi Ono Farms

Also known as Bobby’s Farm, Na Bogi Ono Farms provides an educational tour around a hundred-acre (40ha) fruit farm/ecological reserve. It’s one of the most accessible places on the island for bird-spotting and the only place outside of Bouma National Park where native rainforest (almost) reaches the coast. Learn about Fijian organic farming, medicinal plants, tropical plants and birds, as well as enhancing the experience with a snorkel safari at a marine reserve just off the coast of the farm.

Location: Just south of Waiyevo. Buses are available from Naqara and Matei. Otherwise, join a tour with Aroha Taveuni Beach Front Bures.

10. Leave Your Kids in the Capable Hands of the Resort Nanny

Ok, so this might be more for you than it is for your kids, but kids often have a blast with the friendly Fijian nannies of Taveuni’s resorts. Take advantage of the free nanny service available at Paradise Taveuni should you want to take that scuba diving trip or spa treatment you’ve always dreamed of. At the five-star Taveuni Palms Resort, free nanny services for children under 5 years and children’s guides (5-12 years) are available. Finally, Tides Reach Resort and Aroha Taveuni also offer a nanny service.

More Things to Do on Taveuni with Kids

That’s it from the things to do on Taveuni with kids. Get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts in Fiji.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page