The Complete Travel Guide to Taveuni 🦜 [2025]

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Last Updated: 10 February, 2025

How to Plan a Trip to Taveuni, Qamea, Matangi and Laucala Islands

Across the strait from Vanua Levu, Taveuni is one of Fiji’s youngest volcanic islands and one of the most well-preserved islands despite being scattered with towns and Fijian villages. Also known as the “Garden Island”, Taveuni features a vast array of wildlife both on land and in the sea, being one of the best places to see Fijian native birds and whales. Close to 80% of the island is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park with rugged mountains, verdant rainforest and majestic waterfalls. With the island only being 42 km long, most of Taveuni’s attractions are compact, giving you plenty to see in a short space of time. In addition, the nearby islands of Qamea, Matangi and Laucala are popular luxury, surf and dive destinations. Whether you’re looking for a backpacking destination, a luxurious retreat to share with family or just an intimate escape, we’ll guide you through all types of travel experiences in this complete travel guide on Taveuni.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taveuni

Before we jump into this complete travel guide to Taveuni, here are the answers to the internet’s frequently asked questions about Fiji’s Garden Island!

What is Taveuni known for?

Taveuni is known as Fiji’s “Garden Island” for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. It’s famous for the Bouma National Heritage Park, which includes the Tavoro Waterfall and the Lavena Coastal Walk. Taveuni is also renowned for world-class diving spots like the Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall.

Is Taveuni worth visiting?

Absolutely! Taveuni is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique attractions like the International Date Line marker, Taveuni offers a diverse range of experiences. It’s less crowded than some of Fiji’s more touristy islands, providing a more authentic and tranquil Fijian experience. For more information, check out The Best Islands to Visit in Fiji.

How do I get from Fiji to Taveuni?

The most common way to reach Taveuni is by taking a domestic flight from Nadi International Airport or Suva’s Nausori Airport. Fiji Airways and Northern Air operate regular flights to Matei Airport on Taveuni. The flight takes about 1 hour from Nadi. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Suva to Taveuni, which is a longer but more budget-friendly option. For more information, check out our 10 Ways to Get to Taveuni.

What are the towns in Taveuni?

Taveuni doesn’t have large towns but rather small villages scattered around the island. The main centres are:

Matei: Home to the island’s airport and several resorts
Somosomo: The largest village and seat of the Tui Cakau, Taveuni’s paramount chief
Waiyevo: Location of the government station and hospital
Naqara: A small commercial centre with shops and a market

For more information about Fiji’s settlements, check out The 5 Biggest Towns & Cities in Fiji and The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji.

What is the best time to visit Taveuni?

The best time to visit Taveuni is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers more comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and diving. However, Taveuni’s lush landscape means some rain can be expected year-round. The wet season (November to April) can offer cheaper rates and fewer tourists but be prepared for daily showers. For more information, check out our Best Time to Visit Fiji guide.

For information about supermarkets, hospitals and other essentials, see the Information, Shops & Services on Taveuni.

What to Do on Taveuni

Taveuni, known as Fiji’s “Garden Island”, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, this island offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveller.

The Top Experiences on Taveuni

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Taveuni highlights:

Hike through Bouma National Heritage Park to see stunning waterfalls
Snorkel or dive at the world-famous Rainbow Reef
Cross the 180th meridian at the International Date Line
Explore the coastal rainforest of Lavena Coastal Walk
Visit a traditional Fijian village and participate in a kava ceremony
Birdwatch in the Taveuni Forest Reserve/Des Veoux Peak
Swim in the natural rock pools at Waitavala Water Slide
Visit the historic Wairiki Holy Cross Church for its stunning architecture
Hike to Lake Tagimoucia to see Fiji’s rare national flower…

… And the list continues over in our 25 Best Things to Do on Taveuni and 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.

Rainy Day Activities

Being a tropical island, it’s no secret that Taveuni gets its fair share of wet weather. Although we’d advise “just to get on with it”, as the rain often passes quickly and the hot climate with dry you off in no time, some indoor alternatives include:

See crafting or coconut demonstrations at your resort
Mingling with the locals at one of Taveuni’s markets
Indulging in a spa day…

… And much more that we mention in the 15 Things to Do in Fiji on a Rainy Day.

Where to Stay on Taveuni

Aside from our top recommendations listed beside this complete travel guide to Taveuni (or below, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for couples or families, as well as more upmarket offerings. What’s more, real travel writers write each article, not some dodgy algorithm!

And for a comprehensive list, see the 25 Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Taveuni.

Where to Eat on Taveuni

Foodies are onto a good thing when they visit an island so fertile that it’s known as the “Garden Island”. Most of the cuisine here is produced on the island or caught in the surrounding sea, making for super fresh food your tastebuds are likely to remember for a long time. Fijians are keen to share their passion for food with visitors through a wealth of activities surrounding food. Get more advice in The Food Guide to Taveuni.

Best Restaurants on Taveuni

Tramonto Restaurant (Matei)
The Dive Café (Matei)
Salty Fox Bar and Grill (Wairiki/Qacavuio)
Kai Time Restaurant (Wairiki)
Paradise Oceanview Restaurant & Bar (Vuna)

Find out more about these eateries and others in the 10 Best Restaurants on Taveuni.

Things to Do on Taveuni for Foodies

Learn how to cook Fijian food in a cooking lesson or demonstration
Discover natural medicinal remedies and indulge in a vegan lunch at Bobby’s Farm
Visit the fruit stalls and town markets
Sample real Fijian food in a village visit or homestay
Indulge in a traditional lovo feast.

And if that hasn’t excited your tastebuds enough, then check out our 10 Things to Do on Taveuni for Foodies.

Budget Holidays on Taveuni

Before we move on to the luxury resorts and private islands that Taveuni is more famous for, let’s begin by saying that this Fiji island can be extremely affordable, even for backpackers. In addition to the budget accommodation readily available on the island, Taveuni’s most famous attractions are either free or cheap if organised yourself rather than through a resort. See The Guide to Taveuni on a Budget for more advice.

Things to Do on Taveuni on a Budget

Snorkel at the Waitabu Marine Park
Check out Bouma Falls
Get a photo with the International Dateline
Hike and birdwatch at Des Voeux Peak
Listen to the harmonious singing at the Wairiki Catholic Mission.

For more affordable ideas, check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni.

Where to Stay on Taveuni on a Budget

Taveuni has a decent range of budget lodges, guesthouses and homestays available. See your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Taveuni.

Luxury Holidays on Taveuni

The idyllic surroundings of sparkling waters, verdant rainforest, unspoiled beaches and warm temperatures have attracted the super-rich to Taveuni over the years, setting up luxurious resorts and irresistible deluxe stays on private islands. Grand villas with your own set of staff, adult-only private island resorts and five-star resorts all offer a wide range of exclusive experiences, making Taveuni an option well worth considering if you’re really looking to spoil yourself and your loved ones. Get more information in The Luxury Guide to Taveuni.

5 Luxury Activities on Taveuni

Scuba dive among the famed Rainbow Reef and the White Wall
Enjoy spa treatments in the midst of the jungle
Catch some of the ocean’s most sought-after game fish
Explore the island, beaches and villages on horseback
Play on an 18-hole championship golf course on Laucala Island.

Like the sound of those? See more “treat yourself” experiences in our list of the 10 Luxury Activities on Taveuni.

Where to Stay in Luxury on Taveuni

Taveuni is home to five-star resorts, luxury private resorts where you are the only guests and even entire resorts on their own private island. Check out your marvellous options in the 10 Best Luxury Resorts on Taveuni.

Family Holidays on Taveuni

There’s something for all types of families on the island of Taveuni. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat where the little ones will have plenty to do and even treat yourself to a nanny service or looking for a holiday to adventure together in the “real Fiji”, you’re sure to find the right experiences for your family on Taveuni. Family accommodation is abundant, from the budget lodges to the luxury villas. Start planning with The Guide to Taveuni for Families.

5 Family Activities on Taveuni

See what a Fijian school is like on a village tour
Have a go on the Waitavala Sliding Rocks
Enjoy an educational visit to Na Bogi Ono Farms
Explore the bays by kayak
Leave your kids in the capable hands of the resort nanny.

And the list goes on! Check it out in our 10 Things to Do on Taveuni with Kids.

Where to Stay on Taveuni

Find resorts offering family rooms, family-friendly activities and nanny services in our 10 Best Family Resorts on Taveuni.

Adults-Only Holidays on Taveuni

Set the scene for romance or experience utter tranquillity with an adult-only holiday in Taveuni. Thanks to some of the resorts here being exclusively for adults or exclusive altogether with only one set of guests at a time, there are plenty of ways to ensure a peaceful retreat on the island. Find out more in The Adult Only Guide to Taveuni.

5 Adult-Only Activities on Taveuni

Surf the epic reef breaks at Qamea Island
Practice wellness in a yoga class
Hike the less-crowded trails on Qamea, Matangi and Laucala
Learn to kiteboard at Vacala Bay
Join in on a kava session.

For more ideas and information on each activity and others, check out the 10 Adult-Only Activities on Taveuni.

Where to Stay on Taveuni for an Adult-Only Holiday

Taveuni and its surrounding islands are home to two adult-only resorts and two private resorts where you are the only guests. Check them out in 5 Best Adult-Only Resorts on Taveuni.

Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons on Taveuni

Swap some of the larger resorts found elsewhere in Fiji for the boutique resorts of Taveuni; whereas a couple on a romantic getaway, a honeymoon or even tying the knot, your need for your special occasion will be catered to. There is a fabulous array of resorts specialising in wedding and honeymoon packages, as well as a vast array of activities to create your own bespoke holiday. Start planning with The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to Taveuni.

5 Things to Do on Taveuni for Couples

Walk hand-in-hand on the Vidawa Rainforest Hike
Indulge in the perks of a resort honeymoon package
Sail to Honeymoon Island
Stargaze at some of the clearest night skies in the world
Have a romantic private beach picnic.

So make your special time away together truly special with these 10 Romantic Activities on Taveuni. Plus, check out the 10 Best Wedding Venues on Taveuni.

Where to Stay on Taveuni for Couples

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, renewing your vows or starting the rest of your lives together, we list your best options in our 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts on Taveuni.

Accommodation on Taveuni

Paradise Taveuni
Vakanananu Retreat
Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
Taveuni Palms Resort
Raiwasa Grand Villa
Vacala Bay Resort
Matangi Private Island Resort
Tides Reach Resort
Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
Taveuni Dive Resort
Garden Island Resort
Qamea Resort & Spa
COMO Laucala Island
Aroha Taveuni Resort
Paradise Taveuni
Maqai Beach Eco Resort
Makaira Resort
Maravu Taveuni Lodge
Raintree Gardens
Lomani
Viani Bay Resort (Vanua Levu near Taveuni)
Sere Ni Ika
Camp Taveuni
Sau Bay Resort & Spa (Vanua Levu near Taveuni)
Vale Sekoula
Sacred Garden Fiji
The Remote Resort (Vanua Levu near Taveuni)
Raitotoka Eco Resort
Dateline Hotel
Tuvununu
First Light Inn
Bibi’s Hideaway
Lavena Lodge
Waitabu Marine Park & Campground
Chottu’s Motel
Vuna Lagoon Lodge
Nakia Resort

Find out more about these accommodations in the 20 Best Resorts on Taveuni and 20 Best Places to Stay on Taveuni.

More About Taveuni

That’s it for our guide to Taveuni; for more information about this stunning island paradise, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Day Trips on Taveuni.

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

Laura (Lora) 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.

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