© Arnie Papp on Flickr
© Arnie Papp on Flickr

The Complete Travel Guide to Taveuni

© Arnie Papp on Flickr

Travel Guide 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 42km 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, 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.

Fast Facts About Taveuni

Location: Northeast of Fiji (see map below)

Population: 15,000

Climate: Daily average temperature – 26°C/78°F, yearly average rainfall – 4,000mm/157″
Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Time Zone: FJT / GMT+12/+13
Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?

How to get to Taveuni: Direct international flights from the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand and Korea land at Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Taveuni is accessed via domestic flight or ferry from Viti Levu. See 8 Ways to Get to Taveuni (& Get Around Taveuni) for more information.

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

-taveuni-complete-guide© Captain Cook Cruises

Budget Holidays on Taveuni

Before we move onto the luxury resorts and private islands that Taveuni is more famous for, let’s begin with 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 our 10 Tips for Visiting Taveuni on a Budget and 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 De 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 7 Best Budget Accommodation on Taveuni.

-complete-guide-to-taveuni© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

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 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 8 Best Luxury Resorts on Taveuni.

complete-guide-taveuni© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

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.

-Taveuni travel guide© Captain Cook Cruises

Adult-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 more, 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.

travel guide taveuni© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Foodie Holidays 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 Foodie Guide to Taveuni.

5 Things to Do on Taveuni for Foodies

  • Learn how to cook Fijian food in a cooking lesson or demonstration
  • Discover natural medicinal remedies in a medicine talk
  • Do a superfood tour of Taveuni island
  • 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.

Where to Stay on Taveuni for Foodies

Looking for a place to stay with exquisite food, plenty of food-related activities or self-catering facilities to make your own meals? Check out 10 Best Accommodation on Taveuni for Foodies.

-travel guide taveuni© Tim O'Shea on Wikipedia

Weddings 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 are 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 Wedding & 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 nights 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 for Couples. 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 Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts on Taveuni.

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.

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