The Family Travel Guide to Taveuni

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How to Get to Taveuni

Taveuni is Fiji’s third-largest island, located in the northeast region of Fiji off the southeast coast of Vanua Levu. Because most families arrive in Fiji via Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island), they will require air or boat transport in order to make their way between Viti Levu and Taveuni. Learn more about getting to Fiji in our guide, How to Get to Fiji.

Taveuni via Flight

The quickest and most convenient way to get to Taveuni is via a domestic flight from Nadi International Airport and Nausori Airport in Suva. Both Fiji Airways and Northern Air operate flights in 16-seater planes (so book early to ensure a spot and a good price). Flights arrive at Matei Airport on Taveuni, which takes approximately 1 hr 15 mins from Nadi and 50 minutes from Suva. Learn more about Matei Airport in our guide to the Airports in Fiji. Additionally, check out The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji to see what to expect from domestic flights.

How to Get Around Taveuni

Most resorts on Taveuni will provide their own airport transfer service between the resort and Matei Airport. This will be road transport if the resort is based on Taveuni or boat transport if based on one of the off-shore islands such as Qamea Island or Matangi Island. Learn more about what to expect in Fiji Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options.

An easy way to see many of the sights around Taveuni is by taking a sightseeing tour. Many of the resorts offer tours to the highlights, and transportation is included. If not, they’ll simply arrange for a local tour guide to take you around, such as with Bay Adventures and Lata Singh’s Travel & Tours. Journey to Bouma Falls, Waitabu Marine Park, Lavena or the Waitavala Waterslide! See more of what to expect from Fiji’s guided tours in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Fiji.

Taveuni certainly has plenty to see on a self-drive tour, which you can make happen with the island’s car rental companies: Ruz Hire Services and Aloha Taveuni Rentals & Tours. While most of the coastal road on Taveuni is sealed, note that it gets pretty rough along the southwest coast of Tavenui towards Paradise Taveuni – the bus manages it; you’ll have to take it easy. Learn more about car rentals in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji. Plus, get familiar with Fiji’s road rules using our guide, How to Drive in Fiji.

For a complete transportation rundown, check out Taveuni Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Taveuni.

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Family Water Activities

With waters teeming with marine life and lively coral cities, such as the famous Rainbow Reef, Vuna Lagoon and Waitabu Marine Reserve, Taveuni is simply an astonishing place to take part in water activities. There are plenty of water activities that are safe and suitable for families.

Snorkelling on Tavenui

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 or enjoy the house reef of Paradise 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. For more snorkelling advice, check out The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Fiji.

Fishing on Taveuni

Fishing might be the most cliché family activity ever, but it’s for good reason: fishing is 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 many resorts, the teams organise 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 at Maqai Eco Resort.

Kayaking on Taveuni

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.

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Family Land Activities

While the coral-filled waters often take the limelight in Fiji, there’s much to discover on land on the islands of Taveuni and Qamea. 80% of Taveuni is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park, laced with waterfalls, hiking trails, birds and Fijian villages. Your family can also discover the International Date Line or go horseback riding.

Tavoro Waterfall Trail (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 Bouma Village, takes you to three different waterfalls, with the first one only being a 10-minute walk away. The second waterfall is another 45 minutes, and the third is a slightly more demanding additional 30-minute hike worth trying with older kids (although it can be slippery after rainfall). While it’s possible to visit the falls independently by bus or car, trips are also organised to the falls by any family resort on Taveuni.

The 180-Degree Meridian Date Line

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 as the rest of Fiji. An interpretation panel and a marking on the floor make 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.

Horse Riding on Taveuni

Taveuni is one of the few places in Fiji where horse riding is readily available. It’s perfect for kids who love animals, and it gives them the opportunity to explore Taveuni further. 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. See the 10 Best Horse Riding Tours in Fiji for more ideas.

Fijian Culture and Village Visits

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 offer 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.

Although not necessarily visiting a school, the Vuna Village Experience offered by Paradise Taveuni gives you the opportunity to see traditional Fijian homes, participate in a welcoming ceremony, and possibly watch or join in traditional Fijian dancing and music. The tour also often includes a visit to the nearby Southern Blowhole, a natural attraction offering stunning coastal views. Finally, you’ll also get to live and breathe the culture at Fijian budget accommodations like Vuna Lagoon Lodge and Bibi’s Hideaway. See more examples in the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji.

More Things to Do in Taveuni

The rest of your time on Taveuni can be enjoyed by exploring lush rainforests, discovering hidden waterfalls, and experiencing vibrant Fijian culture, which you can find out more about in the 10 Things to Do in Taveuni with Kids. For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the family-friendly category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Taveuni.

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Resort Activities for Kids

For families looking for a holiday to put the little ones into the kids’ club, Taveuni is not the place. Taveuni is definitely a place for families who prefer to adventure together. However, some resorts offer a nanny service should you need your own version of “Fiji time“. Plus, there are often plenty of on-site resort activities for your kids to enjoy in addition to the family activities discussed above.

Nanny and Babysitting Services on Taveuni

For those seeking a bit of alone time during your stay on Taveuni, resorts such as Paradise Taveuni, Tides Reach and Taveuni Palms Resort offer nanny/babysitting services. Parents staying at Paradise Taveuni can take advantage of the paid nanny service available should they 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 (aged under 5 years) and children’s guides (5-12 years) are available. Finally, Tides Reach Resort and Aroha Taveuni also offer a nanny service.

Resort Activities for Kids

At mid-range to high-end resorts, kids can enjoy swimming in the outdoor swimming pools or beach. At resorts like Maqai Eco Resort, there are around 5 acres (2 ha) of gardens and walking trails around the resort to explore.

For more tips to help keep the kids entertained while in Fiji, check out the 29 Essential Tips for Travelling to Fiji With Children.

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Family-Friendly Dining on Taveuni

Taveuni offers a delightful array of family-friendly dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets.

The Best Restaurants on Taveuni for Families

Nestled on the beach in Matei, The Dive Café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can relax with family, enjoy stunning views, and savour the best island coffee and delicious local cuisine. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, including options like veggie omelettes or pancakes. For lunch, indulge in popular dishes such as fish & chips, stir-fries, or a selection of burgers and tacos. Pizza lovers can choose from Hawaiian, chicken, vegetable, or Margherita options.

When you’re craving American-style cuisine on the west side of Taveuni, pop into the Salty Fox Bar and Grill at Taveuni Dive Resort. This spacious open-air restaurant, popular among holidaymakers, locals, and expats alike, offers a delightful dining experience right next to an incredible infinity pool overlooking the Somosomo Strait.

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at Kai Time, located at the Aroha Taveuni Beachfront Villas. This charming restaurant welcomes casual diners to savour their wood-fired pizzas and ever-popular fish and chips.

For more ideas, head to The Food Guide to Taveuni: Places to Eat & Food Tours.