The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Taveuni

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How to Get to Taveuni on a Budget

Located across the ocean from Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, and south of Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu, Taveuni requires overwater transport in order to get there. Once on Taveuni, there are extremely affordable buses around the island’s limited roads, as well as carrier vans, taxis, and resort airport transfers, which are more convenient options. Find out more in the 8 Ways to Get to & Around Taveuni.

Taveuni by Ferry

Let’s begin with the cheapest way to get to Taveuni: the ferry service. Interlink and Goundar Shipping runs an overnight ferry service from Suva to Wairiki Wharf on Taveuni, located between Wairiki and Waiyevo. The service occurs several times a week, taking approximately 16-20 hours. Book a sleeper cabin for a more comfortable journey.

From Vanua Levu, the Taveuni Princess and Suncity Ferry run daily ferries from Buca Bay (including a bus service from Savusavu) to Korean Wharf in Lovonivonu, taking around 1 hr 30 mins. Buca Bay has a parking area where you can pay to park for a reasonable fee.

Learn more about how ferries work in How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni. Plus, See How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? for approximate pricing.

Taveuni by Plane

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

Taxis are relatively easy to find in the Taveuni towns of Matei, Waiyevo and Naqara. Taxis on Taveuni do not run on a metre, so it’s best to agree on a price before using a taxi to avoid any surprises. Most taxi drivers offer private driver services for the day, which can often work out to be cheaper than hiring a car. For more tips, see 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji and How to Hire a Driver in Fiji.

Pacific Transport provides super affordable bus services around Taveuni. The bus company operates from Naqara, with routes to Navakawau in the south and between Wairiki on the west coast over to Lavena on the northeast coast via Matei and Bouma Village. The bus has a very limited schedule of around three times a day, which is further reduced on Sundays. Learn more about taking the bus in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Taveuni certainly has plenty to see on a self-drive tour, which you can make happen with the island’s car rental companies, as listed in our Taveuni Transport Guide. 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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Free and Cheap Water Activities on Taveuni

Just picking a few water activities in Taveuni for this guide is a tough one, especially as anyone staying in the Taveuni resorts will have complimentary access to kayaks, snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards. But what can you do outside of the resort for free or cheap? Here are a few suggestions, or check out our full list of 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni.

Snorkel at the Waitabu Marine Park

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). 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. Learn more about snorkelling hotspots in The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Fiji.

Visit Civa Pearl Farm

Due to the stunning array of natural colours, Fiji pearls are some of the most sought-after pearls in the world. Learn about how pearls are farmed and harvested at Civa Pearl Farm, with the opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon. Tours cost around FJ$50 per person and can be arranged through most accommodations on Taveuni.

Waitavala Waterslide

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! Waitavala Waterslide is located just south of Vuniotu, on the 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.

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Free and Cheap Land Activities on Taveuni

Amidst the lush rainforests of Taveuni, you’ll find some of the best free and cheap land activities on Taveuni. The Bouma National Heritage Park holds an array of natural attractions that a small fee will need to be paid to the local villages in order to visit. While there are natural attractions and waterfalls scattered across Taveuni, here are some of the highlights for budget travellers.

Visit Bouma Falls

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.

Walk the Lavena Coastal Walk

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.

Get a Photo with the International Dateline

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.

More Things to Do on Taveuni

The rest of your time on Taveuni can be enjoyed by hiking to hidden waterfalls, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, or exploring the lush Bouma National Heritage Park, which you can find out more about in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni. For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the budget category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Taveuni.

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Dining on a Budget on Taveuni

Taveuni offers a range of affordable dining options for budget-conscious travellers, from local bakeries to casual cafes and homestay experiences.

Cheap Eats on Taveuni

Paradise Bakery (southwest coast of Taveuni) is a budget-friendly gem on Taveuni. This local favourite offers a variety of freshly baked goods at wallet-friendly prices. You’ll find an assortment of bread, pastries, and savoury snacks perfect for a quick and affordable meal or snack.

Dive Cafe (Matei, north coast of Taveuni) is another excellent option for budget dining. This casual eatery serves up a range of affordable meals, including wraps, sandwiches, and local favourites. With its relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Dining at Homestays or Remote Resorts

For a unique and budget-friendly dining experience, consider staying at a homestay or remote resort on Taveuni. Many of these accommodations offer meals as part of your stay, allowing you to sample authentic Fijian cuisine without breaking the bank. Some resorts, due to their remote locations, provide all-inclusive packages with three meals a day included in the price, such as Viani Bay Resort and Maqai Beach Eco Resort. This can be an excellent way to enjoy delicious local food while keeping your expenses in check.

Homestays, in particular, offer a chance to taste home-cooked Fijian meals at very reasonable prices. For instance, at Lavena Lodge, you can enjoy meals prepared by villagers for as little as FJ$10 per plate. This not only provides an affordable dining option but also gives you a chance to experience authentic Fijian hospitality and cuisine. See the 5 Best Homestays on Taveuni to learn more.

Finally, check out The Food Guide to Taveuni: Places to Eat & Food Tours to learn more about your dining options.