Fiji is famous for its white sand beaches, but if you want to experience the greener, wilder, and more untouched side of paradise, you pack your bags for Taveuni. Known as Fiji’s “Garden Island,” this dormant volcanic island is filled with lush greenery above water and adorned with vibrant soft corals towards Taveuni Airport north of the island great for snorkeling and diving.
Where to Stay in Taveuni for First Time Travelers
Our pick: Taveuni Island Resort
Luxury Couple: Taveuni Palms Resort
Budget: Garden Island Resort
Day 1: Tavoro Waterfalls Hike
Start your Taveuni adventure by heading into the Bouma National Heritage Park, a massive protected rainforest that spans a third of the island. Here, you will find the famous Tavoro (Bouma) Waterfalls, a trio of spectacular jungle cascades. Tourists pay $50 per entry and there are resting area with tables and toilets available at the reception.
- + First Waterfall: The first waterfall is an easy, flat 10-minute walk from the visitor center, leading to a massive swimming pool beneath the falls.
- + Adventure: If you love a challenge, follow the steeper, muddy trail up to the second and third waterfalls. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic island vistas and fewer crowds but the walk up is a more physically demanding one compared to the first waterfall.
To cap off a day of exploring, head over to Tramonto at Matei which is perched on a dramatic hilltop cliff overlooking the Somosomo Strait in. It delivers the absolute best sunset views on the island. Enjoy thin-crust pizzas and fresh and locally caught Fijian seafood.
Day 2: Water Activities
Enjoy the private beach area in Taveuni Palms resort or the private plunge pool if booked at Taveuni Island Resort. For adventurers, simply arrange at the reception to take you to a dive shop nearby which offers daily trips to the Rainbow Reef, the soft coral capital of the world.
After a tiring day enjoy Fijian culinary food for dinner only to be woken up the next day to the first day of sun rays shining through your window. Did you know the Greenwich meridian line splits through Taveuni Island where one side sees the new day and the other sees the last rays if the current day – and never to be seen again. So treasure your stay and make the most of it enjoying what Taveuni has to offer.
How to Get to Taveuni, Fiji
To get to Taveuni, Fiji from Australia, New Zealand or the United States, you will follow a two-part journey: an international flight to Fiji’s main hub, followed by a domestic connection to Taveuni.
Flight 1: International Flights to Nadi (NAN)
Fiji’s main gateway for international travelers is Nadi International Airport (NAN) on the main island of Viti Levu.
+ From Australia : High frequency with multiple flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Major carriers such as Fiji Airways, Qantas, and Virgin Australia frequently operate this 4-hour leg. Because of the high volume, you can easily time your arrival to connect with domestic schedules.
+ From the United States: Moderate frequency from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Fiji Airways operates daily direct flights out of Los Angeles and multiple flights per week from San Francisco. These overnight flights take around 10–11 hours and typically land in Nadi in the early morning
Flight 2: Domestic Connection to Taveuni (TVU)
Once you arrive in Nadi, you will transfer to the domestic terminal to fly to Matei Airport (TVU) on Taveuni. 1 to 3 daily flights from Nadi. Domestic connections within Fiji are primarily operated by Fiji Link (the domestic subsidiary of Fiji Airways) using smaller turboprop aircraft.
+ From Australia: Travelers from Sydney have enough daily options to coordinate a same-day transfer as well, provided the international flight lands before the final afternoon domestic departure.
+ From United States: Because flights to Taveuni only run a few times a day, international travelers from the U.S. (arriving early morning) can usually transition directly onto a morning flight to Taveuni.
Nadi Hotels to stay for Fiji Connecting Flights
Closest hotels to Nadi Airport: Gateway Hotel, Tokatoka Resort
Apartment style: Nalagi Hotel
Budget: Tanoa Skylodge
