Understand
Taveuni, also called the Garden island of Fiji is rugged, verdant and pristine. It lies about 7 kms of the south east coast of Vanua Levu and is 42 kms long and averages about 12 km wide.
Taveuni is an archetypically beautiful tropical island, thick with vegetation and resplendent with tropical flowers. Pristine rainforest covers much of the island and around 80% of this is protected by forest reserve and the Bouma National Heritage Park. Taveuni offers the visitor a rich natural history, in particular, a fine array of birdlife. Fortunately, unlike the rest of Fiji, the mongoose was never released or introduced to Taveuni and consequently many birds that have disappeared on the Main Islands still thrive here on Taveuni.
Taveuni was once home to fierce warriors; Taveuni locals still exude pride and confidence in their personalities and are called one of the most friendly people in the islands of Fiji.
Taveuni has a population of about 12,000 inhabitants, and is sparsely populated. Virtually all of the local residents live in traditional villages. Once known for its coconut plantations, Taveuniâs attractions include world-class diving, dozens if not hundreds of waterfalls and an array of indigenous flora and fauna.
