Vanua Levu and Taveuni offer a greener, wilder alternative to the main island, focusing on rainforest trekking, waterfalls, and marine life rather than poolside lounging. This region is ideal for families who enjoy nature and moderate physical activity. Getting here usually involves a scenic flight to Savusavu or Matei, setting the tone for an eco-focused holiday.
Taveuni, the smaller of the two, is dominated by the Bouma National Heritage Park. Families can hike the well-maintained trails to the Tavoro Waterfalls; the first waterfall is easily accessible for children and has a large, cool pool perfect for swimming. A highlight for adventurous kids is the Waitavala Water Slide, a natural rock chute where locals and tourists slide down the mossy surface into a refreshing pool below. Families can also stand with one foot in today and one in yesterday at the 180-degree meridian line marker.
Across the strait lies Vanua Levu, where the town of Savusavu serves as a charming base. The bay is protected and calm, suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding. A visit to the J. Hunter Pearls farm teaches kids about marine biology and pearl cultivation, often including a boat ride to see the oyster lines. For a unique geological lesson, families can visit the hot springs near the town center, where locals often cook pots of food in the boiling water.
The water between these islands, known as the Somosomo Strait, is famous for the Rainbow Reef. While it is a world-class dive site, there are plenty of shallow spots for snorkelers to see the vibrant soft corals that earn Fiji its title as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World." Accommodation ranges from boutique dive resorts to family-run guest houses, offering a relaxed pace where the entertainment comes from the environment rather than a kids' club schedule.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Known as the 'Garden Island,' Taveuni offers pristine rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and rare endemic species like the Tagimoucia flower in an authentic wilderness setting. Trails are best explored during the drier winter months; summer months are marked by torrential rain (>300mm) that makes hiking trails muddy and hazardous.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to the Great White Wall and Rainbow Reef, this region is a global benchmark for soft coral diving and world-class boutique marine resorts. Peak months offer maximum underwater visibility and calm seas, while the wet season (Nov-Apr) brings heavy runoff and cyclone risks that degrade sea conditions.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region features exclusive, low-density luxury retreats focused on privacy and natural soundscapes, far removed from mass-market tourism. July and August provide the lowest humidity and most comfortable temperatures for outdoor spa treatments, whereas the wet season's intense humidity can be oppressive for wellness seekers.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides exceptional nature-based learning for children, focusing on tropical ecology, marine conservation at the Rainbow Reef, and volcanic geology. Peak months align with the best accessibility for guided national park tours and ecological field trips, while summer weather often restricts outdoor educational programming.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers exceptional sea kayaking, jungle trekking, and world-renowned snorkeling in a rugged, natural landscape. Activity levels peak when rainfall is lowest to ensure safe navigation of coastal waters and forest paths, while heavy monsoon rains significantly limit outdoor recreation from November to April.
Attractions (33 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
180th Meridian Marker
Waiyevo
A unique monument where visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere or theoretically in two different days.
Savusavu Hot Springs
Savusavu
Natural geothermal vents located right in the town center where steam rises from the ground and locals traditionally cook food.
Naag Mandir (Sacred Cobra Temple)
Labasa
A famous Hindu temple housing a large, naturally formed rock shaped like a cobra that is said to be growing in size.
Wairiki Holy Cross Catholic Church
Wairiki
A stunning stone mission church built in 1907 that serves as a historic architectural landmark overlooking the Somosomo Strait.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Bouma National Heritage Park
Taveuni
A premier outdoor destination featuring the iconic Tavoro Falls with swimming holes and scenic hiking trails through lush rainforest.
Waisali Rainforest Reserve
Savusavu
A managed nature reserve offering educational forest walks and birdwatching opportunities in one of Vanua Levu's most pristine environments.
Waitavala Water Slide
Waiyevo
A popular natural rock slide where visitors can glide down smooth volcanic stones into a cooling jungle stream.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Hibiscus Highway
Savusavu
Approximately 80km paved coastal road (2-3 hours) connecting Savusavu to Napuka and Natewa Bay. Features coconut plantations, lush tropical landscapes, and panoramic views of the South Pacific and Natewa Bay.
Visit website →Taveuni Coastal Drive (Matei to Bouma)
Matei
Approximately 20km mix of paved and well-maintained gravel road (45 minutes) on the 'Garden Island'. The route follows the coastline from Matei Airport to Bouma National Heritage Park, passing black sand beaches and flowering tropical gardens.
Visit website →Savusavu to Labasa Trans-Island Road
Savusavu
Approximately 90km paved mountain pass (2.5 hours) crossing the central mountain range. Highlights include the dramatic climb through thick rainforest, panoramic lookouts over the Labasa plains, and rural village landscapes.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
J. Hunter Pearls Fiji
Savusavu
An iconic aquaculture farm where families can take boat tours to see pearl cultivation in the bay and learn about marine conservation.
Visit website →Civa Pearl Farm
Taveuni
A boutique eco-friendly pearl farm in Viani Bay that allows visitors to snorkel among the oyster lines and explore the rural marine landscape.
Visit website →KokoMana Cocoa Farm & Chocolate Shop
Savusavu
A sustainable 'tree-to-bar' cocoa farm offering educational tours through tropical groves to see how chocolate is grown, harvested, and crafted.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Lavena Coastal Walk
Lavena Village
A scenic trail along pristine white sand beaches and volcanic coastline leading to a hidden waterfall and swimming hole.
Rainbow Reef
Somosomo
One of the world's most famous dive sites, known for the Great White Wall and vibrant soft coral gardens in the Somosomo Strait.
Devoeux Peak Coastal Overlook
Waiyevo
A high-altitude vantage point providing panoramic views of the Taveuni coastline and the surrounding islands of the Koro Sea.
Natewa Bay
Savusavu
The largest bay in the South Pacific, offering calm waters ideal for dolphin watching, kayaking, and exploring untouched coastlines.
Waitabu Marine Park
Waitabu
A community-led marine sanctuary offering guided snorkeling tours to explore protected coral reefs and abundant fish life.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Savusavu Hot Springs (Public Pools)
Savusavu
Naturally heated geothermal pools with temperatures kept around 40°C for soaking. The water is sourced from boiling volcanic vents nearby and is rich in sulfur and minerals. The facility consists of basic concrete pools used for therapeutic bathing by locals and tourists alike.
Vunimoli Hot Springs
Labasa
A natural geothermal spring site featuring simple concrete-lined soaking pools. The mineral-rich water is naturally heated by underground volcanic activity. It is a traditional site for therapeutic bathing and mud treatments in a quiet, rural setting near Labasa.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Tavoro Waterfalls Trail
Bouma Village
7km return, moderate difficulty, 3 hours duration, 240m elevation gain. Located in Bouma National Heritage Park, this trail visits three distinct waterfalls. The first is easily accessible, while the second and third require a climb through rainforest with panoramic ocean views. Park entrance fees apply at the visitor center.
Visit website →Vidawa Forest Walk
Vidawa Village
8km point-to-point, moderate to challenging difficulty, 4 hours duration, 310m elevation gain. This guided historical trek through Bouma National Heritage Park passes through primary rainforest, ancient village sites, and offers coastal lookouts. It is a prime route for birdwatching endemic species like the Orange Dove.
Visit website →Vuadomo Waterfall Trail
Savusavu
2km return, easy difficulty, 1 hour duration, 40m elevation gain. A well-trodden local path starting from Vuadomo Village on Vanua Levu. The walk passes through tropical gardens and coconut groves to a high, slender waterfall into a deep swimming pool. Visitors must participate in a brief 'sevusevu' (welcome) at the village.
Visit website →Des Voeux Peak Trail
Somosomo
12km return, challenging difficulty, 5.5 hours duration, 1100m elevation gain. A steep ascent on a utility access road to Fiji's second highest peak. The trail offers a chance to see the rare Tagimoucia flower (blooming Oct-Dec) and panoramic views of the Somosomo Strait and Lake Tagimoucia crater.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Des Voeux Peak
Waiyevo
The second highest peak on Taveuni offering panoramic views of the island's coastline and the rare Tagimaucia flower habitat.
Waitavala Natural Rock Slide
Somosomo
A popular natural rock flume where families can slide down smooth stones into cool mountain pools surrounded by jungle.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Naag Mandir (Snake Temple)
Labasa
Families can explore this significant Hindu temple featuring a sacred, growing cobra-shaped rock that is central to local spiritual lore and history.
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Taveuni
A historic 19th-century stone mission built to commemorate a legendary battle, offering families impressive colonial architecture and views of the Somosomo Strait.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Vuadomo Village
Savusavu
A welcoming traditional village that offers families a chance to experience authentic Fijian culture and local customs through a guided tour.
Wairiki Catholic Mission
Taveuni
A historic stone mission church built in 1907 to commemorate a tribal battle victory, showcasing impressive colonial architecture and local heritage.
Waitabu Marine Park & Cultural Experience
Taveuni
A community-run heritage site where families can learn about traditional Fijian marine conservation and enjoy rides on traditional bamboo rafts.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Waisali Nature Reserve
Savusavu
A serene rainforest reserve where families can hike through lush tropical foliage and spot rare endemic bird species.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Flora Tropica Botanical Gardens
Savusavu
A hillside garden featuring one of the South Pacific's largest collections of rare palms and tropical flowering plants with scenic bay views.
Visit website →