Taveuni Island Honeymoon Guide

Often referred to as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji, Taveuni is famous for its lush rainforest and idyllic sugar-white beaches that front a choice of beach resorts – the perfect location for couples wanting quiet time together away from the more crowded resort islands.

Renowned for its eco-tourism, the islands of Taveuni, Vanua Levu and several smaller islands including Matangi and Qamea are perfect for unhurried scenic walks among local bird life.

Spot exotic birds including orange doves and red-breasted musk parrots flittering through pristine tropical rainforests on a hike to Tavoro Falls through the dramatic jungle-clad mountain ranges of Bouma National Heritage Park.

Or head to the rocky shoreline and enjoy the scenic 5km-long Lavena Coastal Walk – perfect for active honeymoon couples.

Paddle a traditional bilibili bamboo raft, take a guided snorkel tour of Waitabu Marine Park, scuba dive the world-renowned Rainbow Reef, watch the famous Matamaiqi blowholes or explore secluded coves and beaches by kayak.

Close to Taveuni lie the idyllic privately owned offshore islands of Matangi Island and Qamea Island – both easily accessed from Taveuni by fast launch.


Taveuni Beaches

Taveuni’s best beaches lie scattered around the northern tip of the island and along the southern coast, including the following…

Lavena Beach

Sunbathe, swim or snorkel from this gorgeous white-sand beach – used in the Hollywood movie Return to the Blue Lagoon. Later, follow the beachside walking trail through nearby rainforest to the stunning Wainabau waterfall.

The beach is located near the southern coastal village of Lavena, a great place to stop for refreshments and browse for locally made handicrafts.


Matei Beach

Explore a scattering of gorgeous white-sand beaches, framed by rocky headlands and located near the small town of Matei on the northern coast.

Nearby, on the northwest shore, you can discover some of Taveuni’s best resorts, including the Taveuni Palms Beach, which nestles among swaying palm trees fronting a secluded white-sand beach that gently shelves into the turquoise waters of a private cove.

Further south sits the Taveuni Island Resort, positioned on a bluff overlooking a private beach.


Beverly Beach

Framed by black volcanic headlands and located just a short stroll from the nearby Maravu Plantation and Beach Resort, this long, narrow crescent of white sand is fringed by stands of huge ancient vutu trees that perfume the air from sweet smelling pink and white flowers.

Beverly Beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.


Taveuni Sights & Attractions

The eco-friendly island of Taveuni offers several must-see attractions for inquisitive couples celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway, including the following…

Bouma National Heritage Park

Explore on foot the largest rainforest preserve in Fiji, a 15,000ha reserve of tropical rainforest that covers almost 80 per cent of Taveuni, with trails leading to waterfalls, volcanic peaks and sea-pounded cliffs.

Hike to Tavoro Falls, a 24m-high cascade that plunges into a natural rock pool – just one of three waterfalls easily found along the Bouma Falls Trail.

Enjoy panoramic views and see historic hill fortifications on the Vidawa Forest Walk or enjoy coastal breezes along the scenic Lavena Coastal Walk that follows an ancient forest and coastal track to several secluded coves and beaches.

More about Bouma National Heritage Park


Des Voeux Peak

Enjoy panoramic views across the Somosomo Strait to Vanua Levu, Rabi, Lavena and the eastern coast of Taveuni, as well as Lake Tagimoucia.

The summit of Taveuni's second highest mountain at 1200m-high is easy to reach on a 30-minute drive from Wairiki followed by a 20-minute walk.

Along the way, look out for rare birds such as silktails, ferntails, kula parrots and orange-breasted doves, while listening to the raucous cries of barking parrots. It’s best to make this trip in the early morning before rain clouds hide the scenic panorama.


Lake Tagimaucia

Although easily seen from Des Voeux Peak, the easy hike up to this shallow lake situated in a dormant volcano at an altitude of 800m allows you to see first-hand the legendary Tagimaucia flower – a rare plant that produces distinctive red blooms with white centres from October to the end of December.


Waitabu Marine Park

Discover colourful marine life and corals on a guided snorkel tour through the warm waters of this 1km-long coastal marine park.

Afterwards, paddle up river on a bamboo ‘bilibili’ raft excursion or head to nearby Waitabu village to watch traditional song and dance performances and learn how the ancient Fijians conducted warfare in the days when cannibalism was an accepted occurance.


Lavena Coastal Trail

Take a romantic stroll along the scenic Lavena Coastal Trail, a 5km walk from the village of Lavena.

Spot colourful native birds as you follow the track past secluded coves and the white-sand beach of Lavena before heading inland across a swing bridge following a trail through rainforest and several Fijian villages to reach the flooded rock-lined canyon of the Wainibau River, through which you must swim to arrive at Wainibau Falls.


Peckham Pearl Farm

Learn about black pearl cultivation and perhaps buy a romantic souvenir at Taveuni Island's only salt-water pearl farm.


180-degree Meridian marker

Hop, skip or jump from today to yesterday at the 180-degree Meridian marker, where local people were once able to go from one day to the next in a single step; before the creation of the International Dateline, which now detours to the east of Fiji.

Nearby stands the Wairiki Catholic Mission School, a majestic stone church built in 1907 overlooking Somosomo Strait.


Vuna Blowholes

Visit the southern coastline of Taveuni near the village of Vuna to watch the incoming tide create 50m-high waterspouts. Then stroll up the nearby hilltop to examine the remains of an old Fijian fortification.


Waitavala Waterslide

Take a slide on the wild side with local children at this gentle cascade, which surges over slippery, naturally polished stones, located in a pretty rainforest near the town of Waiyevo.


Where to stay…

Honeymoon couples have an excellent choice of accommodation options in Taveuni and nearby Matangi and Qamea islands, including the following…

Taveuni Palms Resort
Location: Taveuni Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD2,486 per room
Description: Boasting a beautiful beachfront location, Taveuni Palms Resort offers luxurious self-contained villas each with a private swimming pool. Guests enjoy free daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a free 1-hour massage upon arrival. All air-conditioned villas boast a patio with stunning sea views. They offer free WiFi and use of an iPad. They have a fully equipped kitchen and indoor/outdoor dining areas. All villas feature 7 personal staff including a manager and 2 chefs. Your free meals include breakfast, lunch, 5-course dinner as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Housekeeping is twice daily. The property has a private beach where you can enjoy free snorkeling and kayaking. Diving, fishing and horse riding is available for an additional charge. There is also a spa and wellness centre.

Taveuni Palms Resort is located on Taveuni Island. It is a 2-minute drive from Matei Airport, guests receive free return transfers.


Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
Location: Taveuni Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD734 per room
Description: The luxurious Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is set on 10 acres of tropical gardens, a 2-minute drive from Matei Airport on Taveuni Island. It features free airport transfers, private beach access and a restaurant with ocean views. The property enjoys a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by dense rainforests, waterfalls and streams. All villas enjoy views of the garden or the ocean. Each includes air conditioning, a spacious living area and a dining area. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer. The property has an outdoor swimming pool with sun lounges. There is an on-site spa where guests can indulge in massages, facials and body scrubs. You also can enjoy the weekly Fijian Cultural Night, free use of kayaks, reef walks and free rental of snorkeling equipment. Your meals are provided at the on-site restaurant which has an al fresco deck. It features Fijian, Indian and continental dishes made from fresh local ingredients. An extensive wine list is available to complete your dining experience.

Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is located at the northern end of Taveuni Island. It is a 90-minute flight from Nadi and a 45-minute flight from Suva.


Qamea Resort and Spa
Location: Qamea Island, off Taveuni Island
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD717 per room
Description: This exclusive adults-only resort offers beachfront accommodation set amongst white sand beaches on the beautiful island of Qamea. Facilities include a PADI dive centre and a luxury day spa. Free activities include snorkelling, sea kayaking, volleyball, and visiting local villages. Guests can relax by the pool or at the Qamea Spa with a menu of Fijian body therapies and facial treatments. Accommodation options include luxurious traditional bures, and beachfront villas. All accommodation is air-conditioned and features spacious covered patio with outdoor furniture and a hammock. Some feature a private pool and a flat-screen TV. Qamea Restaurant serves local cuisine made from fresh seasonal produce. You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere over a leisurely breakfast or a beachfront lunch.


Matangi Island Resort
Location: Matangi Island, off Taveuni
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD781 per room
Description: Relax in one of Fiji’s best adults-only resorts facing a stunning blue bay. Honeymooner couples can choose from two romantic cliff-side bures and one set 6m-high in a shady Pacific almond tree. As well as scuba diving and snorkelling, this pristine private island offers hiking, kayaking, bird-watching, sailing, windsurfing and game fishing. Facilities incl.: Laundry service, massage, room service, spa, various water sports and wireless internet (near the office).


Best time to honeymoon in Taveuni Island

The best time to visit Taveuni is during the winter dry season from May to October, when the weather is generally dry and sunny – temperatures average 28°C (82°F) but can range from a low of 22°C (72°F) to a high of 29°C (84°F).

Year-around temperatures average 28°C (82°F) in the coastal areas; humidity averages 80 per cent.

The wet season is characterised by brief but heavy showers from November to April with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C.

For more climate info: Taveuni Island Weather Guide


Getting to Taveuni Island

The most convenient route to Taveuni Island is by air to Nadi International Airport (NAN), followed by a connecting flight to Matei Airport (TVU), also known as Taveuni Airport.

The airport is small but receives daily flights (except on Sunday) from Nadi and Suva. The airport is located on the northern coast of Taveuni Island and is quite close to several resorts.

Taveuni Island sits just 6.5km (4mi) off the southeast coast of Vanua Levu, and is Fiji’s third largest island at just 40km (24.8mi) long and less than 10km (6.2mi) wide.

Fiji is located in the South Pacific, 3000km east of Australia. Air Pacific and Virgin Australia Airlines operate daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Nadi International Airport.

Read more about how to get to Taveuni Island, Fiji


Latest update: Taveuni Island, Fiji: 12 January, 2023



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