Page 137 - Melanesia

he amazing vibrance of color underwater just has to be seen T he island is the top of a dormant, elongated shield volcano
which erupted from a northeast-southwest trending rift on the
T to be believed along with the abundance of all form of marine

life. At times, diving these reefs is a bit like being in an aquarium.

Above the waterline, much of Taveuni is thickly carpeted with ocean floor. About 150 volcanic cones dot the island, including Ul-

rainforest and the lush landscape is blessed with many waterfalls uigalau, Fiji’s second highest peak at 1,241 meters, and Des Vœux

and an abundance of wildlife. Pleasingly, the traditional village Peak, next in height at 1,195 metres. There have been at least 58

Fijian lifestyle is also very much intact on Taveuni and there are volcanic eruptions since the first human settlement around 950-

plenty of cultural and adventure activities to enjoy in this tropical 750 BC, all of which affected the southern two-thirds of the island.

playground. On Taveuni there are a range of resorts that suit most Major eruptions from 300–500 AD caused abandonment of the

budgets - they are all low-key and offer both divers and no-divers southern areas until about 1100 AD. The latest eruption produced

the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful location. a lava flow at the southern tip of the island around 1550. The

T aveuni has a total land area of 434 square kilometres (169 island’s central ridge delineates the greatest volcanic activity sur-
Square Miles). The cigar-shaped island, a massive shield vol- rounding volcanic vents. Lake Tagimaucia is one of Taveuni’s most
famous tourist attractions. It occupies a volcanic crater at an alti-

cano which rises from the floor of the Pacific Ocean, is situated tude of 800 metres, and is the habitat the rare tagimaucia flower.

6.5 kilometres to the east of Vanua Levu, across the Somosomo F iji’s most famous waterfalls, the Bouma Falls, are also on the
Strait. It belongs to the Vanua Levu Group of islands and is part island, located in the Bouma National Heritage Park. South of
of Fiji’s Cakaudrove Province within the Northern Division. The

island had a population of around 9,000, some 75 percent of them Vuna village and the lagoon, jet black rocks litter an area known as

indigenous Fijians, at the 1996 census. Taveuni has abundant flora the South Cape where Taveuni’s last volcanic eruption spilled into

and is known as the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. It is a popular tourist the sea around 500 years ago. The highlight of the region is the

destination. Tourists are attracted to the excellent diving opportu- Matamaiqi blowhole with geysers created by trade winds crashing

nities, prolific bird life, bushwalks and waterfalls. Central parts of into the volcanic rocks. About 20 minutes by foot from the town of

the island receive very high rainfall rates. Being volcanic in origin Waiyevo is the Waitavala Waterslide.

Taveuni’s soils have supported the island’s most historically signifi-

cant industry, agriculture.