Taveuni

Taveuni is Fiji's third largest island. Located south-east of Natewa Peninsula, Vanua Levu, it is also known as the Garden Island. Its rain-drenched rich volcanic soil nurtures thick and lush vegetation, copra plantations and scented colorful blossoms.

A haven for a wide variety of bird species and ringed with sand-strewn beaches, the relatively small island is less than 7 miles wide and about 28 miles long. A mountainous ridge rises to its center. At 4040 feet at its highest point, Mount Uluiqalau peaks directly under the 180th Meridian.

Highlights include hikes to waterfalls, birdwatching in protected parks and dazzling diving among coral reefs and tropical fish. Other activities are four-wheel driving, cultural tours of Fijian villages, golfing and snorkeling.

Population in Taveuni is around 12,000, the islanders mostly of Fijian heritage. Historically, during the times when cannibalism was practiced, the fiercest tribe and most feared of all the islanders were the tribes of Taveuni. Today, the inhabitants are some of the friendliest people in the world.