THE GUIDE - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 284

GETTING AROUND: TAVEUNI
Bear in mind that getting around Taveuni can prove a little unpredictable. You won't get lost
as there's only one road following the coast, but heavy downpours cause frequent flooding ,
particularly at the bridge at Qeleni, which separates the two tourist hubs of Matei and the
Bouma National Heritage Park. Floods generally subside in a few hours and seldom last for
more than a day, although landslides along the steep and muddy roadside may cause longer
delays. The only section of sealed road extends for 20km along the northwest coast from
Matei to Wairiki. Potholes and fallen coconuts on the dirt coastal road are notorious hazards.
By minivan or carrier van With few taxis on the island, the most convenient way to get
around is by minivan or carrier van. These can be found at Matei Airport, Naqara or, with a
bit of luck, waved down on the roadside. The fare from Matei to Bouma is around F$50 one
way.
By bus Pacific Transport ( 888 0278), based at Naqara, runs the island's limited bus service.
Buses run to Navakawau in the south (Mon-Fri 9am, 11.30am & 4.40pm; 2hr; F$5) and
between Wairiki and Lavena on the northeast coast via Matei and Bouma (Mon-Sat 8.45am,
12.05pm & 4.40pm, Sun 11.05am & 4.05pm; 1hr 45min; F$4). The last bus from Wairiki
spends the night at Lavena and departs the following morning at 5.45am - useful for those
who want to spend a lazy afternoon on the beautiful Lavena Coastal Walk and overnight in
the village.
Van and driver hire For F$140 you can hire a local driver and van for the day which gener-
ally works out cheaper than renting a car. Unfortunately van drivers are reluctant to venture
off the coastal highway and into the bush.
Car rental Budget Car Rental in Naqara (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; 888 0291, garden-
[e-mail] ; 4WD only, F$145-185 per day) is the only car rental company on is-
land. If you plan on scaling De Voeux Peak, you'll certainly need a 4WD vehicle.
Sightseeing tours Most hotels and resorts on Taveuni offer private sightseeing tours (usually
with a minimum of four guests).
Matei
MATEI , jutting out on the northernmost tip of Taveuni, is the ideal base for exploring the
island: lying midway between the Bouma National Heritage Park and Rainbow Reef, it offers
plenty of water-based activities , pleasant beaches and a good selection of restaurants. This
modern settlement of around five hundred people is a mix of old colonial families, Indian
entrepreneurs and a new wave of foreigners living the dream in luxury oceanfront villas. The
settlement stretches along the main coastal road either side of the small bluff known as Nase-
lesele Point .