Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trail gradually ascends inland under a light forest canopy to a rocky stream. The two water-
falls, known as
Wainibau Falls
, are obscured from view by a 10m-high rock face on either
side. To get to the falls you'll need to swim through the passage - keep to the left side, where
there's a small ridge just under the waterline to follow. You can jump from the top of the
smaller waterfall into the pool, which is deep and full of prawns. Another way to explore this
section of the park is on a guided
kayak tour
.
KAYAKING AROUND LAVENA
A great way to explore the coastal scenery around Lavena is on a
guided kayak tour
(4hr;
F$50, includes lunch), which you can arrange at
Lavena Lodge
.
Experienced guides from
the village will accompany you on a one-hour paddle south from Lavena before trekking
inland to the falls for lunch. The guides will then tow your kayak back to the village, al-
lowing you to return along the
Lavena Coastal Walk
.
Keen kayakers can hire a guide for
the day and paddle further down the coast where the cliffs become steeper and several wa-
terfalls tumble directly into the sea - though note that it's a gruelling six-hour trip across
open sea to view this spectacle and conditions can be rough.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: BOUMA NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK
By car
The only road access to the park's four main attractions is from the north, along the
winding dirt coastal road from Matei via Navakacoa. The majority of people visit on a day-
trip organized by their accommodation.
By bus
You can get to the park by public bus on the Pacific Transport service (3 daily) run-
ning between Lavena and Naqara (1hr 45min) via Matei (1hr 15min). Note that the last bus
back towards Matei leaves at 2pm so if you are departing later than this you will have to order
a taxi back from the park; note also that this 2pm bus doesn't always start out at Lavena, so
it's worth checking, and wait at the Korovou Village bus stop rather than the waterfall one.
INFORMATION
Entry
General access to the park is free. However, to participate in the four village enter-
prises, a small fee is paid at each village visitor centre.
Information
For more information, see
bnhp.org
, or enquire at the visitor centres at Wait-
abu Marine Park ( 888 0451), Vidawa ( 920 5833), Korovou ( 888 0390) or Lavena (
920 5834).
ACCOMMODATION
Lavena Lodge
Lavena Village 820 3639.
Sitting on the beachfront at Lavena, this is the
only accommodation in the national park. The three twin rooms are screened and have mos-
quito nets but are otherwise very basic, and the shared bathroom is rather dingy. However,
it's worth staying here in order to make an early morning start on the Lavena Coastal Walk.
