THE GUIDE - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 297

mountain. The birdwatching up here is excellent, with regular sightings of silktails and or-
ange doves, especially in the nesting season (Aug & Sept).
From the summit, it's possible to continue for another two hours, hacking through bush
along the northern ridge to Lake Tagimaucia , a crater lake 823m above sea level where the
endemic Tagimaucia flower blooms. A relatively well-maintained but arduous trail leads to
the lake from Waiyevo (7hr return) - a guide is essential and can be arranged through most
west coast resorts.
THE WEEPING TAGIMAUCIA FLOWER
The beautiful Tagimaucia flower - or Medinilla waterhousei - grows only at high altitude
near water and, apart from at a few isolated locations on Vanua Levu, Lake Tagimaucia on
Taveuni is the only place in the world you can see it. The beautiful flowers, which hang
in bright clusters from a liana vine, have two red waxy outer petals and four white inner
petals resembling a bell; they bloom in profusion between September and January. This be-
ing Fiji, there is a romantic legend attached: the tumbling flowers represent the tears of a
maiden forbidden to marry her true love.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION: THE WEST COAST
By boat Ferries from Suva arrive at Wairiki Wharf, between Wairiki and Waiyevo. Small
boats crossing Buca Bay from Vanua Levu arrive at the old wharf in Lovonivonu, known as
the Korean Wharf, 3km south of Naqara.
Destinations Natuvu Landing (4 weekly; 1hr 30min); Suva (2 weekly; 16hr).
By bus Ancient and rickety buses operated by Pacific Transport ( 888 0278) run from
Naqara in both directions on a limited service. Expect late departures.
Destinations Lavena (3 daily; 1hr 45min); Matei (3 daily; 30min); Navakawau (3 daily ex-
cept Sat & Sun; 2hr).
By car Budget Car rental (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; 888 0291, [e-mail] ;
4WD only, F$145-185 per day) is in the Garden State building in Naqara.
Services There's a branch of Colonial Bank, with an ATM machine, on the ground floor of
the Garden State building in Naqara (Mon 9.30am-4pm, Tues-Fri 9am-4pm). Waiyevo has
a hospital and police station, which sit on a small hill 200m from the main road; there's also
a post office in the centre of town.
ACCOMMODATION
NORTH OF NAQARA
Nakia Resort 888 1111, nakiafiji.com ; map . This low-carbon resort is run by dive
specialists, and their trips and tutoring are outstanding. Nakia has only four bures - all fur-