Bouma National Heritage Park -- One attraction on everyone's list is Bouma National Heritage Park (tel. 888 0390) on Taveuni's northeastern end, 18km (11 miles) from the airstrip, 37km (23 miles) from Waiyevo. The government of New Zealand provided funds for the village of Bouma to build trails to the three levels of Bouma Falls. It's a flat, 15-minute walk along an old road from the visitors center to the lower falls, which plunge some 180m (600 ft.) into a broad pool. From there, a trail climbs sharply to a lookout with a fine view of Qamea and as far offshore as the Kaibu and Naitoba islands east of Taveuni. The trail then enters a rain forest to a second set of falls, which are not as impressive as the lower cascade. Hikers ford slippery rocks across a swift-flowing creek while holding onto a rope. This 30-minute muddy climb can be made in shower sandals, but be careful of your footing. A more difficult track ascends to yet a third falls, but I've never followed it, and people who did have told me it isn't worth the effort.
Another trail, the Vidawa Forest Walk, ($40 per person, includes guide and lunch) leads to historic hill fortifications and more great views. Guides lead full-day treks through the Vidawa Forest, but you'll need to book at your hotel activities desk or call the visitor center (tel. 679 822-0361
) at least a day in advance.
The park is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Admission is F$5 (US$2) per person without a guide, F$15 (US$9) with a guide.
