Taveuni Island
Taveuni is a volcanic island that measures 434 km² (168 sq mi), making it the third-largest island in Fiji. Taveuni is part of the Vanua Levu group of islands.
The island is covered in lush vegetation and as a result, it is known as 'the Garden Island of Fiji'. Taveuni is popular for bush-walking and bird-watching. There are many scenic waterfalls on the island, as well as beautiful beaches that support excellent scuba-diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Most towns are located on the island's western coast, which is more sheltered from the Pacific Ocean. The most important towns include:
- Bouma is the location of a scenic waterfall.
- Deleni.
- Gacaavulu.
- Kanacea.
- Korovou.
- Lavena.
- Matei.
- Naqara is an Indo-Fijian settlement and Taveuni's commercial center. Together with the adjacent town of Somosomo, it forms the largest urban area on the island.
- Naselesele.
- Navakawau.
- Salialevu.
- Somosomo is the traditional fiefdom of the Tui Cakau, who is one of Fiji's highest-ranking chiefs. Somosomo is regarded as the capital of the Tovata Confederacy. Together with the adjacent town of Naqara, it forms the largest urban area on Taveuni.
- Soqulu.
- Vuna.
- Wairiki.
- Waiyevo is the island's administrative center. It is located on the coast of Taveuni's northwestern section. It is also home to Taveuni's main hospital.
- Welagi.
1,241 m high Mount Uluiqalau is Taveuni's second-highest peak.
Taveuni is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) east from Vanua Levu, across the Somosomo Strait.
; "Image 1 - Mount Uluiqalau ©John Game [153kB]")
; "Image 2 - Coral reefs in the Somosomo Strait ©Johnny Africa [211kB]")
; "Image 3 - Vuna Reef ©Tim o'Shea [57kB]")
; "Image 4 - Waterfall on Taveuni ©Arnie Papp [203kB]")
; "Image 5 - Taveuni ©Tim o'Shea [0kB]")
; "Image 6 - Bouma Falls ©Phil Whitehouse [140kB]")
; "Image 7 - Taveuni ©Alan & Flora Botting [115kB]")
; "Image 8 - Church ©Alan & Flora Botting
[67kB]")