Nadarivatu: Hiking and Eco-Tourism in Fiji’s Highlands
Story & Photos by Jean-Pierre Royer
Forget the white sandy beaches and cocktails under palm trees. If you dream of an escape off the beaten path, Nadarivatu is calling. Perched at more than 800 meters above sea level in the heart of Viti Levu, this highlands area reveals a Fiji you didn’t know existed. A place where the air is fresh, ancestral legends echo through the hills, colonial history lingers, and adventure in nature unfolds.
A History and Legends as Ancient as the Mountains
The name Nadarivatu is no coincidence. It comes from a legend, meaning “stone bowl.” Local stories tell of a sacred stone carved by ancestors so they could carry pieces with them during migrations, leaving behind a dish-shaped cavity. Another sacred stone, the Tabutara, once marked the rightful chief of the clan. These stories continue to shape the cultural heartbeat of the region.
Nadarivatu’s history also carries colonial traces. The governor’s former residence still stands, now serving as the district officer’s home. During the British era, this mountain retreat was even used as a sanatorium, a cool-climate refuge from the coastal heat.
A Haven of Peace for Adventurers
For nature lovers, Nadarivatu is the perfect base for adventure and some of the best Fiji hiking trails. From here, you can set out on experiences that reveal Fiji’s wilder, quieter side:
- Trails and panoramas: Take a 3km hike on Fiji’s oldest trail to the Mount Lomalagi lookout. The reward is a sweeping view across northwestern Viti Levu and out to the Yasawa Islands. The round trip takes about 2 hours. Contact Kuruvitu Siva, Nadarivatu Forest Park ranger. Mobile: 9989097.
- Summit hiking: For those who love a challenge, Mount Tomanivi (formerly Mount Victoria) awaits. At 1,324 meters, it is Fiji’s highest peak. The climb begins from Navai village, just 20 minutes from Nadarivatu.
- Nadarivatu Forest Park: This new community eco-tourism initiative offers horseback riding, cycling, bird watching, and camping on raised platforms. It’s an excellent way to explore the region’s wild beauty while supporting the local community and experiencing authentic eco-tourism in Fiji.
Open Monday to Sunday. Visitors can explore the area for a small entry fee: - Overseas Adults: $5
- Overseas Children (under 12): $1
- Local Adults: $1
- Local Children (under 12): $0.50
Mountain Agriculture: A Fijian Specialty
Thanks to its cool climate, Nadarivatu produces crops that won’t grow on the coast – tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and potatoes flourish here. Farmers sell their harvests through Fiji’s Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), turning the region into a vital agricultural hub that sustains both the highlands and the wider nation.
A Journey Toward the Unexpected
Reaching Nadarivatu requires a little planning. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the steep roads, but the journey is worth it. From Suva to the misty mountains, the landscapes shift dramatically. Each turn of the road feels like entering another world.
Whether you are a hiker, a history enthusiast, or simply someone searching for tranquility, Nadarivatu offers an experience that redefines Fiji. It’s a meeting point of natural beauty, cultural memory, and sustainable community development – a hidden highlands escape that rewards those who venture beyond the shoreline.
Accommodation at Stone Bowl Lodge: A Journey Through Time
For a stay that blends history and nature, Stone Bowl Lodge is a destination in itself. Named after the local legend of the stone bowl, the lodge was once the residence of William Ernest Goodsir, a businessman in Fiji’s timber industry. In the 1920s, Goodsir’s Fiji Timber Kauri Company built this mountain retreat so executives could live in comfort, even in one of the island’s most remote and coldest locations.
The colonial-era house has stood strong through decades of rain and mist, its solid construction now welcoming travellers. Your host Mererai Vatege Tuinamo will greet you warmly and prepare hearty meals after a day of exploration.
Accommodation Options
Stone Bowl Lodge
Monasavu Rd, Nadarivatu
Email: merevatege25@gmail.com
Mobile: 9507566
Nadarivatu Homestay Fiji
Nadala, Nadarivatu
Email: vauvauana1966@gmail.com
Mobile: 9973890
Village Stay accommodation also available at Waikubukubu, Navai and Naga.
Jean-Pierre Royer is a Suva-based EXPLORE Fiji contributor. Follow EXPLORE Fiji for more travel stories by him.
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