Northern Division: Reefs, Rainforest and Island Culture

The Northern Division is part of Fiji, an island nation in the South Pacific with more than 300 islands. Here, reefs, forests, and distinctive nature and cultural experiences offer different ways to plan a holiday. First, consider what you most want to discover: underwater biodiversity, forest nature, or a special experience involving cocoa. These interests can also help you focus your search for a holiday rental on the places that appeal to you.

Reefs and Marine Life

Established in 1997, the Namena Marine Reserve is Fiji’s largest no-take protected area. Its reef has exceptionally high biodiversity and is home to more than 1,000 fish species. Between Taveuni and Vanua Levu lies the Somosomo Strait, with the brightly coloured soft corals of Rainbow Reef.

On Taveuni, the Waitabu Marine Reserve is dedicated to snorkelling tourism and environmental education. Waitabu Marine Park covers 27 hectares and provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Natewa Bay also shows how varied the region’s marine environment is: its shallow reefs support coral gardens with numerous hard corals, large colourful sea fans, and thousands of Christmas tree worms. The bay is the largest in the South Pacific.

Two large groups of spinner dolphins live in Natewa Bay. Guided tours on the water may follow them, but sightings are not guaranteed and depend on the animals’ behaviour. Those interested in the Marine Reserve can purchase the voluntary Namena Reserve Dive Tag when swimming or diving there. Contribution requirements may change; check the latest information before you travel.

Forest, Gardens and Coast

Waisali Rainforest Reserve is one of the few remaining pristine forests on Vanua Levu. The Flora Tropica Gardens are home to 250 palm species from around the world, including some that are very rare and endangered. These places offer a different focus from the reefs: here, the emphasis is on forests and plant diversity.

On Taveuni’s coast, Vuna Blowholes offer a natural spectacle that depends on sea conditions. At high tide, seawater shoots high into the air through lava rock; the most impressive eruptions depend on the tide and swell. This is an important qualification for your planning: this signature spectacle remains subject to natural conditions.

Chocolate and Cultural Insights

At KokoMana, the Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tour lasts one and a half to two hours. It shows the production process, from processing the cocoa beans to grinding them. The tour ends at the factory in the forest with a tasting of the chocolate made there. This offers a different way to experience the region from a day at the reef or in the forest.

Cultural visits also require appropriate preparation. Villages in the Savusavu area are private spaces; visits should be arranged with a representative of the relevant village. Confirm the details in advance, as contacts and arrangements may change. Another cultural point of interest in the region is Naag Mandir in Nagigi, outside Labasa. It is associated with a growing snake stone, which worshippers believe is linked to the Hindu god Shiva.

Choose the Right Search Area

When choosing a holiday rental, it is worth looking beyond the name Northern Division when considering where you want to stay. The examples are spread across different places: reef and snorkelling experiences, forest nature, coastal phenomena, and the chocolate tour cater to different interests. Decide which of these you want to shape your holiday, then narrow your search area by the specific locations. This way, your search for a holiday rental in the Northern Division is guided by your travel plans, rather than treating all the experiences as one single destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Waiyevo, Tavuki, Naqarawalu, Sagani, Savusavu, Matei, Vanuavou, Vatutandova, Natuvu, Qamea, Pagai, Naidi.

Back to the main travel overview: Fiji.