Taveuni travel times and Diving without a ticket?

Hi everyone

Me and my boyfriend are travelling to Fiji in a couple of weeks and are lucky enough to have planned 4 nights in Taveuni, mostly due to the reccommendations from this forum.

My question is, how long does it take (road travel time) to get to places such as Vuna and Lavena. We wanted to see both ends of the island, would it be easier to stay near matei and just do day trips, or go to each side separately and find accommodation there? It seems from the maps that you cant 'shortcut' accross the middle of the island, though that is just an assumption. In terms of accomodation near Bouma National Park/Lavena/Waitabu Marine Park area, the only 2 i've been able to find in close proximity are the Lavena Lodge or the camping ground at Waitabu. Are their any other budget/medium range places around this region, to give us close access to the sites?

Also, I have my dive ticket while my boyfriend doesn't, can anyone reccommend a dive company which does introductory dives for the non diver (ie with a divemaster?)

I thank you in anticipation of your help! I'll be sure to post a trip report on our return =)

{quote:title=ashamc wrote:}{quote}
My question is, how long does it take (road travel time) to get to places such as Vuna and Lavena. We wanted to see both ends of the island, would it be easier to stay near matei and just do day trips, or go to each side separately and find accommodation there?

The island road follows the coast, nothing which cuts across interior.

With public transport, from Matei to Lavena by bus is around 1-1.5 hours. This part is possible as day trip, and tourists staying in Matei resorts visit the parks in this way. Usually arranged tour with van or 4wd. Most of the road is not paved.

The lodge at Lavena is your best bet for accommodation outside of Matei -- the ONLY option as far as I know. Worthwhile if you want a more relaxing stay and wander around. It's about 7 km walk by road up to Bouma. I walked there, then to waterfalls, and timed it to take the afternoon bus back to Lavena. The 'campground' exists in name only, unless things have improved over the past couple of years. There is place to toss up a tent but zero facilities of any sort so you're on your own.

Staying at Matei and taking day trips to south end of island is not my idea of enjoyment -- you'd be spending a large chunk of the day traveling.

The road between Matei and Nqara/Somosomo (main towns on upper west side of island) is paved and bus or minivan takes maybe 45 minutes (depends on number of stops driver makes). Private vehicle would be less.

Road from Nqara to Vuna (south end of island) is mostly unpaved, and bus takes 2 hours one way. I'm sure with a private vehicle and an early start it is physically possible to do this as a day trip, but I'd still not enjoy it. I prefer to spend most of my time at a place, not getting there and back. Choice is yours. With public bus it will be at least 3 hours one way from Matei (that's not counting waiting times for bus).

{quote:title=ashamc wrote:}{quote}
Also, I have my dive ticket while my boyfriend doesn't, can anyone reccommend a dive company which does introductory dives for the non diver (ie with a divemaster?)

I can't make a recommendation. Most dive companies I saw offered an intro dive .. it's a way for them to get people interested in taking a full course. But, on any given day it may or may not be offered, depending on how busy they are. Opportunities for intro dive will be easy enough to figure out and arrange once you are there.