Vanuavou: Kava and Natewa Bay

Inland in Vanuavou, FTA kava is grown and tended in organic soil; the coast near Vanuavou Village lies along Natewa Bay. This means the view stretches from local crops to the natural scenery of the Northern Division.

Kava cultivation and local harvests

FTA kava is grown and tended in organic soil inland in Vanuavou. This gives the area an agricultural character alongside its coastal setting: Vanuavou is associated with both local crops and the coast along the bay.

The harvests at Vanuavou Farm also offer a glimpse of local agriculture. In July 2020, the first Yaqona shipment was harvested at Vanuavou Farm and sent to Suva for the local market. Dalo and Uvi were also harvested on the farm as short-term crops. These crops and the dated shipment show different aspects of agriculture, from harvesting to the shipment to Suva for the market at that time.

Natewa Bay and the coastal landscape

The coast near Vanuavou Village lies along Natewa Bay. The bay is the largest in the South Pacific. Its shallow reefs feature vibrant coral gardens with numerous hard corals, large, colorful sea fans, and thousands of Christmas tree worms. This marine diversity provides a different focus from inland cultivation and makes the bay a defining natural feature of the Northern Division.

Two large groups of spinner dolphins live in Natewa Bay. Guided tours on the water can follow these groups in Natewa Bay. Encounters depend on conditions and the animals’ behavior; sightings are not guaranteed. The reefs and life in the bay thus offer a different perspective on nature from the agricultural harvests in Vanuavou.

Nature and cultural experiences in the Northern Division

The Northern Division also offers a broader setting for a range of travel interests. On Vanua Levu, local village communities offer tours that combine cultural experiences with nature exploration. The forests of the neighboring Natewa Peninsula offer ecotourism activities; remote villages are located in this region. Community tours combine culture and nature, while the forest activities focus on ecotourism. This lets you choose which themes to prioritize on your trip without equating them with the local harvests in Vanuavou.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on. Are you especially interested in Vanuavou’s agricultural character, or would you rather include the nature and cultural experiences of the Northern Division in your travel plans? FTA kava and the harvests at Vanuavou Farm are part of the area; community tours and forest activities provide the regional context. This helps you distinguish a closer focus on the area from a broader trip around the Northern Division.

Discover more destinations: Fiji, Natuvu, Qamea, Waiyevo, Matei, Tavuki, Vatutandova, Naqarawalu.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Division.