We took a bus to the Lavena Coastal Walk. It is in the Bouma National Heritage Park. The bus goes on certain days and returns about 3 hours later. There is a lodge at which you pay the National Park fee of $5 Fijian per person.
It rained a little when we started, but by the time we ended there was a downpour - this was early August. We were glad that we had bought rainproof jackets and trousers. We also had good sneakers. The trail is very rough for Tevas or other open-toed footwear unless you have really tough feet (in which case you could go barefoot!).
The trail is 5 km (just over 3 miles) long and going to the waterfall and back
took about 3 hours - so we only just caught the bus. We missed buying
rotis at the Lavena Lodge, where backpackers can stay.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our photos start at the end of the walk at the waterfalls. You can just see the falls in the background. We could not have got closer without swimming. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
There is a toilet just before the waterfalls. The suspension bridge, which is strong and in good repair, crosses Wainisairi Creek that drains out of Lake Tagimaucia. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
There are black lava rocks about half way along the trail. There were pigs, both in pens and roaming free. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
We had to cross a stream on rocks. |
 |
 |
 |
This is the village of Lavena, with wooden houses and traditional bures. |