I AM going to start this on a personal note because the need to embark on the Terra Trek adventure was something I had wanted to do for a long time and I was completely awed with the experience.
My need to go on the Terra Trek adventure was to do more with driving a buggy. This love of mine originated from the time I was a child as I watched recorded television cartoon shows on VHS tapes especially Speed Buggy. And that craving was fulfilled earlier this week when I took up the waterfall tour with Terra Trek.
It was an experience like no other. First was the meet at the Terra Trek office, which is in the process of relocation. The company has moved right next to the Uprising Resort ground and even got a chance to watch the Fiji boys train in the morning.
First things first, you need to have a driver’s licence to drive one of the buggies because it is a motor vehicle and you will be driving on the road.
The first meet itself gets you excited as you meet the Terra Trek staff. They are friendly and brief you perfectly on what to expect on the tour.
The waterfall tour started at the Terra Trek office as we drove out into Pacific Harbour and made it to the end of Viti Levu Drive and then towards the hill.
This is where the off-road adventure starts. The buggy is powered by a 500cc engine and is a four-wheel-drive vehicle so the drive is fun as you drive up the hill to the waterfall.
It is about half an hour to get to the top but to get to the waterfall you will have to track through the rainforest. The area is called Dakunikoro.
Now this I enjoyed. Being a nature lover, the walk was just what the doctor ordered. As you make your way to the waterfall, you get to see natural fauna and flora, some endemic to Fiji. What also got me excited were the exotic sounds of local birds including parrots, fruit pigeons and owls.
The waterfalls are very beautiful. There are two waterfalls; side by side, which just take your breath away. One forms a deep pool while the other a shallow one. Both fall from the same height which is almost 50 metres. The shallow pool fall is more furious as it falls off a more cliff like structure while the deep pool fall somewhat slides down the rock.
The water is cool and once inside, there is very little chance that you would want to come out. You can swim and jump into the deep end from the rocks or the cliff. It is serene.
Kate and Ryan’s adventure
On the trip last week, I was joined by Ryan Pinto and Kate DeBattista who had come to Fiji for the first time. They came from Outrigger Resort to try the adventure.
The couple have been together for five years and have two lovely children. According to the couple, they did not realise that Fiji had so much to offer and regretted not bringing their children.
Ryan and Kate both enjoyed their Terra Trek adventure.
“It was just amazing. The drive in buggy, then the rainforest and the waterfall was just mind blowing,” said Ryan.
“The water was cool and clean. I have never experienced anything like this. Fiji is just a beautiful place and I would love to come back here again and with our children.
“Such an amazing place and people.”
On the drive back, there is a small stopover at a hilltop from where you can see all of Pacific Harbour as well.
Terra Trek packages
Waterfall adventure
About 4-5 hours including the oasis picnic lunch, self-drive following the guide buggy to the entrance of the waterfall path and walk through the rainforest to reach the cool waters. Swim, relax and enjoy your lunch stay for as long as the group wishes as everything is on Fiji time!
Scenic adventure
A two-hour drive through the hills and stopping for photos — photographers will love this one. You can choose where you want to stop and enjoy the incredible views — great way to see some of Fiji’s lush interior that many visitors don’t get to experience.
Tailored adventure
You tell them what you want and Terra Trek will do its best to accommodate you.
Corporate and group tours
Terra Trek can accommodate up to 16 persons at a time based on two people per buggy and offer attractive rates for bulk bookings.
