Nadarivatu holds great ecological significance to Fiji.
It is undeniably a wondrous place to visit – where wildlife is preserved and beautiful landscape is appreciated
A shift from the stunning turquoise beaches, Nadarivatu is a tranquil forested haven for those wanting an uncommon experience.
To travel up to Nadarivatu is an adventure on its own, the spectacular vistas are mesmerising and as you ascend its steep montane world, you are sure to find rejuvenation and bliss.
The change in temperature as you ascend from Waikubukubu Village through dense greenery allows you to appreciate that we are a mere speck in the vastness of nature.
If you ever decide to go on a trip, whether for adventure or healing, a visit to the Nadarivatu Forest Park is something you shouldn’t miss.
The park offers many activities that connect you with nature, giving you a sense of stillness and appreciation for Mother Nature’s life-giving qualities.
Nadarivatu is known for its wonderfully cool and peaceful setting. Located in a large depression surrounded by mountains carpeted by native and pine forests, it offers the perfect spot for recreational forest park activities. The existing nature and forest reserves within the area provide protection for the place’s unique ensemble of flora and fauna.
Opened by the Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Alitia Bainivalu, the forest park offers visitors the rare opportunity to fo horse riding, sightseeing, hiking, cycling, camping, birdwatching, village tours and a bit of history lesson.
Most of the activities offered at the park are looked after by the mataqali Nubuiluva.
Familiar with the park’s history, the forest guard and tour guides offer knowledge about the park and its history.
The park’s hiking trail features breathtaking lookout points that give an unparalleled glimpse of towering slopes and dense vegetation that you wouldn’t see along the coast.
Every hiking trail on this forest trek has a unique feature.
One of those sites is the Ratu Sukuna Pool which was featured in last week’s Discovering Fiji article. The pool is a 20-minutes’ walk away from the park’s Information Centre, and it is now a swimming spot for those who wish to enjoy a cool plunge before or after exploring the park trails.
Another beautiful feature at the park is the Kauloma trek. This 560-metre trek is a 20-minute walk away from the park’s information centre.
The site has a camping platform that visitors can stay the night in. The platform can accommodate six to eight people during a camping session and has a lookout point, toilet facility, a bure with table and benches.
The Kauloma’s lookout point allows the visitor to get a beautiful view of the Nadarivatu Government Station and the neighbouring resting houses that have existed since the late 1800s.
Further uphill along the trek is the Lomalagi (Heaven) Platform. The name itself gives a sense of the natural skyline.
Usually covered in a cloud veil, this platform makes visitors feel they are close to heaven with its jaw-dropping scenery.
Unlike the Kauloma platform, this platform has a cooking area. This lookout point is the main highlight of the Lomalagi platform. From the lookout you get a 360-degree view of Viti Levu.
At the platform you can see Tavua, Vatukoula, the Fiji Water bottling plant, the Nakauvadra mountain range and the highest mountain in Fiji, Mt Victoria (Mt Tomaniivi).
You also have a clear view of the Korobasabasaga mountain range, Mt Monavatu, the Sleeping Giant in Nadi, Delaimagodro in Bukuya, Naitaradamu, the South ridge, Nadala, Waikubukubu Village, Yadua, Vanua Levu and the Yasawa Groups of Islands.
To be at a location that allows you to view these majestic mountains and mountain range is just magical. Not only do you get a chance to recuperate, you also get to marvel at the natural rustic beauty of the highlands.
Apart from hiking up on the beaten track, there are also different ways to get around the park.
The forest park offers cycling and horse riding to those who wish to make use of these services. This gives visitors a chance to experience the forest park in a different way and help the local communities who provide the resources.
The forest park was established by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry with landowners and stakeholders to protect the Colo North’s forest ecosystem.
It is to also rehabilitate the degraded land from deforestation, improve livelihoods, educate young generation, restore indigenous cultural and traditional knowledge and open up markets for small and medium enterprises in the highlands.
The sunset at the top. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Golden Dove is found up in Nadarivatu. Picture: SUPPLIED
Horse-riding is provided at the forest park. Picture: SUPPLIED
The view from the Ratu Sukuna Pool trail lookout.
Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
Cycling is also offered to visitors but with a small fee. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
The trek that leads to the Ratu Sukuna Pool. The other direction goes to the Kauloma and Lomalagi camping sites. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
