Lau Group Fiji
We were excited to explore the remote Lau Group in Fiji this year.
Last year we visited the Yasawas, which was amazing, but cruisers raved about the Lau Group and we now understand why!
Our sail up to Fiji from Auckland was text book and we arrived safely into Savusavu, an idyllic township on the mainland of Vanua Levu. Such wonderful people. A real glimpse into the traditional Fijian lifestyle. And the local marina was able to cater to a boat of our size! Here we provisioned and got ready for our trip around the Lau group – an area that is remote and pretty much devoid of any traditional supermarkets, chemists etc..
We spend our first few days exploring Northern Lau – Rabi Island and Taveuni Island. We make sevusavu with the Chief and local villagers on Rabi Island and hear the extraordinary tale of their Banaban heritage. The local kids were on school holidays and were more than happy to show us around their village.
We head south east to Vanua Balavu Island(or Long Island) in a nice strong easterly trade wind! We take shelter in one of the northern bays and from here explore the fascinating Bay of Islands with its unique rock formations, clear turquoise water and some white sandy beaches.
We venture further south and visit the amazing people of Oneata Island. What a wonderful sevusevu welcome especially on a Sunday! We donate some medical and food provisions here which are gratefully accepted.
With the wind on our backs we venture west to Totoya Island only to be met by a strengthening southerly breeze. We up anchor and head to a little more shelter in Matuku Island. The wind and rain have arrived and we feel like we have anchored in the South Island of NZ! With lots of reef around Matuku Island we slowly explore (in our tender) and visit Yaroi Village and have sevusevu with the Chiefs brother – a lovely welcoming man who was happy to have some visitors from NZ. The villagers were fascinated by our travels and loved to see photos from other Lau Islands.
After a few weeks cruising we make our passage north to mainland Fiji – back to Denerau and in time for the All Blacks game! Back to what feels like civilization again. The Lau Group was amazing. Vinaka Fiji!
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