The Family Tradition

Originally from England, James Valentine Tarte settled in Fiji in 1871 as part of a group of Fiji’s earliest European settlers. The massive plantation has thrice transformed itself from a cotton to sugar and then to copra production farming operation. Currently Spencer Tarte, the 3rd generation owner guides Vatuwiri through its next transformation from to that of a working farm to one blended with a resort of unparalleled beauty and diversity.

The fourth generation of Tarte’s, Marcus and Edythe all incur massive responsibilities to maintain the distinct operations of managing an estate that includes 1500 acres, an active copra production process that employs 80 local workers and houses their families on the estate, a cattle farm 800 large, 150 piggery, 60 horses, vanilla production, 100 acres of cocoa and of course a world class resort and an unending list of unforgettable activities.

An Archeological Treasure

Baudua was the Fijian village led by the once great Tui Vuna. He is considered by some to perhaps be Fiji greatest warrior chief. He was said to have an army so large that they were lined up at arm's lenghth for miles from the ocean to build their fortified, battle ready village when they passed up the thousands and thouands of stones to ensure their long-term safety.

With only the most basic of tools, they dug multiple layers of wide moats (15 feet wide and 10 feet deep) for sophisticated defense and retreat strategies. This village was never conquered but ultimately fell to the cunning of a neigbouring tribe as Tui Vuna’s son was kidnapped by a close relative who sided with the enemy and he surrendered to save his son’s life.

Perusing the village today on our grounds will still yield the occasional artifact from a time passed long, long ago.

Climb, Hike and Enter into a Volcanic Crater

Taveuni is a volcanic island. In fact, today its status is considered dormant with the chance of future activity not beyond the realm of possibility. On our estate we have one of the island’s largest volcanic craters with a diameter of over a half kilometer in length.

Now with more bush jungle than lava stone in appearance, you can trek to the top of this crater and down inside to the marshy bottom. It is an ecological beauty whose journey to its soul will remain with you for a lifetime

Nothing Beats a Farmyard Sensibility

Vatuwiri is an economically viable copra farm and production facility. We also have a cattle ranch, large piggery, horse ranch and many other farm animals and activities. We grow our own vegetables and we are, barring fuel and a few other necessities, primarily self-sufficient. You are always welcome to chip in and join us for any/all of these activities to gain yourself a great perspective on sustainable living with nature.

How many do you want to experience? Well that depends only on how long you’ll want to remain here in Nature’s Paradise.