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Stand on the International Date Line

Home > Melanesia > Fun Things To Do | Outdoor | Travel | Walks
by Natasha Stewart (subscribe)
Food and words.
Published October 13th 2012
Some think it's impossible to go back in time, but on Fiji's third largest island you can do just this. Taveuni is one of the few points in the world where you can stand on the International Date Line; where it can be Monday on one side, and Sunday on the other.

Flying into Taveuni


Technically Taveuni can no longer lay claim to being a dual day island. Deciding it was a bit silly for such a small island to have two timezones, the dateline has actually been shifted so that it steers clear of Taveuni. Don't let this get your fun down, it's still worth making your way to the date line marker.

First you've actually got to get to Taveuni, and the easiest way is by plane; you can fly from either the Nadi or Nausori Airport. Taveuni isn't big, and so don't expect a big plane, some of the planes are so small that passengers need to be strategically placed according to their weight. If you're not keen on small planes you might prefer to take the ferry.



The date line is marked by a big sign with a map in the island. There's a gap that you can stand between, so that you can be on both sides at once and get the obligatory tourist shot.

Sure there's only so many times you can jump between today and yesterday, and you might be wondering if Taveuni is really worth it. The island isn't all about the date line, and it's a unique part of Fiji to visit. Unlike the tourist filled beaches on some other islands, Taveuni runs at a different pace.



Home to Fiji's Bouma National Heritage Park, Taveuni has some beautiful natural spots to explore. There are waterfalls, forest walks, and beaches without the crowds. Taveuni is also the only place in the world to the tagimoucia flower, a beautiful red and white flower that is Fiji's floral emblem.

Any of the hotels on the island will be able to help arrange transport to the date line marker, you may even be able to walk there. It won't take too long, so it can be easily added on to your day's other activities.

Taveuni is definitely worth visiting for more than just a photo-op, but it's a photo-op you really shouldn't pass up.
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Why? Time-travel in Fiji
When: Today and Yesterday
Where: Taveuni
Cost: Free
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