who are we?

Tamarillo Expeditions was founded in 1998. The company is a partnership between Anthony Norris from New Zealand, Marina Mantovani from Italy, and Ratu Joseva Bosenakadavu Cabenagauna Banivalu from Kadavu, Fiji. (We call him Ratu.)

Ratu and his family are traditional chiefs of Kadavu, and it is a real honour to be in the islands under his care and guidance. With his local knowledge and connections, Tamarillo's guests encounter Kadavu culture and society in a genuine, up-close way that few travellers experience.

Tamarillo's expeditions base is Ratu's coconut plantation and homestead, beside the sea on a peninsula of land called Natubagunu. This is the very spot where around 2000 years ago, people first set foot on Kadavu Island. Here you can also find Ratu's family's guesthouse, Kadavu Wilderness Lodge.

Tamarillo's office is also beside the sea, about 3000 kilometres further south, in Wellington, NZ. From here Anthony and Marina coordinate operations, communicating with guests from around the world, and putting together all the ingredients for each expedition.

As well as managing operations and reservations, Anthony and Marina guide some of the expeditions as well, commuting to work across the South Pacific.

The Tamarillo team. Joining the three directors in the guiding team are a fine collection of characters - Fijians, New Zealanders and international citizens. Together Tamarillo's guiding team offers an amazing array of skills, talents, personalities and experience.

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