company profile

Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions was formed in 1996. 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 - an auspicious place for an expedition base.

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, making arrangements with guides, resorts, villages and airlines in Fiji, 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.

Official approval for Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions to operate in Fiji has been gained from all necessary parties, including Kadavu village communities, land and marine area owners, the Kadavu Island council, the Fiji Visitors Bureau, the Fiji Trade and Investment Board, and other government bodies.

[end].