Tamarillo, a group of dedicated and good-natured adventurers.
David and Joyce, Australia.
The relationship you have developed with the local people of Kadavu is unique - such a sensitive relationship which is genuine and fantastic to observe.
Emma, Scotland
I always thought my days were just packed, but this holiday packed more beautiful places, people, food, fun, and action than I have ever managed before, and I still managed to feel more relaxed than I have in ages.
Adrian, UK
Highlights? Wow, where do I start? The children, the roosters calling us to our breakfast, the water so blue, to dive and see my first sharks, the other travellers I have met, young and old, the food, it just goes on and on. I will never forget.
Jeff, NZ
A wonderful, wonderful holiday. I've really appreciated the encouragement given to a 'mature' woman (me) to try things that took me out of my comfort zone, knowing safety was uppermost.
Joan, NZ
A really wonderful break from reality and a good combination of exercise and relaxation. Didn't achieve my goal of losing weight though.
Dave, NZ
Amazing, life-expanding. Seeing, experiencing and living with the Fijians during this expedition has opened my mind and given me an appreciation unlike any other experience in my life. See you next year.
George, USA
A great opportunity to see a Fiji that I'd imagined, but didn't realise existed. Back to basics but with a difference. Can't get it from a movie, have to live it for yourself.
Robyn, NZ
Holy Shit! Was it worth it!!! This past week has taken me to places I've been dreaming of for years. The expectations I had on coming in were so incredibly surpassed.
Eric, USA
The 'moonbathing' and kayak venture into the tranquil waters at midnight was real storybook stuff.
Mary, NZ
Fiji time is simultaneously all the time in the world, yet no time at all. This week has been so short and at the same time has been a wonderful slice of forever.
Chyrise and Mark, USA
Privilege. Our party has been able to experience things that virtually all other visitors to Fiji would never exerience. The visit to the village was quite unspoiled by the indifference that you so often find in tourist resorts - and when they said goodbye to us in that song, you could tell their warmth was genuine - it brought tears to my eyes.
Bill, NZ
It was very humbling to experience the warmth and friendliness of every village community member (except the roosters). The kayaking was fantastic, the seas were kind to us, and the coral was stunning.
Pete and Heidi, UK
From the moment we touched down in Nadi this trip has exceeded my expectations. I'm sure the simplicity of the island setting belies the hours of inspiration and organisation involved in setting the trip up.
Amanda, NZ
The whole week has been wonderful - the chance to be outdoors constantly and soak up the sun and gradually unwind. For me personally the trip was a huge challenge. I feel a great sense of achievement.
Denise, NZ
As I glided over a pristine coral garden as we crossed Matasawalevu Bay, I knew we'd come to a very, very, special place. I'll leave feeling that I've been to somewhere unspoilt and precious. Long may it stay that way.
Tony, NZ
We have seen the real Fiji and it has been a great privilege.
Joanna, NZ
The trip was phenomenal, the guides were exceptional - their commitment to coffee was beyond the call of Tamarillo duty.
Marcus, NZ
Just when you thought your arms might drop off it was time for another blend of coffee, kava, or cultural experience. Just when you'd given into the grunge, hot showers offered welcome relief.
Marlene, NZ
Wow! This was a true expedition. I loved paddling along then beaching for a quick snorkel or jaunt through the jungle. The locals opened their hearts, homes and beaches to us with gracious smiles. I've never eaten such wonderful fresh food.
Kahlil, USA
Lush, warm, restorative, vibrant. This was not just a simple vacation, but a true experience that I might reflect on time and again when I need to put a smile on my face.
Brian, USA
During this Tamarillo expedition my mental abilities greatly reduced. Therefore I conclude the trip was a success! You have excellent guide skills, making 'roughing it' not so rough.
Aimen, USA
I feel like I've been away a lot longer than a week, with many daily adventures - a good balance of rest, relaxation, paddling, food… and an amazing opportunity to meet the real Fiji.
Erin, NZ
You can't choose when or how you're going to die. You can only decide how you're going to live, and this is one of the best ways to do it! This adventure does not feel like a week, but at least a month of total bliss.
Justine, NZ
Great trip around Kadavu where we met and spoke to more locals than tourists.
Paul, NZ
All in all it was a great week which has endeared us to kayaking. Go raibh maith agaibh.
Dara, Ireland
A very special time with good people and excellent food. Felt I saw more of the real Fiji than ever before. So beautiful, and a surprise around every corner.
Maureen, NZ
A week of fantastic experiences. Our guides managed to make even the lack of sunshine a real bonus. It was a week of learning, sharing, and laughing, and right now, I would give anything to be staying on for more!
Sue, NZ
I've never had better paddling, and it was surpassed by the quality of the travelling companions.
Garth, USA
I came, I saw, I capsized! Fantastic!
Kevin, NZ
I don't want to go home!
Vailema, NZ
You've created a truly unique Fiji tourism experience.
Sharon, Australia
You have a great and special thing going on here in the islands.
Gillian, NZ
Tamarillo: very special, delicious, and full of wonderful surprises. A truly wonderful experience.
David, NZ
I learnt a lot, saw a lot, enjoyed 90 percent and appreciated the other 10 percent. Something I would do again.
Bob, NZ
I thought this trip might be too cruisy - not enough kayaking, and resorts every night! The balance was superb however, and the opportunities to have showers each day was welcome. Thanks for the laid-back leadership style and great company.
Chris, Australia
Certainly an unusual way to spend our honeymoon. It is definitely true about the double-kayaks being 'marriage testers' - and least we ironed out any marital difference early on. A fantastic insight into Fijian life.
Michael and Sara, Australia
After our wonderful Tamarillo Fijian Experience we are totally motivated to encourage our adventurous friends to enjoy this 'expedition extra-ordinaire!'.
Alan and Jenny, Australia
We thank you for your integrity, thoughtfulness, and sincerity at providing people of ages 65 to 3 the opportunity to holiday, learn new skills, experience a new culture and enjoy the companionship of others in an idyllic, safe environment.
Jenny, Australia
When Dad told me we were going overseas kayaking in the holidays, I wasn't too impressed. I hope you know I missed two gigs for this! Actually I was pleasantly surprised, I actually enjoyed this week. Tamarillo was really good because I didn't just have to be around the family.
Mark (aged 15), Australia.
I've been treated like royalty, which took a bit of getting used to, but I think I've come to accept it now. Thank you for getting me around Kadavu safely, Mum will be really grateful, as was Dad!
Kohner (aged 3), as told to his dad, NZ
Not only the best way to experience Fijian life, but also an incredible opportunity for father and son to enjoy a unique bonding experience. Watching my son Kohner transform from an inhibited cat/dog-phobe to a go-get'm kid who can now handle cats, dogs, pigs, goats and the mass assault of curious young Fijian minds has been fantastic. I'll not be able to recommend highly enough the value that can be gained by such an experience.
Stu, NZ
A great release and relief from the suit and tie regime.
Bruce, Australia
This trip was absolutely brilliant. Okay, so it was windy, but it's a fantastic feeling to battle through the wind for 20 minutes, then pull up on some idyllic shore and be fed, coffee-d and entertained. The Tamarillo experience is a must-do.
Caitlin, NZ
Every day was a new chapter in the Tamarillo book of adventure. We will be forever telling tales of our Tamarillo time.
Annie, NZ
2 humpback whales, 2 turtles, 1 snake, flying fish, beautiful snorkelling... an unforgettable experience.
Wendy, NZ
Thank you for all the work you have done setting up this amazing trip, and all the special surprises along the way. Your great positive attitude goes a long way to make this the best Fiji experience we have ever had.
Ali and John, NZ
The scenery was wonderful and the hospitality incredible.
Tami and Edward, USA
To visit Kadavu, meet the wonderful people, share jokes with them, snorkel in the clear multi-blue water of the great reef, to see the turtles, dolphins, and flying fish, to feel like an 'old hand' at dressing appropriately as we enter villages, to have our every need and want catered for - and to bring my 12-year old daughter Sally along with me - its all been made possible. It's been a pleasure to come as a guest, not a tourist.
Kathy, NZ
Scary spiders, really nice people, this has been a cool week. I had heaps of fun.
Sally (aged 12), NZ
What a holiday, it's been like visiting heaven. Magical people, their smiles, their laughs, their hospitality, and the music has been incredible. Tamarillos will always be extra special from now on.
Andrea, NZ, and Sandy, Canada
The expedition was so much more than we ever imagined or expected. The scenery, food, equipment, accommodation, people, guides - AWESOME!! We cant remember the last time we laughed so much (which we needed). It has been heaps of fun. We've had the best time and will recommend Tamarillo to everyone we know.
Reuben and Alison, NZ
When you come away on a journey like this you are not always sure what to expect. I expected to have a good time but my expectations were way surpassed. The experience were made enjoyable by the way the Tamarillo staff catered for all needs and capabilities. Individual attention was an obvious priority and the way the group worked together was a real feature. When you get to the end of an adventure like this and the first comment is 'it was too short', you know that a return trip is on the cards.
Chris, Australia
Through your expert guidance we have not only had a week of exercise and fun, but also a great human experience interacting with the local Fijians of Kadavu. You have assembled a great team and we will have no hesitation recommending Tamarillo to any of our friends.
Barry and Vicki , Australia
We have enjoyed sun, surf, good coffee, good chocolate cake, sand-flies, wet butts, great company, sun lotion, sore arms, kava, but mostly the Fijian experience due to our great guides. A good mix of exercise, lying in the sun, visiting villages and a visit out of the comfort zone, beyond the reef... What a great week.
Susan, NZ
You have got the mix of activity, relaxation and culture just right. This week has been one I will remember always, the beauty of the sea, islands and the Fijian people.
Katherine, NZ
Its hard to write because the entire week fails description. We had fun, sun, sand, sea, adventure, and too much kava. It's been a much needed week of soul-food. Fabulous.
Margaret, NZ
The soft sea-breeze gently wafts the mosquito net around my bed as I lie thinking of the week's sea-kayaking. Resting, relaxing, eating, sleeping to the distant roar of the surf on the Astrolabe Reef. All entrees to another day of fun-filled adventure in Tamarillo's Fiji. Any one of the snorkelling, kayaking, volleyball, village visits, sun-bathing, diving, eating, would be enough to make a fantastic holiday, but throw in the guides with them all and you have a Tamarillo expedition. A class act. One of the trips to do in your life no matter where on the globe you hail from.
Tom, NZ
P.S. And did I mention the coffee?
Kadavu is the hidden gem of the South Pacific and Tamarillo is surely the best way to experience it. Traditional Fijian villages and culture, outstanding beaches and snorkelling. A range of great overnight spots with great Fijian food and drink. There is no better one-week escape - five stars.
Matt, NZ
It's been a wonderful week: paddled a lot, ate a lot and laughed a lot!!
Hiromi, Japan
I paddled it. I ate it. I drank it. Good kayaking. Fantastic village food and exotic tasting kava.
Kenji, Japan
I love kayaking. I liked seeing the sea turtle and the jumping fish.
Amy, aged 6, Scotland
Tamarillo has given us a fantastic adventure in a tropical paradise. Thank you for looking after our children so well - for your good humour and friendship, and for giving us an insiders view of life in beautiful Kadavu. This will go down as one of our best family holidays ever.
Helen, Scotland
You are master artists, transforming a group of strangers into friends and creating a perfect journey and adventure. Thank you for helping us learn about Fiji, Kadavu and kayaking. It has been a fantastic week for us all.
David, Scotland
It was totally a trip of a lifetime that will linger long in the memory. So many highlights, it was all good - the people, the land, the sea. They all conspired to create a holiday brew of delicious flavours. Vinaka!
Grant, NZ
There have been no low points. Lots of highs and at times challenges. I have new skills (snorkelling, kayaking, and general confidence in the water), have tasted the delights of Fiji, amazing food and kava, the people, the places, the weather. It's been an amazing, life-changing experience.
Thomasin, NZ
What could be better than days of sun and sea, and nights of drifting off to sleep with the heat, and the sound of the ocean. There have been so many moments that have touched my heart, and so many moments that I want to always remember.
Jacqui, NZ
It's really easy to travel, book your tickets, pay the money, get on the plane. But to have an experience that leaves you feeling enriched, enlightened, that takes Tamarillo. The warmest welcome we've experienced in every village and resort - the children with huge smiles and the brightest eyes, and an island or two surrounded by stunning ocean vistas, above and below the water. The people made it - this was much more than a holiday.
Tony and Brenda, NZ
Here I am, an old man in a dry month,
being read to by a boy,
waiting for rain.
I was neither at the hot gates,
nor fought in the warm rain,
nor knee deep in the salt marshes, heaving a cutlass, bitten by fleas.
But this 69 year-old man was here in the warm weather,
heaving a paddle in a two-person kayak, and,
like the rest of the group,
have had an astonishing time. So,
"Come fill the cup, and in the fire of spring
the winter garment of repentance fling".
Dick, NZ
Your guidance and patience have carved a special place in my heart. You've caused me to remember what I had forgot. I felt 13 again, and it all made sense.
Hillary, USA
I leave Fiji with a handful of mosquito bites, a bag full of salty laundry, tender kayaking muscles (bigger too), and a smile that will be hard to wipe from my face. To the Tamarillo crew and all who follow in our paddle-strokes, I will always remember.
Jack, USA
In the weeks leading up to this trip as I gloated and bragged about my impending Fiji expedition, I never imagined that it was so amazing an expedition I was bragging about. Looking back over the week and a half that we've been here, it feels much more like we've lived in Fiji, rather than simply visited. We've delved into the Fiji lifestyle in a way that tourists don't get to. Or at least that's what I like to think. At the same time, we've been treated like royalty the whole way. Thanks for an incredible trip.
Ollie, NZ
To the amazing team at Tamarillo, thank you for the Kadavu experience. Everyday opened up worlds of fun and laughter, and the opportunity to experience and meet the most loving and lovely people at every stop of this adventure.
Emma, NZ
The calm rhythm of paddles through a crystal sea. Glowing creatures in the water and shooting stars in the sky. Singing and dancing and the delicious food. And of course, the most fantastic swimming hole in the world.
Libby, England
Of all the special things that happened visiting Naqara was the thing that moved people most. We arrived after a sunny day on the water to the entire village coming down to greet us. There wasn't a breath of wind and the village looked like the Garden of Eden with all the mango trees in flower and the breadfruit trees hanging with motionless leaves. After the wonderful formalities lead by Petero, the finest orator on the earth, they asked us to mingle with them. The ladies in our group sang in the corner with the Fijian ladies and we all drank kava and had wonderful yarns before and after dinner until late. As we paddled away the sounds of their beautiful voices floated to our ears. Truly wonderful people. In all my years of travelling I have never felt such genuine warmth from a group of people willing to share their culture with us.
Mike, NZ
This was a great journey and experience for me. It was the first time I had experienced a different culture first-hand, and with great guides who made the whole expedition something I won't forget. It was a real challenge but it was worth it.
Richard, NZ
The guides: a good combination of madmen and gentlemen.
Jody, NZ
Challenged by wind, cooled by rain, sustained by the hearty welcomes, beautiful food, singing and kava on the way. It is so good to experience people living in harmony with their environment. Long may it last.
Martin, NZ
We booked in 2000, finally did it in 2002, and it was worth the wait!
Mike and Donna, Australia.
An experience of a lifetime - never to be forgotten.
Neville, NZ
Best holiday ever.
Lyn, NZ
I really didn't think I was going to make it around the island but I did! What a great thing to hear the kids sing, "This land is your land". Would have made Woody Guthrie proud!
Chris, USA
This trip has provided me with stories for my kids. The best experience I have ever had. Thank you for taking care of my wife and I.
David, USA
Thank you very much & see you again.
Hye Seung, Korea
Last night when we were all thinking of our favourite moments from the trip I was overwhelmed by how impossible it would be to choose just one special time that outshone all the rest. Every moment was amazing in different ways, and each day was made up of more than I thought was possible to squeeze in. I think it had something to do with the way the expedition just makes you forget about everything except how incredible everything all around you is: sights, smells (well, most of these), the company of wonderful friends and the chance to meet new people who were both gracious hosts and ambassadors of an incredible country. I feel so lucky to have had a chance to visit a Fiji that most tourists wouldn't dream of finding and most of all was inspired by the way Tamarillo has built such special relationships with people all around Kadavu. The way we were welcomed was a rare and great thing. Its been an incredible week.
Katie, USA
I had to think and do some hard stuff sometimes, but there was always a Tamarillo guide there to point the way, not only with the requisite 'gentle but firm' attitude needed to wrangle such a group of individuals, but also an unbelievable level of diplomacy between 'honky crue' and the locals. There was a good deal of hard work for us flabbo folks, but not so much as to make it unpleasant. I've even taken to this kayaking thing enough to consider it as a viable commuting alternative in San Francisco.
Tom, USA
What fun there is to be had in Fiji! I knew the trip would be great, but I was delighted with how much we weren't told about.
Fifi, NZ
I've had the world's greatest time! So many laughs and smiles.
Jade, NZ
What a wonderful place, and an awesome reminder of the important things in life. Makes me feel alive!
Jacs, NZ
A week beyond words - coming here with no idea of what to expect, and leaving with indelible memories of wonderful people (both Tamarillos and others), and beautiful places.
Simon, NZ
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