Korovou

Korovou is a village in Tailevu Province on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji, approximately 31 km from Nausori. Its name literally means "New Village" in the Fijian language. Korovou is considered the centre of Fiji's dairy industry, established at the end of the First World War by British settlers on land donated by Fijian chiefs. Descendants of the original settlers still operate several dairy farms, while others sold their land to Indo-Fijian investors in the late 1960s. The village gained national attention during the 2000 Fijian coup when supporters of George Speight stormed the local police station and took hostages. Korovou has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round; the wetter season runs November–April and the drier season May–October.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Nausori International Airport (SUV), about 31 km southwest of Korovou. A taxi from the airport costs around FJ$40–60.

By Car / Road

Korovou is on Kings Road, the main highway along the eastern coast of Viti Levu. Driving from Suva takes about 45 minutes (50 km). From Nausori, the drive is about 30 minutes (31 km). Minibuses running between Suva and northern destinations pass through Korovou regularly; fares are around FJ$5–8 from Suva.

Korovou is a small village easily walkable on foot. For travel to nearby farms and Natovi Landing, a private vehicle or shared taxi is recommended.

• Dairy farms — The surrounding pastoral landscape is dotted with dairy farms that supply much of Fiji's fresh milk. The green rolling hills are picturesque.

• Natovi Landing — A port about 6 km from Korovou, used by ferries crossing to Ovalau and Vanua Levu. It is a working ferry terminal with harbour views.

• Tailevu countryside — The area around Korovou features rural Fijian landscapes, with small villages, cattle pastures, and tropical vegetation.

• Visit the dairy farms — Some farms welcome visitors to see milking operations and learn about Fiji's dairy history.

• Ferry trip to Ovalau — From nearby Natovi Landing, catch a ferry to the historic island of Ovalau and Levuka, Fiji's former capital.

• Scenic drives — Drive north along Kings Road for coastal and rural views of eastern Viti Levu.

• Farm-stay meals — A few dairy farms offer farm-to-table meals featuring fresh milk, butter, and local produce.
• Korovou general store — Basic snacks and drinks are available; for a wider selection, travellers continue to Suva or Nausori.
• Roadside produce stalls — Seasonal fruits and vegetables are sold by farmers along Kings Road.

Fresh milk from Korovou's dairy farms is a highlight. Kava (yaqona) is consumed in village settings. Bottled water is recommended for visitors.

• Budget: Basic rooms may be arranged at village guesthouses in the Korovou area through local contacts, with rates from around FJ$30–50 per night. Inquire at the village headman's office.
• Mid-range: The closest formal accommodation is in Nausori (30 min drive), where several motels and lodges offer rooms from FJ$80–120.
• Farm stays: A few dairy farms in the Korovou district offer simple farm-stay accommodation for visitors interested in rural life; book in advance through Suva-based tour operators.

Roadside stalls in and around Korovou sell fresh milk, cream, and dairy products directly from local farms. Small general stores in the village carry basic groceries and household items.

• Nausori (31 km, 30 min) — Airport town on the Rewa River.
• Levuka / Ovalau (via Natovi ferry, 1 hr crossing) — Fiji's first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic port town.
• Suva (50 km, 45 min) — National capital with museums, markets, and cultural attractions.
• Natovi Landing (6 km, 10 min) — Ferry terminal and departure point for the Lomaiviti Islands.
• Vanua Levu (via overnight ferry from Natovi) — Fiji's second-largest island, with Savusavu and Labasa.