Gau

Gau (also known as Ngau) is an island in Fiji's Lomaiviti archipelago, located at 18.00° S and 179.30° E. It covers 136.1 km², making it the fifth-largest island in Fiji, with a maximum elevation of 738 m and a population of 2,185 at the 2017 census. The island has 16 villages including Sawaieke (the chiefly village), Levuka-i-Gau, Nawaikama, and Somosomo. Most residents live near the coast. Gau is widely regarded among Fijians as producing some of the best kava (yaqona) in the country. The island is also internationally significant as the primary nesting site for the critically endangered Fiji petrel. About 55% of Gau is covered in dense rainforest. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from November to April and a drier, cooler season from May to October.

By Plane

Gau Airport (NGI) is located at Lovu on the southern tip of the island. Fiji Link operates flights from Nausori International Airport (SUV) near Suva. Flight time is approximately 30 minutes.

By Train

By Car / Road

There are no vehicle-ferry services specifically to Gau. Most inter-island cargo vessels accept passengers; services are irregular from Suva and Levuka. The island has a coast road connecting villages, but travel between villages is often by sea.

Walking is the primary way to get around within villages. A coastal road links many communities and can be traversed by foot or bicycle. For travel between the northern and southern villages, small boats are commonly used.

• Gau Highlands Important Bird Area — Covering 5,200 hectares of forested interior, this is the nesting habitat of the critically endangered Fiji petrel. Birdwatching is exceptional.

• Nawaikama hot springs — Natural hot springs located near Nawaikama village on the eastern coast.

• Sawaieke village — The chiefly village of Gau, with traditional Fijian architecture and cultural significance.

• Ridge thicket cloud forest — A unique low-growing cloud forest ecosystem found on Gau's central ridge, characterised by tree ferns and endemic palms.

• Birdwatching — Gau is the world's best place to see the Fiji petrel. Also present are the shy ground-dove and collared petrel.

• Hiking — Trails through the rainforest interior offer views of the central highlands and the coast.

• Kava tasting — Gau is famous for its high-quality yaqona; visitors can learn about traditional cultivation and preparation.

• Snorkelling — The fringing reefs around Gau offer clear water and coral gardens.

• Village homestay meals — Fijian staples such as fish, dalo, cassava, and fresh coconut are the main fare.
• Seasonal fruits — Tropical fruits including mangoes, papayas, and breadfruit are abundant when in season.
• Seafood — Reef fish and shellfish are daily staples for coastal villages.

Gau is renowned for its kava (yaqona), considered among the finest in Fiji. Bottled water is recommended; rainwater and village wells are the primary sources.

• Budget: Village guesthouses in Nawaikama, Somosomo, and Sawaieke offer basic accommodation from around FJ$40–60 per night. Advance arrangement is essential.
• Mid-range: A limited number of eco-lodges may offer more comfortable stays; enquire through Suva-based tour operators.

Local produce is sold at roadside stalls and village markets. Gau's famous kava is available for purchase in dried root form. Handicrafts are limited; bring supplies from Suva.

• Koro Island (35 km north, by boat) — Volcanic island with resorts and the traditional turtle-calling ceremony.
• Batiki (15 km northwest) — Small island with a traditional Fijian lifestyle.
• Nairai (20 km northeast) — Neighbouring Lomaiviti island with a compact community.
• Levuka / Ovalau (by ferry via Natovi) — Fiji's historic former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Suva (by air from Gau Airport, 30 min flight) — National capital.