About The Park
About The Park
Founded in 1993, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park aims to protect the Dry Rainforest Ecosystem where the park is located and offer visitors the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Fiji's interior. While Fiji is known in large part for its beaches and corals, the interior of Fiji is a hidden gem and offers a unique lens to explore the true culture and nature of Fiji that has been immaculately preserved.
A Tragic History
Before Abaca Village was established, the old ancestral village in the Park was called Nagaga and was a large interior village with about 500 villagers living in the mountains above Lautoka. Unfortunately, on February 22nd, 1931, a landslide, or lutu ni qele destroyed the village during the night and left only three survivors. The three men who survived found the letters A-B-C carved into a stone where no human could have possibly reached near the village and named the new village Abaca after the letters. Over time, the villagers married and attracted relatives from the surrounding Vuda District and built the community that exists today. If you visit Abaca village, be sure to walk up to the Church, where a marker commemorates those who passed away and tells the story of the tragedy in the village.
Nature and Treks:
With three distinct hiking trails along with other activity areas, the Park has offerings for all fitness levels and time constraints. The two waterfall treks, Tunutunu and Savu-i-One, are 2 and 3 hours roundtrip respectively, and offer views along with the opportunity to swim and experience the Fijian rainforest. The park's largest and most difficult trek, the 4-hour hike to the summit of Mount Batilamu, Fiji's fourth highest peak, offers panoramic views over the Western side of Fiji and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island chains. It is the tallest mountain trek in Fiji that offers a 180-degree view of the ocean along with a birds-eye view over the entire Western side of the island.
The park also contains some of the rarest and most sought after bird species in Fiji, including the Masked Singing Parrot, Fiji Parrotfinch, Pacific Harrier, Red Avadavat, Fiji White-eye, and more rare birds. There are distinct forest ecosystems within the park based on location and elevation that contain different plants, animals, and scenery. As you explore the variety of treks within the park, there are signboards to explain the significance of these unique forests.
Cultural Heritage:
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Fiji by visiting to the traditional village of Abaca that looks after the park. Engage with local communities and experience Fijian customs, dance, and cuisine, including offerings such as Fijian lunches, and homestays that allow you to experience the Sevusevu, Fiji's traditional welcoming ceremony that involves bringing and drinking the yaqona root. Our guided tours provide insight into the history and traditions that have shaped the region, offering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between the land and its people.
Conservation Initiatives:
We take pride in our commitment to environmental stewardship. Koroyanitu National Heritage Park actively engages in conservation initiatives, working to protect endangered species and preserve the delicate ecosystems that make this region so special. This includes work with the World Bank's Jobs for Nature program, FRIEND Fiji, and the National Trust of Fiji who have been extremely valuable partners to both the Park and the village.
Visitor Information:
Our visitor center provides essential information, maps, and assistance to help you make the most of your visit. Camping facilities are available for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the park. We can also advise on trail conditions, help to schedule village lunches or homestays, and provide guides for those who wish to use them.
Supporting Local Communities:
By visiting Koroyanitu National Park, you contribute to the well-being of local communities. A portion of the proceeds goes directly towards supporting education, healthcare, and sustainable development initiatives in the nearby village of Abaca, which looks after the park as their ancestral land.