BULA welcome to your Fiji guide Discover another side of Kiwis’ favourite Pacific Islands
6 regions of Fiji ready to be explored
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
The quickest and easiest way to paradise Bula! Find your happiness in Fiji. Fiji is the heart of the South Pacific, blessed with 333 tropical islands ready to be discovered. This island paradise is New Zealand’s favourite South Pacific holiday destination, thanks to the friendly and welcoming locals, the idyllic tropical islands and white-sand beaches - and its diverse range of holiday experiences. Happiness will find you in Fiji - and it’s closer than you think. Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways fly direct to Nadi daily from Auckland and frequently from Christchurch and Wellington. Leave New Zealand in the morning and be enjoying a cocktail on the beach in the afternoon. It’s the quickest and easiest way to paradise! Whether you’re travelling on a budget, planning the ultimate family holiday or looking to splash out on a luxury escape, Fiji has a resort and holiday experience to suit you. Check out our fun quiz on the next page to discover which Fiji region, activities and holiday is right for you. Read on to find happiness and be inspired to take a holiday in Fiji. Vinaka and warm wishes from the beautiful islands of Fiji. www.fiji.travel
Index Find your happiest place
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Nadi & Denarau
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Coral Coast
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Mamanuca Islands
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Yasawa Islands
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Pacific Harbour
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Savusavu & Taveuni
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Find your happiest place
YES
What kind of Fiji holiday best suits you? Follow the YES and NO pathways to craft an experience that’s custom-made for you.
START YOUR HOLIDAY HERE
I plan to travel with...
YES
I’m happy to take boat transfers
NO
...my children
OR
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... my partner and/or friends
YES
YES
I just want to fly ‘n’ flop
NO NO Adrenaline buzz! That’s what I’m looking for * This is a fun quiz to help guide you to find the best Fiji holiday for your needs. This is based on general characteristics of the regions.
Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
I’m travelling with young children
Mamanuca Islands - page 8
YES
Paradise for all: watersports, picnicking on a private beach and activities for all ages.
NO Yasawa Islands - page 9 Mountainous peaks, crystal-clear waters and fine white sand – these islands are sure to impress.
I’m travelling with cultural explorers
YES NO
NO I dream of a small island resort holiday
Coral Coast - page 7 In the cultural capital of Fiji, jetboat up the river to local villages, play golf or visit local markets.
Nadi & Denarau - page 6 The South Pacific’s top resorts offer fine cuisine, day tours to islands and plenty of time by the pool.
NO
NO
YES I’m happy to take an internal connecting flight
YES
YES
Savusavu & Taveuni - page 11 Fiji’s best-kept secrets – the hidden paradise of Savusavu and the garden island of Taveuni.
Pacific Harbour - page 10 Shark diving, whitewater rafting, hiking though jungle and more… an adrenaline junkie’s dream.
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Nadi & Denarau What better place to get the Fiji feel than Nadi? Walk down Main Street with the latest Hindi or Fijian music playing from every storefront; grab a table at a café or restaurant and taste Fijian, Indian, Chinese or Western dishes; browse the handicraft markets; take time out among the exotic flowers at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant or in the bright, colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple. Denarau Island, only 10km west, is laden with stylish resorts with heavenly pools and designer suites. After dark, you’ll relish the finest in local seafood and produce, cooked by internationally famous chefs, hip cocktails and buzzing nightlife.
Why you’d go For your first taste of the famed Fijian hospitality, and much more. Nadi is a bustling and vibrant city. Nearby Denarau Island boasts 5-star international resorts, restaurants, bars and activities, and is the jumping-off point for day trips and cruises to other island groups such as the Yasawas and Mamanucas. Photo: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
What’ll keep you here
Locals say... come here to eat Fiji’s finest food
Bustling, multicultural Nadi is the main hub for international travellers. Nadi has a good selection of shops selling clothing, books, jewellery and souvenirs and a wide range of places to eat and drink, no matter your tastes or budget. You’ll find a mix of traditional Fijian, Indian, Chinese and Western dishes.
• Taste the traditional rourou balls at Tu’s Place. • Enjoy Fijian, Indian and Chinese cuisine at Nadi’s famous farmer’s markets.
Denarau Island, on the main island of Viti Levu, is the largest integrated resort in the South Pacific. Less than 10km from Nadi, it boasts seven large resorts, stunning beaches and an 18-hole championship golf course. You’ll find an excellent range of accommodation, with the resorts offering family rooms, designer suites, stunning swimming pools and a wide range of restaurants. Whether you want to shop, have some adventure or experience some of the best dining Fiji has to offer, you’ll find it here. From both Nadi and Denarau you can take day trips to the nearby Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands - to laze on the sand, swim up to the cocktail bar, or get your adrenaline buzz from a jetski safari. Back in Nadi enjoy an action-packed quadbike bash or a giant zipline ride. For some culture, check out the bustling Nadi markets or the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. There’s more than enough to keep you and your travelling companions - young or not-soyoung - more than happy here.
• Take home pickles, chutneys, teas, handmade cards and handicrafts from Friend Fiji. 10 • Learn to cook Fijian favourites at Flavours of Fiji Cooking School.
Getting here Couldn’t be easier. Your flight will land at Nadi. Denarau is a 20-minute transfer away.
Photo: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Coral Coast Why you’d go For the best of both worlds. The Coral Coast is both a well-established tourist destination and a cultural mecca, offering the chance to visit many villages along the way. Golf, beach life and diving are there for the taking, but for travellers who seek a more authentic experience, many villages operate home stays.
What’ll keep you here Yes, you can do everything that you can do at many other destinations - dine in style or at a local café; swim, snorkel and surf; play a championship golf course. But only on the Coral Coast can you bargain with a local at Sigatoka Markets - whether it’s for the variety of tropical fruits, root crops and spices, seafood or home-made produce such as honey, coconut oil, tamarind paste and chutney, or coral and pearl trinkets. Sigatoka Valley is “Fiji’s Salad Bowl” - take a tour to see the villages of Lawai and Nakabuta, whose residents welcome guests and offer handicrafts and pottery for sale. The drive continues past Nakbuta on a steep, narrow road with panoramic views, then drops to the valley floor. Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, with dunes reaching heights of 60m, is worth a visit for its wild beauty, excellent walks and archeological treasures. On a Sigatoka River Safari, you’ll be transported deep into the heart and soul of Fiji, experiencing a day in the life, history, customs and legends of the real ‘kaiviti’ (Fijian).
Protected by its large fringing reef, the Coral Coast is an 80km stretch of beaches and bays between Nadi and Suva. It offers the full resort experience and the chance to visit authentic villages. From a fisherman selling his day’s catch on the roadside, to bargaining with a local at the Sigatoka Market, enjoy Fijian charm in this region.
Getting here The Coral Coast region is about 1-3 hours drive from Nadi International Airport. Most resorts make airport pickups and public buses run many times a day between Nadi and Suva.
Photo:Sigatoka River Safari
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So, too, Kula Wild Adventure Park. Fiji’s only wildlife park features native flora and timber trees, towering above the valley floor, filtering the sunlight and enabling an enjoyable walk through the cool forest to hear the call of barking pigeons and the shrill of honeyeaters. The Park is a breeding facility for endangered native wildlife like the peregrine falcon, ground frog and crested iguana.
Locals say... get a taste of Fiji’s culture Photo:Kula Wild Adventure Park
• Buy seasonal fruit - mango, pawpaw, pineapples and more - from a roadside stall at Momi Junction.
Photo:Fiji Zipline, Momi Bay
• Nibble hot corn at Vatukarasa village near the Baravi handicraft centre.
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• Create your own unique glass artwork at Hot Glass Fiji. • Browse for fine arts and handicraft at Namana Arts Gallery. • Get up early to experience the hustle and bustle of Sigatoka markets.
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Mamanuca Islands Fiji’s most popular group of islands, visible from Nadi: 20 palm-fringed islands, featuring white-sand beaches and coral gardens and home to some of the country’s most exclusive resorts. The fantastic range of watersports, surfing, diving, boating, spa and other activities means visitors will enjoy fun-filled days and balmy, romantic evenings.
Getting here The Mamanucas can be seen from the Nadi coastline, so it’s easy to get there by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Denarau. Local resorts have their own transfers, too.
This is the Fiji you see in your dreams: palmfringed beaches, plenty of water activities and a cold drink waiting for you at the end of the day. The islands are movie stars in their own right think Cast Away and Survivor: Fiji. It’s all about getting wet - for the active, these islands offer parasailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, famous dives such as the Big W and Gotham City. Some of the best surf breaks in the world are located in the Mamanucas and that’s why they’re home to the annual Fiji Pro event. 10
Why you’d go Why wouldn’t you? This chain of islands are only a short boat trip from Port Denarau making it a convenient island destination from the mainland. Stunning resorts for all budgets are matched with breathtaking white-sand beaches. Staying here is all about exploring the water - and in the evenings, there’s plenty of night life for young or old, party animals or a family on holiday.
What’ll keep you here
Locals say... try out some Kids’ Club activities • Learn about the endangered hawksbill turtles at Treasure Island. • Make your own traditional Fijian shell necklace. • Tie-dye your very own T-shirt. • Wonder at the marvels of nature - see how coral grows. • Splash around at Plantation Island’s water park.
For those who come here to relax, there’s Cloud 9 - the floating bar and pizzeria in mid-ocean - or a private picnic on a sand cay. Most resorts provide kids’ clubs that’ll keep the younger ones entertained.
Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Yasawa Islands Getting here Quick-cat from Port Denarau daily providing a drop off service to the Yasawa resorts. Boat transfer is three to four hours. Or a 20 minute seaplane trip.
There are 15 words in the Fijian language meaning Heaven and ‘Yasawa’ is the first. The islands northwest of Nadi make up one of the most spectacular regions in the country. Some 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands. The Yasawas cater to those who prefer tropical serenity and access to Fijian culture, adventure and nature.
What’ll keep you here Being there is the experience. While there are luxury resorts, the Yasawas are better known for backpacking (dorms, share rooms) and flashbacking (2-3 star villas or bures). In season, visitors can swim alongside manta rays and dive with sharks; snorkelling and kayaking are year-round watersports. The Yasawas offer unparalleled sailing and cruises; moor at a different island every day to swim, fish, visit villages and meet the locals over a Lovo (earth oven), or just relax on your own secluded beach or cove. The Sawa-i-lau underwater caves are a must-see: you’ll be guided by friendly Fijians to explore the secrets within the ancient limestone formations. Those up for more excitement can swim into a magnificent cavern through an underwater tunnel.
Why you’d go Paradise with an ocean view. In this farflung group of volcanic islands, with far more than their fair share of sunshine, white sandy beaches and startling blue water, you’ll revel in the break from civilisation.
Locals say... get out and see Fiji from air or sea • Cruise in style on a Blue Lagoon 3, 4 or 7 day cruise. • Fly in and splash down on a Pacific Island Air seaplane. • Take your time on Captain Cook Cruises’ luxurious 7-night voyage. • See the sights on a day cruise aboard the Yasawa Island Explorer quick-cat.
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Pacific Harbour Action and adventure: that’s why many people come to Pacific Harbour. Shark dives, 4WD safaris and whitewater rafting are great ways to get the adrenaline flowing. For something more laidback there’s an excellent arts village featuring food and crafts, or experience the famous firewalking ceremony.
Why you’d go Getting here
Photo:The Pearl Resort
Pacific Harbour is less than an hour’s drive from Suva. There are frequent bus services or you can catch a taxi. Transfer companies offer services from Nadi - or rent a car and enjoy the drive.
Photo:Rivers Fiji
Photo:Aquatrek
Locals say... check out the capital while you are close • Take a day trip to Suva, less than an hour away. • Feel the beating heart of Suva - join the locals at the flea, fish and produce markets. • Pamper yourself: find natural coconut potions, lotions and perfumes at Pure Fiji factory.
Unpack your adrenaline! It’s the place to take on activities to kick your heart into overdrive or chill with a fishing line and your golf clubs. Accommodation ranges from budget backpackers to some of Fiji’s fanciest resorts.
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What’ll keep you here There are only a couple of places on this planet 10 where divers can go eye-to-eye with tiger sharks - one is Cathedral, Beqa Lagoon. If getting so close to sharks that you can almost touch them - and vice-versa - is a tad scary, you can snorkel and dive among garish fish and coral. Inland, hit the water with a splash on a whitewater river rafting trip; on terra firma, have a scream on a four-wheel drive safari; in the skies, get a rush on eight giant ziplines ripping through forests and river valleys with breathtaking views of the Pacific stretching before you.
• Indulge yourself: lunch at the iconic, centuryold Grand Pacific Hotel, built for royalty. • Hit the streets: download a Suva self-guided walking tour and get out there. • Come face-to-face with 3700 years of indigenous culture at Suva Museum.
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Bula. Welcome to your Fiji guide
Savusavu & Taveuni Why you’d go From the rainforest to the reef, Taveuni Island and Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, are your places for the world’s best soft coral dive and snorkelling sites, hiking, experiencing true Fijian culture - or just soaking up the sun. Savusavu is surrounded by mountains, rivers and waterfalls - go tubing down the Sekawa river, plunge into cool waterfalls or hike through the rainforest. Visit hot springs where locals often cook their meals in boiling water, and bathe in warm mud pools nearby.
Getting here Fiji Link flies from Nadi to Savusavu and Taveuni daily, from Suva to Savusavu twice-weekly. Several smaller airlines also offer flights.
“Fiji’s hidden paradise”, Savusavu is home to authentic restaurants, eclectic watering holes and a busy market – and the gateway to the avenue of palm trees, blue bays and old plantations that is the 112km Hibiscus Highway. “Fiji’s Garden Island”, Taveuni is part-prehistoric jungle - palms, monster ferns and tropical wildflowers, a magnet for colourful bird life – and, offshore, dazzling corals and diverse marine life.
Locals say... immerse yourself in nature • Stand with one foot in today and the other in tomorrow at the International Dateline, Taveuni.
Taveuni is an eco-tourist’s dream: its nature reserves harbour an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Offshore are dive sites such as Eel Reef and the Great White Wall, an amazing drop-off covered in white soft coral, Waitabu Marine Park teems with fish and coral. Bouma National Heritage Park offers hiking trails and world-class birdwatching.
• Immerse yourself in Fijian traditional culture at Somosomo village, Taveuni. • Trek through lush tropical rainforest to the magical Tavoro Waterfalls, Taveuni. •
What’ll keep you there Bouma National Heritage Park offers shortand long-haul tramping trails through the rainforest, home to more than 100 species of colourful and strident birds. Vatuwiri Plantation is a farm, wildlife reserve and eco-activity wonderland: horse treks, hikes to a dormant volcano and a 200-year-old fortified village, all contained on a cattle, vanilla and cocoa farm. Around Savusavu, hike through Wasali Nature Reserve, tour the Snake Temple, dive or snorkel amongst coral, or get up close with the local dolphins.
Get wet’n’wild on a tube trip down the enchanting Sekawa River, Savusavu.
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