11 Mar 2024
Fiji 2024: Beaches are just the beginning
Blessed with 333 islands, dreamy beaches and famously friendly people, Fiji is the heart of the South Pacific. Make 2024 your year to discover everything this fascinating island nation has to offer.
Bula vinaka, hello and welcome!
While you might be tempted to spend your entire Fijian holiday lounging on a pristine white sand beach with azure water lapping at your toes, Fiji is in fact home to a plethora of exciting activities, attractions and destinations. Take a peak below at some of the more unusual things to do during your island escape.
We’ve put this list together with both couples and families in mind. Of course, Fiji naturally caters for every type of holiday, from the most romantic rendezvous you can imagine to full-on family fun, and everything else besides!
From cultural excursions to adrenalin rushes, secret island escapes to gastronomic adventures, there’s simply so much to choose from…
Two’s company – experiences for couples
Malamala Beach Club
Get the star treatment at Malamala Beach Club, located on its very own teeny-tiny island. Part of the Mamanuca island chain located west of Nadi, Malamala makes for a perfect day trip. Enjoy mouth-watering food and drinks, snorkel or paddle in crystal clear waters, treat yourself to a pampering massage, and live the dream of luxury island life.
Sawa-i-lau caves
Made famous by the Hollywood movie The Blue Lagoon, Sawa-i-lau Island’s star attraction lies hidden within its domed mountain. Here, a beautiful seawater pool glitters within a steep mountain cavern. If you’re feeling courageous, dive even deeper to find the hidden underwater entrance to a second, smaller pool. Located in the Yasawa Island chain, Sawa-i-lau Island’s buried treasure is a sight you’ll never forget.
Kanu | Chef’s Table Fiji
Multi-award-winning Chef Lance Seeto has put down roots in Fiji, where he’s created a gastronomic experience like no other. Part storytelling, part cooking class, part feast, Chef’s Table Fiji connects guests to a time, place and way of life long forgotten. Enjoy a 5-course degustation of the finest local Fijian produce as Chef Seeto takes you through his philosophy of food, ancestral diets and his own deeply personal story of redemption.
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Malamala Beach Club
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Ecotrax
Photo: Tourism Fiji
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Kanu | Chef’s Table Fiji
Photo: Brook Sabin
Family fun – ideas for younger travellers
Snorkelling
With a multitude of epic snorkelling sites, Fiji is a great place to introduce kids to the magic of the underwater world. From knee deep snorkelling off Fiji’s many white sand beaches to more adventurous swims with manta rays and other wildlife, the whole family will be inspired to take the plunge into the sea.
Ziplining
Experience Fiji’s amazing wilderness from a unique perspective. Choose from two locations featuring more than 7km of ziplines woven into a spectacular setting of caves, canyons and mountaintops. While an adrenalin rush is guaranteed, you’ll also learn about the ecology and culture of Fiji on these guided adventures. Kids can ride solo or tandem with mum or dad.
Sigatoka River Safari
Swap roads for water for a unique look at Fiji. The half-day Sigatoka River Safari takes you deep into the heart and soul of Fiji aboard a custom-built safari jet boat. Wind your way up the lush Sigatoka River, visit authentic Fijian villages and experience a day in the life of the real 'kaiviti' (Fijian). You might even pass some local school kids ‘floating’ their way to school!
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Ziplining
Photo: Brook Sabin
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Snorkelling
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Sigatoka River Safari
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Sigavou Studios
Fijian faves – highlights for everyone
VOU HUB
The VOU HUB is the first artist owned and run venue in Fiji. Its 450 seat theatre hosts high quality Fijian performing arts shows, including Fiji Untold and the Island Adventure kids’ show. Discover inspiring characters including the Mystical Giant Women, Octopus Gods and a Shape Shifting Iguana spirit. Blending contemporary and traditional song and dance, VOU HUB performances will deepen your appreciation and connection with Fiji.
Ecotrax
Located in the Cuvu villages about an hour’s drive south of Nadi you’ll find another uniquely moving Fiji experience. At Ecotrax you’ll ride an e-bike ‘carriage’ called a Velocipede along a historic sugar cane railway through beautiful changing scenery including rivers, rain forest, coastline and villages. Chill out for an hour on a pristine beach before heading back to base. A guide will be with you to take you through the sights, and the electric function means you’re free to pedal or simply sit back and cruise!
Sigavou Studios Art Tour
Unleash your inner artist at Sigavou Studios. Made up of a studio and showroom, Sigavou Studios is the home of bold and colourful Pacific works by local artist Maria W Rova. Join the ‘Colours of Fiji’ tour for a hands-on experience where you’ll have the chance to make your own artwork. Discover local art, learn about traditional Fijian masi craft and take a little island-inspired creativity home with you!
As you can see, there’s much more to a Fijian holiday than lazing on the beach (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) Make sure you plan and book ahead for 2024, so you can enjoy the full variety of experiences Fiji has to offer.
Award-winning airline Fiji Airways offers direct flights to Fiji from Christchurch, increasing from three times a week to four times a week from 3 June 2024, meaning a weekend island escape has never been easier! Your holiday begins as soon as you step onboard, with friendly ‘Bula’ smiles ready to welcome you to the Pacific Island nation renowned for its greeting. If you’re looking for a dual destination holiday or an adventure further afield, Fiji’s national carrier also flies direct to 26 destinations across the globe.