Make the most of your time in Fiji with this tried and tested itinerary. After travelling around New Zealand I spent a long weekend in Fiji before travelling back to the UK
Why visit Fiji?
Fiji is a destination on many people’s bucket list. Idyllic white sand beaches, aqua blue waters and island life is dreamy. And it did not disappoint. You can fly direct from Auckland (New Zealand) to Nadi (Fiji) in 3 hours straight up towards the equator for warm South Pacific weather.
Where to stay
As I only had 4 days in Fiji I based myself in Nadi on the mainland and did day trips to smaller islands from there. If I had more time I would recommend doing a tour of islands that are further away. As a female solo backpacker I recommend Smugglers Cove in Nadi. It’s a hotel that also has a couple of dormitory rooms. The dorms were popular with backpackers who would stay one night before going on a tour of the islands. You can book trips and taxis directly from reception and there are restaurants, a shop and bars nearby and you’re right on the beach. I booked through Booking.Com as I knew I could amend my booking if my plans changed.
What to do
Day One: On my first day I checked into my hostel and spent the afternoon on Wailoaloa Beach. Although this beach isn’t the best in Fiji it was cool to see a black sand beach, it was clean and the water was so warm. You also get a cool view of The Sleeping Giant Mountain which really reminded me of the film Moana. That evening we went to The Hive bar (previously Ed’s) which was lots of fun and had a mixture of tourists and locals.
Day Two: Cloud 9 is a floating beach club in the middle of the ocean. You can do a day trip from Nadi which includes boat transfers to and from the club along with a tab to spent on cocktails and pizza. We had an amazing time. I would recommend going with a friend (or convincing a group at your hostel to go) as there aren’t many solo backpackers at this club. The music and atmosphere was great. After a cocktail I joined the others jumping off the top of the club and into the sea. Not only did we spot turtles a turtle came up to us when we were swimming at sunset.
Day Three: Another day, another boat trip. On my third day I went to Mamanuca Islands including Modriki island where the film Castaway with Tom Hanks was filmed. I definitely recommend the tour I booked as it was run by a local family who really looked after us. There were a few other solo travellers on this trip so it was easy to make friends and have a great time. There were 3 snorkelling stops and the coral reef was the most beautiful and colourful I’d ever seen.
Day Four: With a midday flight I spent my last morning in Fiji having another swim at Wailoaloa Beach. A long weekend in Fiji is definitely doable but I will certainly return for a longer stay.
Where and what to eat in Nadi, Fiji
We ate at Matasawa for breakfast and dinner every night as it was really affordable and had delicious local food. I had the fish lolo twice as it was so yummy, I’ve even tried cooking it at home since being back in the UK.