Fiji Travel Market by HIS

Mamanuca Islands Group

Set among deep blue waters with fringing coral reefs of turquoise and pastel green, the Mamanuca (pronounced Ma-ma noo tha) island group is a paradise of eye-popping reefs and sand-fringed isles shared by traditional Fijian villages and modern island resorts. The arc shaped Mamanuca chain is situated well inside the outer reef whose protective barrier creates ideal conditions for boating, scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-based activities.

The Mamanuca Islands and the islands of Nadi Bay offer tourists some of Fiji's most outstanding island beauty and are home to a range of resorts that are as different as they are unique. Top it off; the Mamanucas also lie in a weather belt boasting the South Pacific's highest "sunshine factor".

There are about 20 islands in the group, basking in a large lagoon formed by the Malolo Barrier Reef and Viti Levu. The Mamanucas are movie stars, Fiji's glittering jet set, forever photographed and feted, valued for their natural beauty.

Highlights of the region:

Snorkel in azure water straight from the beach. Dive among big fish and harmless sharks. The annual regatta is a magnet for yachts from all over the world. A range of beach, water land activities are organized through the resorts' activities desk.

Yasawa Islands Group

The Yasawa Islands are a chain of sixteen large islands, stretching ninety (90) kilometers in north-northeast direction, roughly thirty-five (35) kilometers off the west coast of Viti Levu. In the lee of Viti Levu, the Yasawas are dry and sunny, with beautiful, isolated beaches, cliffs, bays and reefs.

The Yasawas are famous for crystal blue lagoons and some of the Pacific's most ethereal beaches. The islands have white sandy beaches and crystalline waters, lush tropical rainforests and soaring volcano peaks that attract fresh tropical rain. The Yasawas are accessed daily from Port Denarau and Lautoka by fast catamaran and resort water taxis; or seaplane and helicopter from Nadi.

Clear blue waters with white sandy beaches and extensive fringing reefs and reef lagoons. The rugged islands provide a backdrop to this spectacular imagery. The rain shadow effect of Viti Levu from the prevailing moist south easterlies provides low rainfall and many sunny days.

Entertainment includes resort activities, village visits (for meke and lovos), sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, trekking and visits to Sawa-i-lau caves.

The Yasawa Islands offer a great range of backpacking properties with their own unique attractions, cultural activities, picture perfect beaches, authentic Fijian food, amazing birdlife and world class scuba diving. There is also a wonderful selection of accommodation ranging from budget to unique five star resorts. The peace and tranquility, combined with the generosity and warmth of the local people make the Yasawas a very special and authentic travel experience and introduction to the real Fiji.

Cruise Ships and Yachting

The Yasawas also have regular small luxury cruise ship visits (Blue Lagoon and Captain Cook).

Cruising Yachts

The Yasawas have long been a destination for cruising yachts. These yachts are usually sailing around or across the pacific and spend from a month or often longer independently cruising Fiji's waters. A cruising permit needs to be obtained from Fijian Affairs and yachts are required to advise local villages of their presence and offer 'sevusevu' or gift. The Blue lagoon is a very protected anchorage and during the winter months becomes very popular with up to 30 or more yachts anchored near Nanuya. Many yachts anchor at Waya and other islands.

Transport Linkages

International Links

Nadi International Airport on nearby Viti Levu with the many international flights daily provides the key international transport linkage for tourists visiting the Yasawas.

Viti Levu-Yasawas Links

The main transport linkage is awesome adventures "Yasawa Flyer" with daily return trips (maximum 250 passengers) stopping over at many accommodation properties from Kuata through Nanuya from Denarau. Other linkages are by seaplane flights to Nanuya Lailai, Tavewa, Nacula, and Yaqeta. Yasawa Island Lodge has its own airstrip. The Waya and Kuata resorts offer their own transfers using smaller longboat style vessels.

Vanua Levu Island

Vanua Levu is the second largest island of the Fiji archipelago and has the second largest population. With an area of 5,587sq km, it is just over half the size of Viti Levu and 18% of the country’s total population.

Savusavu

Savusavu is one of the fastest growing towns as well as a unique and distinctive tourism destination in Fiji. It is small and quaint with a heritage yet bustling small town quality. Savusavu Town is nestled on a peninsula, which divides Savusavu Bay from the Koro Sea and is the main tourist destination for Vanua Levu. Savusavu’s slogan is “the Hidden Paradise”. The landscape here is scenic with many bays, rainforests and coconut groves.

Savusavu was once a caldera and the area still has lots of geothermal activity, with hot springs near wharf and vents of steam along the water’s edge. These hot springs have put Savusavu on the world’s tourist map.

The main attraction for most travelers to Savusavu is its reefs. There are good dive sites at the entrance and within Savusavu Bay, and along the coast towards Taveuni.

The Hibiscus Highway is scenic, running from Savusavu town to the road’s end at Darigala, passing sprawling copra estates, colonial-style homesteads, villages and forests. Towards the end of the Hibiscus Highway is the Tunuloa or Natewa Peninsula.

This area is renowned for bird-watching, hiking or for exploration by bus for 4WD. The silktail, a rare bird listed as one of the world’s endangered species is found only on this peninsula and on Taveuni.

South of Buca Bay, at the south-eastern end of Vanua Levu, Dakuniba Village where petrogliphs on boulders can be found in a creek bed nearby. Similar alphabetic rock inscriptions are also found in the Sawa-i-lau Caves in the Yasawas. Nukubolu Forest and Archaeological Park and Waisali Forest Park are tourist attractions managed by the community.

Transport Linkages

Flights and Ferry

Savusavu airport services flights from Nadi, Suva and Taveuni. Labasa airport services flights from Nadi and Suva. Savusavu has two ‘marinas’ with small wharves and buoy moorings for yachts. There are also return ferry trips from Suva to Savusavu. There is 73km of sealed road between Savusasvu and Labasa, and the road between Savusavu to Nabouwalu is approximately 130km.

For more information please visit Savusavu Tourism Association website.

Taveuni Island

Taveuni is Fiji’s third largest island with 42km long and 10km wide situated 9km from southeast of Vanua Levu. It is known as the “Garden Island of Fiji” for its dense and verdant rainforest and exotic flora and fauna. The island’s main source of income is agriculture, mostly dalo (taro) and to a lesser extent copra and kava crops, but it is increasingly relying on tourism.

Ecotourism and diving are the main attractions of tourists to Taveuni. The island’s natural beauty both under and above water, is popular with divers, bushwalkers and nature lovers. Its rugged geography has hindered farming, leaving forests and wildlife relatively intact. The people of Taveuni are committed in conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the island.

The unique natural and cultural heritage is a major draw card for tourism in Taveuni. Taveuni is a destination for tourists looking for nature-based experiences beyond sun, sand and sea of the other islands.

Bouma Forest Park is community managed that is aiming to be on the World Heritage List. It offers Waitabu Marine Area for snorkellers, mountain and coastal walking treks, waterfalls and so on. Additionally, Taveuni has magnificent diving spots, beautiful white sandy beaches and panoramic views around the island.

Waters off Qamea and adjacent islands feature world famous dive spots such as the White Wall, the Purple Wall and the Yellow Wall. There are several villages on Qamea and the abundance of tropical marine life makes the waters around Taveuni a fisherman’s heaven.

There are a few sites of archeological interest on Taveuni, including the remains of the old Vuna village hill fortification in the south near Vuna Point. According to local lore, the Paramount Chief ? Tui Vuna, who was originally from Moturiki near Ovalau, presided there.

Transport Linkages

Flights

Matei airport services flights from Nadi, Suva and Savusavu. The main road on the island runs through Matei airport and is approximately 65km long. An existing air strip on Laucala Island is used to service its resort guests. Domestic ferries from Suva, Koro, Buca and Savusavu operate to Taveuni.

Coral Coast Area

The Coral Coast stretches along the beaches of Fiji's main island linking Natadola in the West to Waidroka Bay in the East. It has one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world. Dotted with stunning white beaches and ringed by a turquoise coral reef and a deep blue Pacific Ocean the Queens Highway meanders through stunning scenery, Fijian villages, sugar cane fields and lush hills.

This is where you will find a host of award winning resorts, hotels, villas, and backpacker accommodation. In fact the best of every accommodation option can be found on the Coral Coast catering to every pocket and every vacation dream. Weddings, honeymoons, relaxing getaways, family holidays, adventure - the Coral Coast has it all.

On the banks of the Sigatoka river is Sigatoka town (sunny place), a place where locals and tourists blend to eat, shop and socalize. In the central marketplace, farmers barter and trade their fruit, vegetables and kava and shelter under colourful umbrellas maramas (women) display fresh water mussels in hand-woven coconut leaf baskets. Sigatoka town is also home to many of Fiji's most famous shops offering a high quality range of handicrafts, home wares, souvenirs, fashion and jewellery.

Relax and participate in resort based activities, indulge in a luxury spa or enjoy village visits, diving, snorkelling, surfing, jungle treks, river rafting and more.

The Coral Coast - Perfect in Every Way

Transport Linkages

Roads

Queens Road is the major link connecting the Coral Coast to the major cities on Viti Levu - Suva, Lami. Navua, Pacific Harbour, Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka and both international airports. Air-conditioned coaches and taxis service the Queens Road daily. Rental cars and motor scooters are also available and can be arranged to be picked up at most hotels.

Helicopters

The majority of the larger hotels have helipads that are serviced on a charter basis by Island Hoppers.

Sigatoka Valley

Known as the 'salad bowl' of Fiji, you can find cereals, vegetables, fruits, peanuts and sugar cane farms in this fertile river valley. Much of the produce is sold in the municipal markets and vegetables such as eggplant, chilli, okra and root crops like dalo, tavioka and yams are exported.

Pacific Harbour

Pacific Harbour is the "Adventure Capital of Fiji" and is two and a half hour drive from Nadi Airport by the scenic 'Coral Coast' road and only 45 minutes from Suva. Pacific Harbour offers the widest range of activities and adventures of anywhere in the South Seas. The action-packed range of activities from an 18-hole championship golf course, white water rafting the Navua River, surfing, game fishing, scuba diving in majestic Beqa Lagoon, the longest Zip-line in the Southern Hemisphere and for the truly adventurous Bull Shark feeding. For the less active you can walk, or just lie, on the beach.

Transport Linkages

Taunovo Bay Airport

Charted flights by Pacific Sun Airlines services the newly opened, Taunovo Bay Airport from Nadi. Flight duration is about 20 minutes. Helicopters by Island Hoppers also efficiently service several resorts in the Pacific Harbour.

Roads

Queens Road is another major linkage connecting Pacific Harbour to cities and towns on Viti Levu. The highway runs along the southern coast of Viti Levu and is the main link between Suva, Lami, Navua, Pacific Harbour, Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka.

Several coaches and buses run daily from Nadi to Pacific Harbour, en-route to Suva with pickup from most resorts on the way. Bookings can be made at Nadi International Airport or at tour desks of most resorts. Local buses are also available at the bus stations in main cities and towns for a more unique and economical source of transportation.

Ports and Marinas

The Pacific Harbour Jetty is located beside The Pearls South Pacific Resort & Spa and is the main linkage to Beqa Island, Beqa Lagoon and Royal Davui.

Suva Area

Suva - the Capital of Fiji, was developed in the late 1800's and retains much of the character of the colonial period. Its many attractions include shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, markets, a museum and sightseeing tours. You can enjoy a walk around the central city area, which will uncover numerous surprises. The Roman Catholic Cathedral is a Suva landmark and a leisurely stroll down Victoria Parade (the main avenue) will take you past an array of restaurants, clothing and book stores as well as banks and airline offices.

Here you'll see the blending of traditional, early 20th century South Pacific buildings juxtaposed with modern high-rise structures. Towards the end of the Parade are the Government Buildings, which open on to Albert Park and Thurston Gardens. A short bus or cab ride south toward Suva Point will take you to the architecturally striking Parliament Buildings. Suva has accommodation to suit business traveller's families and backpackers.

Highlights of the region:

Fiji Museum. City sights include fine colonial buildings, sea wall walks, Government Buildings, bustling city markets, the Suva yacht Club, the Fiji Golf course, National sports stadium and gymnasium hosted events, hiking trip with the Rucksack Club. Nightlife includes cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

Denarau Island

Denarau Island is a Fiji tourism institution. With more than 8 major hotel options including world recognisable names such as Sheraton, Sofitel, Radisson, Hilton, and Westin among others, Denarau offers a standard of service that can be trusted for savvy international travelers. There are other major amenities that make Denarau Island the leader for room counts in Fiji's. If golf is your game, you'll certainly enjoy the championship caliber course at the Golf and Racquet facility which also houses impressive tennis options including spectacular grass courts.

Denarau Golf Club is one of Fiji’s more expensive; however, the course is superb. It offers long, flat, and open fairways with several water hazards and beautiful coconut trees. The scenic view may get in your way and make you drive in the wrong direction as your eyes may divert to the blue waters of the sea or the majestic mountains. The course is a par 72 with championship fees. It encompasses 4 par threes, 4 par fives, and 10 par fours. The longest hole is the 14th hole at 516 meters and the shortest par 3 is the 17th hole at 158 meters known as the signature hole. The South Pacific's premier championship course is in the heart of the resort island of Denarau, home of Sheraton Fiji Resorts. Landscaped with giant coconut palms it features water hazards on 15 of the 18 holes making it a 'thinking' golf course.

The Marina at Denarau port provides Fiji's finest off-resort dining and shopping experience. The eclectic dining options include steak, seafood, Indian and even a Hard Rock Cafe. There are plenty of other food choices to consider while working up a hunger walking around the premium shops and handicraft retailers. The Port Denarau Marina is the main departure point for the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands and is located on Denarau Island. This fast developing marina complex is the centre of yachting activity in Fiji. Denarau Marina has Fiji's newest haul out facility and provides the latest up to date equipment. It has 5 jetties: 1 fixed and 4 floating. The marina can accommodate super yachts up to a maximum of 64 metres and 100 smaller yachts. Up to 11 cruise boats can be accommodated. Ancillary facilities include tour desks, a convenience store, laundry, fuel depot and public washrooms.

Denarau Island is also the lunching pad to many of Fiji's island resort and activity options. A very close proximity to Nadi airport only adds to the value of Denarau's long list of special features. When looking for established and renowned service providers, Denarau will surely be one of your most highly considered options.

Nadi Area

As Fiji's airport town, Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is where most visitors hear their first BULA. The colorful marketplace, located only a few minutes drive from the airport, features yaqona stalls, homemade souvenirs and local culture. Nadi is also the gateway to the Mamanuca Group where you will find exquisite island resorts as well as laid back surfer camps and budget accommodation. Nadi is where you'll find the most visitor facilities in Fiji and, of course, the greatest number of souvenir shops and it's also known for an ancient therapy mud bath at the Sabeto's Outback.

Traditionally the gateway to Fiji, the Nadi Corridor comprises the western side of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu commencing from Vuda Point, Nadi Town, Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Airport, Martintar, Denarau Island, Korovuto, Momi Bay to Natadola. Effectively this region falls under the two provinces of Ba and Nadroga characterized by year round fine weather, its proximity to the International Airport, whilst the surrounding countryside is rolling and verdant, the beaches are relatively unpopulated, and the mountainous region (known as the Nausori Highlands) to the east are nothing short of spectacular.

Amenities

The region also has an array of amenities such as spas, local and foreign cuisine restaurants, duty free and handicraft outlets, supermarkets, visitor information centres, public transport etc.

Transport Linkages

International Airport

Nadi International Airport is the major linkage that services direct flights from approximately 22 international destinations. These are serviced by Air Pacific (Fiji's international airline), Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue, Korean Air and other airlines. The airport also serves domestic flights.

Roads

Queens Road is another major linkage connecting Nadi to cities on Viti Levu. It is approximately 182km from Nadi to Suva. This road runs along the southern coast of Viti Levu and is the main link between Suva, Lami. Navua, Pacific Harbour, Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka.

Ports and Marinas

The Port Denarau Marina is the main departure point for the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands and is located on Denarau Island. This fast developing marina complex is the centre of yachting activity in Fiji. Denarau Marina has Fiji's newest haul out facility and provides the latest up to date equipment. It has 5 jetties: 1 fixed and 4 floating. The marina can accommodate super yachts up to a maximum of 64 metres and 100 smaller yachts. Up to 11 cruise boats can be accommodated. Ancillary facilities include tour desks, a convenience store, laundry, fuel depot and public washrooms.

Vuda Marina is located inland at the Western most end of Vuda point between Nadi and Lautoka on the west coast of Viti Levu. The marina is entered via a 25 metres wide channel clearly marked with arrows and beacons in the day and green upper and lower leading lights for entry at night. The marina and basin were constructed to a depth of 2.5 metres and has a capacity for 120 boats with ramp ways for smaller boats. The complex operates a 60 ton travel lift and cradles available for 30 boats in the hard-standing area. Ancillary facilities include an internet and coffee shop, business centre, laundry, a chandlery, washrooms, fuel dock, a convenience store and the Vuda Point Yacht Club with waterside bar.

Sun Coast

This area includes the north eastern coastal areas of Viti Levu starting from Lautoka through to Ba, Rakiraki, Nananu-i-ra and Takalana. The region commences from Vatia Point in the midst of Ba and Tavua through to Takalana in the Northern Tailevu Province. This area covers three major provinces. The region includes 30 districts and 160 villages.

The rugged north coast is known as the Suncoast for its relatively dry climate. The scenery is stunning along Kings Road winding down from the mountains from Dama past Viti Levu Bay and to the beautiful Rakiraki. The climate on the Northern side of the Nakauvadra range is similar to that of western Viti Levu, drier and suited for growing sugar cane. Some 30 minutes to the north of Nadi International Airport is Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji. This mountainous region around Rakiraki is home to the world renowned 'Fiji Water'. Visits to the Fiji Water Plan can be arranged beforehand.

The Suncoast region boasts magnificent mountain ranges, rolling countryside, tropical forests, rivers and waterfalls; coral reef gardens, Skeleton-filled caves, white sandy beaches, and picturesque islands of Macuata, Tovu, Nanuyakoto, Malake, Dolphin, Nananu-i-ra and Nananu-I-Cake. This region is particularly rich in culture and tradition, the arts of storytelling and traditional dancing.

Highlights of the region:

Udreudre's tomb, adventure water sports, Naiserelagi Catholic Mission known as the church of the Black Christ, and of course, the home of Fiji Water.

Nananu-i-ra Island

Nananu-i-ra Island is a 350 hectare Island with steep hills, white sandy beaches and mangroves. The island is well catered for in terms of diving and other water sporting activities. Nananu-i-ra's position is unique in that it is untouched enough to offer the ultimate Fiji Island experience, but it is convenient in that it is only a ten minute boat ride from the mainland. It enjoys deep water access for the medium and large launches and yachts.

Transport Linkages

Roads

The portion between Rakiraki and Suva is partially sealed and approximately 152 kilometres. The other direction to Nadi is completely sealed and has an approximate length of 132 kilometres. The portion from Korovou Town to Suva is also completely sealed. The Northern Viti Levu Coast from Lautoka to Takalana has beautiful scenery with relatively accessible attractions. The Kings Road, the main thoroughfare, winds through hills and along the Wainibuka River, past many small villages. There are 7 bus departures from Suva to Lautoka and 5 bus departures from Lautoka to Suva via Kings Road per day.

Ellington Wharf

The Ellington Wharf is 10 metres wide and can cater for vessels of not more than 50 metres in length. This is a major departure point to Vanua Levu and Nananu-i-ra. It is currently serviced by Patterson Brothers Shipping Company and is an accessible getaway to the Friendly North. The wharf service routes to Nabouwalu 3 times a week

Some 30 minutes to the north of Nadi International Airport is Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji. This mountainous region around Rakiraki is home to the world renowned 'Fiji Water'. Visits to the Fiji Water Plan can be arranged beforehand.