First Trip to Fiji? Start Here

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Gardern of the Sleeping Giant
Gardern of the Sleeping Giant

12 Must-Dos for First-Time Travellers to Fiji

Planning your first trip to Fiji? Check off these bucket-list experiences for the ultimate Fiji vacation; perfect for first-time travellers!

1. Snorkel or Dive the Reef 

Fiji’s warm waters and colourful reefs are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. Spot Nemo hiding in anemones, watch colourful parrotfish nibble on coral or glide past delicate sea fans swaying in the current. Craving more adventure? Swim with majestic manta rays during the season (May–September) or snorkel with reef sharks for an unforgettable thrill. 
 

Kids Snorkelling in Fiji

 

2. Book a Day Trip 

Lounging by the pool is lovely, but Fiji has so much more to offer. Take a day trip to an uninhabitated island, zipline through the treetops or explore on a railbike; you’re spoilt for adventurous options. Just remember to also pack water, reef-safe sunscreen and your sense of adventure for a memorable day out. 

 

Ziplining in Fiji

 

3. Check into Kids Clubs 

If you’re a family with young kids, you’ll love Fiji’s family-friendly resorts. Check the kids into a fantastic kids' clubs full of games, crafts, and cultural fun while you enjoy some well-earned spa time — or even a quiet dinner while a nanny (meimei) takes over! 
 

Fiji kids club

 

4. Trek to a Waterfall 

Chase adventure through the jungle to Fiji’s breathtaking waterfalls in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and Kadavu. Breathe in the fresh air, cool off under a thunderous waterfall and end your day blissfully exhausted and ready for the best sleep ever! Find a waterfall near your resort with this quick guide. 
 

Tavoro Waterfall

 

5. Get Muddy  

Treat yourself to some budget-friendly pampering at the thermal mud pools in Sabeto, Nadi. Locals swear by the mud’s soothing powers - slather it on, bake in the sun, and finally rinse it all off in a series of warm pools. Finish off with a Fijian bobo massage for the full rustic spa experience. 
 

Mud Pool

 

6. Take a Hike 

From lush tropical gardens to rugged jungle trails, Fiji is a joy to explore. Kickstart your day with a sunrise trek, hike to a waterfall for a refreshing dip or watch the grassy hills glow golden at sunset. Ready to hit the trails? Check out this guide to Fiji’s best hikes and walks. 
 

Colo-i-suva

 

7. Visit a Fijian Village 

Curious about Fijian culture? Visit a local village and experience warm Fijian hospitality. Drink kava at a traditional sevusevu ceremony, taste delicious local food, and discover the rhythms of village life. Practice respectful travel with this guide to Fijian village etiquette. 
 

Kava tasting

 

8. Buy from a Local Crafter 

Take a piece of Fiji home and support local artisans.  From handwoven mats and fans to beautifully carved wooden bowls, drums and war clubs, these keepsakes are as authentic as they come. Find these handmade treasures at city handicraft and flea markets or stop by the Projects Collective, Rise Beyond the Reef Shed Shop, or Essence of Fiji shop before you leave Nadi. 
 

Buy from a Local Craftera

 

9. Eat at a Local Restaurant 

Step outside your resort and explore Fiji’s exciting food scene.  From fresh seafood and coconut infused veggies to bold Indo-Fijian curries, the flavours reflect Fiji’s diverse cultures. Local food markets are a sensory feast too — colourful, lively and full of tasty finds.  Not sure where to go?  Start here.   
 

Kokoda

 

10.  Enroll in a Cooking Class 

Add some flavour to your Fiji holiday with a cooking class.  Master kokoda, Fiji’s zesty take on ceviche, and recreate the recipe at home. And if you’re a foodie, don’t miss the chance to experience the beloved Fijian tradition of lovo - cooking in an underground oven - with the Vavavi Cooking and Cultural Experience in Nadi. With a guided market tour and a delicious feast to top it all off, it’s the perfect blend of culture and flavour. 
 

Fiji Cooking Class

 

11. Visit a Floating Bar & Restaurant 

Fancy sipping cocktails in the middle of the ocean? At Fiji’s two floating bars / restaurants—Cloud 9 and Seventh Heaven— you can do just that!  With dreamy ocean views, delicious eats, and snorkelling right off the deck, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll be raving about long after you leave Fiji. 
 

Seventh Heaven, Fiji

 

12. Attend a Rugby Match 

In Fiji, rugby is the sport that stops the nation.  Kids grow up playing it and Fijian flair is legendary on the global stage. If you time it right, catch some of this rugby magic at the thrilling Coral Coast Sevens or a feel the energy and national pride soar as the Fijian Drua take on Super Rugby teams on their home turf. 

 

Fiji Drua

Want help to plan your perfect holiday?

Contact one of our specialist agents.
Contact us

Want help to plan your perfect holiday?

Contact one of our specialist agents.
Contact us

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