Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and sits on the western coast of Viti Levu.
Nadi has a population of more than 71,000. Because of its proximity to the Nadi international airport, it essentially caters for tourists. Facilities include accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and interisland cruises.
Nadi town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling centre of business with around 20 hotels for all budgets dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holidaymakers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian regional destinations.
The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is close to Viseisei Village, regarded by most Fijians as the ‘foundation village’ of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by in Sabeto are mud pools, zip-lining, Rise Beyond the Reef Shed Shop, Aviva Farm and Fiji’s largest privately owned gardens, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
Twenty kilometres north of Nadi Airport is the city of Lautoka, which is a major commercial and administrative centre. It is also an important seaport and home of Fiji’s Sugar Corporation, the largest sugar mill and the South Pacific’s largest distilleries. Trekking tours can be arranged to the nearby Koroyanitu National Park with great scenic views along the way.
Driving north past fields of sugarcane and the occasional glimpse of an offshore island, are the towns of Ba and Tavua. In Ba, you can visit the local markets, pick up some handicrafts and fresh seasonal vegetables or take a trip to the picturesque Navala village in the Nausori Highland, the only village in Fiji where the majority of houses are still bures.
This region known as the Suncoast, is a strikingly beautiful stretch of countryside along Viti Levu’s western and northern coast with a cluster of resorts on the peninsula. This land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks is chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. The offshore islands of Nananu-i-Ra offer great hiking, diving, kiteboarding and windsurfing.
From Nadi you can visit the historical Momi gun site, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion that thankfully never eventuated. Or embark on a cross-island hike with Talanoa Treks – Fiji’s only dedicated hiking company.
There are day cruises to both island and jungle locations and cruise boats depart Port Denarau Marina to the Mamanuca Islands.
If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, why not join one of the schooners departing from the Denarau Marina at 9.30 am daily. You can choose between one- or two-day dive programs. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment.
