south pacific organizer travel guide

South Pacific Tours & Vacations

There is so much more to the South Pacific than cruise ships and resorts.

These remote islands – and there’s a lot of them – are bursting with ancient cultures, fascinating festivals and wallpaper-worthy scenery. But our South Pacific tours aren’t your typical beach holiday. While there’ll be plenty of time to kick back on the sand and swim in bright blue lagoons, we’ll also get you trekking up volcanoes in  Vanuatu , splashing around in Fiji ’s dreamiest waterfalls, experiencing traditional village life in New Caledonia  or hiking the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea . These are Intrepid adventures, so you’ll discover the real South Pacific while supporting local communities along the way. Isn’t that what traveling’s all about?

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Samoa Adventure

New Caledonia Adventure

Vanuatu Expedition

Articles of South Pacific

10 reasons to visit Samoa

8 unique experiences in Papua New Guinea

The 5 best things to do in Vanuatu

5 bucket list-worthy things to do in New Caledonia

5 of the best New Caledonian beaches to get some sun on

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South pacific travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What’s the weather like in the South Pacific?

The South Pacific islands have a tropical climate with only two seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.

The weather is hot all year round, though it's hotter and stickier in the wet season and tropical cyclones and typhoons can occur.

The dry season sees clearer skies and cooler temperatures, though daytime highs rarely dip below the low 60s (F).

The water temperatures don't fluctuate much, with average temperatures lingering between a pleasant 81°F and 84°F.

When is the best time to visit the South Pacific?

The most popular time to visit the South Pacific is in the dry season from May to October when skies are clear and humidity is low.

However, these months also see the biggest influx of tourists so expect busier beaches and higher prices for things like accommodation.

The wet season is the quietest time in the South Pacific and if you don't mind hotter, stickier and wetter weather, it can be a great time to enjoy the islands in their most idyllic state.

What do I pack for the South Pacific?

The South Pacific region experiences tropical weather, so packing sandals, sunscreen and plenty of swimwear is a must. Because of the high temperatures and often humid conditions (depending on the time of year), packing lightweight, breathable clothing (think linen or cotton) is also a good idea. You might also want to consider packing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the islands and insect repellant for those pesky tropical bugs. 

What is the internet access like in the South Pacific?

While the South Pacific is largely remote as a region (the only way to get there from neighboring countries is to fly), it's fairly connected with great internet access across Samoa, the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. However, there are some exceptions as each island boasts lush tropical rainforests that can interfere with your mobile coverage. Having said that, if you stick to the populated areas, most hotels and restaurants should have wifi for you to connect to. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

• Destinations
• Travel Guides

The South Pacific Islands: a first timer's guide

Roxanne de Bruyn

• Pacific Islands travel guide

With white, sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and scattered palm trees, the Pacific Islands look like paradise. Dotted around the South Pacific, these islands are small and untouched.

A holiday in the Pacific Islands is all about relaxing, switching off from everyday life, and enjoying the simple pleasures of a tropical island - exotic fruit, warm weather, beautiful lagoons and fresh fish. These holidays are less about adventure or luxury and more about simply experiencing some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Many of the islands (with the notable exception of Fiji) are relatively underdeveloped, with few large hotel brands there. While the Pacific Islands have a strong tourism industry, it's mostly targeted at New Zealanders and Australians

• How to get there

Getting to the Pacific Islands is the most convenient from New Zealand. Flights to each island leave multiple times a week. There are also regular flights from Australia, Fiji has a weekly flight from LA, and the Cook Islands has a connection to Canada.

Travelling between the South Pacific Islands is more complicated than you would think, with routes changing frequently. Saying that, Tonga generally has good connections to Fiji and Samoa, and you can usually fly from French Polynesia to the other South Pacific Islands. It is best to check before you go.

• When to visit

The Pacific Islands have distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from April to October and is the most popular time to visit the islands. This is for two reasons: the weather is great, and it's winter in New Zealand and Australia, where many tourists come from.

The humidity is significantly reduced during the winter, and the cyclone season has passed. You are also more likely to see humpback whales between June and October. On the other hand, there'll be more visitors and prices will be a bit higher.

Travelling to the Pacific Islands during the low season is entirely possible. Just keep in mind that it'll probably rain during your stay, it will be hot and humid, and some activities may be closed, especially if you visit outside of the Christmas school holidays. It's also cyclone season, so there is the possibility of high winds and torrential rain, although generally, rainfall is light, and there are still long patches of sunshine.

Fiji is a popular family holiday destination with resorts, kids' clubs, and activities for all ages. Fiji is more developed than the other islands, and several brand-name resorts are here. These are mainly clustered on Denarau Island, a resort development on the Western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island - before booking, remember that there isn't a natural beach in Denarau.

Just a short boat ride from Denarau, you'll find the Mamanuca Islands, with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkelling and tall palm trees. There are several resorts on these islands, ranging from family-friendly with kids' clubs and childcare services to adult-only resorts for romantic getaways. The Cloud 9 surf breaks are easily accessible for a day trip - go for the surf or to relax in the on-water bar. Just keep in mind that food and accommodation in Fiji aren't cheap.

If you're interested in scuba diving in Fiji or want to experience Fiji without mass tourism, the stunning Yasawa Islands are a bit further from Viti Levu. The Yasawas are less convenient to visit, but there are regular local seaplane flights. Accommodation here is a bit more rustic, but the views are spectacular, and you can enjoy the untouched scenery. Backpackers are well catered for, and there are a couple of resorts if you want a touch more luxury.

• The Cook Islands

A territory of New Zealand, the Cook Islanders are just a couple of hours' flight from Auckland. Rarotonga, the largest island, is particularly popular with New Zealanders, and there are several small resorts on the island.

With calm lagoons, long beaches and friendly locals, Rarotonga is great for a family holiday. The island is small, but there are enough activities to keep you busy (and relaxed) for a week or two. You can also rent a house near the beach and self-cater during your stay.

Aitutaki, about an hour's flight from Rarotonga, is the perfect destination for a more secluded getaway. A favourite with honeymooners , Aitutaki is simply stunning. White sandy beaches are studded with palm trees, and the scenery is like a postcard come to life.

The island is tiny, and there are several resorts, mainly catering for couples. There are a few cheaper options, but they're much harder to track down.

In terms of activities, the lagoon cruise is a must, stopping at various deserted islands and including a fish lunch. One Foot Island is a favourite stop, with an old post office, shady trees and a small reef for snorkelling. Aitutaki is a remarkably beautiful place and is the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book.

Less developed than Fiji or the Cook Islands, your holiday in Tonga will likely include simple accommodation, friendly people and beautiful surroundings. There are several locally owned and run accommodation options, which are generally clean, simple and often absolute beachfront.

Tonga is a more affordable destination, but service isn't always up to international standards, so don't expect luxury service. However, the surroundings are stunning, people are helpful and welcoming, and it's easier to get a sense of the local culture than on some other Pacific islands.

• Introduction

Share this article

Author - Roxanne de Bruyn

Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor and The Culture Trip. With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism.

Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. She is based in New Zealand.

Last Updated 9 January 2023

South Pacific Island Hopping – A Guide to Travelling In & Between French Polynesia, Samoa & The Cook Islands

For as long as I can remember I’ve been obsessed with the South Pacific . It’s not just the white sand beaches and turquoise water, but the culture and traditions that always intrigued me. I visited Fiji 10 years ago and loved it, so when Enrico and I were discussing which places we wanted to visit this year, the South Pacific was high on the list. I did some research into South Pacific island hopping and soon discovered it’s not quite as easy as I expected to travel from island to island, even when you’re travelling within the same country. There aren’t that many ferries, and often the only option is to take lots of flights. It’s totally worth it though (although I feel a little guilty about my carbon footprint this year). After two months of island hopping in the South Pacific, here are our top tips!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

How to Island Hop in The South Pacific!

Before you start looking at which Pacific islands to visit, it’s worthwhile looking at the logistics of travel between them.

I had imagined that we would take ferries between lots of the South Pacific islands, but in reality, there are very few. There are cargo ships, which do sometimes take passengers, but the timetables change and they give priority to locals, plus you can’t book in advance. We really wanted to do this as it sounded like such an adventure (and it’s cheap). But in actuality, we only had two months, and you really need a lot of time to spare in case you can’t get on the boat when it arrives and need to wait for the next one, which could be in a few weeks’ time.

If you have a yacht and plenty of time, then you can sail between the islands, but we sadly do not have a yacht, (and we don’t know how to sail so couldn’t hire one.) Once I have more sailing experience this would definitely be something I’d like to try though! If you plan on sticking to one country, you could try a diving boat, such as a Fiji liveaboard , or there are also big cruise ships, but we wanted to have lots of time on the islands to explore so that wasn’t for us either.

You might be surprised to know that there aren’t direct flights between most of the countries in the South Pacific, meaning you have to fly into Auckland and then back out. This will have an impact on cost, route and time. After hours spent looking at flights I worked out which of the Pacific islands connect and this dictated our route.

For example –

Fiji is quite a good hub – you can fly from Fiji to Vanuatu, Samoa, New Caledonia, Tahiti, The Soloman Islands and to Tonga, so it’s an easy inclusion in your island hopping itinerary.

There are flights between Vanuatu and New Caledonia and between New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

From Tahiti (French Polynesia) there is a direct flight to the Cook Islands once a week and from both of these destinations you can fly to Hawaii.

Number 1 on our list was French Polynesia . I’ve always wanted to go there, so that was definitely going to be in our South Pacific itinerary, and with the link to the Cook Islands , we also added that to the route.

For the final island, we considered Tonga – we were going to be travelling during the whale migration, which has big appeal – but eventually decided on Samoa. Although this meant flying into Auckland and back out to get to Tahiti, we were both really keen to visit Samoa because from everything I’d read it still has the most traditional culture of the Pacific Islands. (Something we found to be true of the islands we visited).

For our next South Pacific Island adventure, we are hoping to visit Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands, as there are direct flights between the three.

I have also travelled to Fiji twice, which you can read about here .

This website is useful for checking flight routes.

Getting Around in The South Pacific

Within your chosen countries, (ours being Samoa, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands), you then have to think about island hopping again, as they are all made up of a number of islands. This is also true of Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and so on.

Getting Around Samoa

Samoa is the easiest (and therefore cheapest) to travel to. There are two main islands which are connected by a car ferry. There are other small islands, but most don’t really have any tourist infrastructure and there is a lot to see on both Upolu and Savai’i, meaning you most likely won’t feel the need to see the others. The best way to get around the islands is by car, so I advise hiring one from the airport in Apia . There are buses, but they aren’t that frequent and often stop far from the beaches and resorts.

Check out the ultimate Samoa itinerary

Getting Around French Polynesia

There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, also known as the Islands of Tahiti. We had two months to travel the South Pacific and that’s not enough to visit all of the islands in French Polynesia. Plus some of them you can’t even fly to. A big slice of your French Polynesian budget will go on flights. I totally recommend buying a flight pass from Air Tahiti . It’s a fixed price and each package includes a certain group/number of islands. We did the Bora Bora-Tuamotu Pass, even though we didn’t visit all of the French Polynesian islands available in our pass, it still worked out cheaper. If you don’t like flying in small planes you may wish to reconsider visiting French Polynesia – or look into cruise/sailing options. Otherwise, you can stick to Tahiti and Mo’orea which are connected by a ferry.

Read our two week French Polynesia itinerary here

Depending on which islands you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to hire a car , even if only for a day or two. Some of the islands are small enough to get around by bicycle (Rangiroa), and some you don’t really need one (Bora Bora).

Book a rental car in French Polynesia

Getting Around The Cook Islands

There are flights (and cargo ships) between the Cook Islands, which are fairly expensive considering how short some of the flights are. We decided to visit just two islands, Aitutaki and the main island of Rarotonga, in order to reduce the money spent on travel. In hindsight, I would have liked to have visited Aitu as well, but there is always next time!

It’s worth hiring a car on both Aitutaki and Rarotonga, however, the latter does have a bus service that loops the island. But a car gives you much more freedom to explore.

Book a rental car in the Cook Islands

Which Islands to Visit in the South Pacific?

Now you’ve decided which countries you’re going to, you’ll be wondering which islands to visit! I’ll be writing more detailed guides to each of the islands we visited, but here is a brief overview of the South Pacific islands we visited (in order).

Upolu, Samoa

The most populated island of Samoa, home to the international airport and the country’s capital city – Apia. There are lots of beautiful beaches, particularly along the south coast, where you will also find the famous To Sua Ocean Trench. You’ll find our top things to do in Upolu, Samoa here .

Savai’i, Samoa

Savai’i is much quieter and less populated than Upolu, but larger in size. It has stunning beaches and impressive lava fields along with blowholes and jungle. The ferry from Upolu takes 1 hour 15 minutes and it’s totally worth making the trip. Our favourite beach in the whole of Samoa was on this island at Falealupo.

Check out the perfect 10 day Samoa itinerary.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti is the transport hub of French Polynesia, with the only international airport. Many flights to other French Polynesian islands also transit through here. It is a volcanic island so the beaches have black sand but have a different kind of beauty to the white sand beaches of the other tropical islands . There is excellent surfing on Tahiti and it’s also great for fishing. The capital city Pape’ete has a good market.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

We considered not going to Bora Bora as I thought it would just be expensive hotels for honeymooners. How wrong I was. It is such a beautiful island (as you can imagine) and there are plenty of things to do. Great diving, hikes, boat trips… it ended up being one of my favourite islands. It only has one beach – Matira – but it’s a gorgeous one.

Read our two week French Polynesia itinerary

Huahine, French Polynesia

Huahine is actually two islands, joined by a small bridge. We stayed on the southern island at a lovely beach called Avea which is a short walk from a Marae (Polynesian ancient temple). Huahine has one of the highest concentrations of Marae in the whole of French Polynesia. The snorkelling is excellent here, best experienced on a lagoon cruise which takes you to different locations around the islands, as well as to a pearl farm, ending with lunch on a motu – (a small sand/reef islet).

Taha’a, French Polynesia

Taha’a doesn’t have an airport, so you have to fly into neighbouring Raiatea and take a boat to Taha’a. The island is famous for two things: vanilla and black pearls. We visited farms producing both during our stay, and there are quite a few options across the island. There is excellent snorkelling on Taha’a too, in particular at Motu Tautau off the west coast. This can only be reached by boat, or by foot for guests staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa .

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

If I had to pick a favourite island from our trip to the South Pacific, then it would most likely be Rangiroa. It’s an atoll with an enormous lagoon and it is stunning. It has some of the best dive sites in the world including the Tiputa Pass, where you can see a huge variety of sharks, fish, dolphins and rays. It’s an amazing dive . If you cross the atoll from the main town of Avatoru, you will reach the blue lagoon, which is possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. It’s just incredible. You can also see lots of little blacktip reef sharks here too. (Don’t worry they aren’t scary!). Rangiroa is also another big pearl producer and even has a school dedicated to all aspects of black pearls – the only one of its kind. Read our guide to Rangiroa .

Tikehau, French Polynesia

Another atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago along with Rangiroa, Tikeahau is a quieter island famous for pink coral beaches. There is a great chance of spotting Manta Rays in Tikehau’s lagoon, which visit the same spot each morning to be cleaned by wrasses. This is really the place to come to get away from it all.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the international hub for the Cook Islands, with lots of accommodation – even hostels, and good restaurants and bars. I would say it’s the cheapest island we visited in the South Pacific (unless you’re only staying in beach fales – then Upolu/Savai’i probably wins). It has some beautiful white sand beaches and a couple of good hikes through the centre.

Read our 10 day Cook Islands itinerary.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki is home to a magnificent blue lagoon, and for this reason alone it’s worth a visit. The water visibility is excellent and you’ve got a very good chance of spotting and swimming with Giant Trevally, which live in the lagoon. There are lots of little sand motu (islands), which can be visited by boat. It’s paradise. In fact, it’s on two of these motu that Shipwrecked is filmed!

South Pacific Trip Budget

Once we had decided on our route, we had to work out if we could actually afford to do it. I will be completely honest here – the South Pacific is one of the most expensive destinations in the world and everything is pricey – flights, food and accommodation.

As we were writing about the destinations we had some support from the Tourist Boards which helped a lot, but even so, we had to carefully evaluate if our budget would cover the trip, and if so, would we spend all of our money and have to go straight home afterwards (as we were planning to travel for another 3 months).

After some careful calculations, we ascertained that we could manage it, but we had to stick to a strict budget, choose cheap accommodation and cook for ourselves where possible.

In my opinion, the reason to visit the South Pacific is to experience the marine life and culture. So we wanted to spend as much of our budget on experiences as possible, and less on accommodation and food. If it’s your honeymoon you might have a different view, but really you can stay in nice hotels anywhere, what you can’t do is dive with sharks, snorkel with turtles and watch Polynesian dancing.

South Pacific Accommodation

Samoa accommodation.

The cheapest accommodation in Samoa is beach fales. These are huts with thatch roofs and open walls. They are basic with shared bathrooms, but they are amazing. You can hear the waves lapping on the beach while you sleep and it’s a very traditional Samoan experience. Often a night at a beach fale includes dinner and breakfast, which means you save on your food budget too. We stayed at beach fales for around 80 WST a night including breakfast and dinner (approx. £25). If you have a bit more money to spare there are some lovely places to stay, particularly on the south coast of Upolu.

French Polynesia Accommodation

Everyone dreams of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, but the reality is that they cost a lot. I mean a lot. (usually around £500 per night and up!!). So that wasn’t going to be an option for us on this trip. However, we found some great budget accommodation in French Polynesia. While still not super cheap, we stayed at B&Bs and guesthouses , many with kitchens where we could cook our own meals. This saved us a lot of money and we were still able to enjoy the incredible beaches and marine life a few steps away. We did stay at some more high-end places too, our favourites were Kia Ora in Rangiroa and family-run Relais Royal in Tikehau.

Find accommodation in Bora Bora , Tahiti and Rangiroa

Cook Islands Accommodation

The Cook Islands has more budget options than French Polynesia and there are a couple of hostels on Rarotonga if you’re up for staying in a dorm. We found a few good options including Rarotonga Backpackers and Club Raro Resort . These both had a kitchen which was great for cooking our own food.

Find accommodation in Rarotonga

On Aitutaki, there are also some nice budget options with kitchens – we loved Rino’s Motel which was right on the water. For a little luxury, Tamanu Beach is incredible. We could literally see the ocean from our bed!

Find accommodation in Aitutaki

Food in The South Pacific

There is delicious fruit and veg in the Pacific Islands, which you can buy from roadside stalls and the local markets. In most places it’s best not to drink tap water, but lots of hotels filter their own water or you can travel with a filter water bottle to avoid buying too many plastic water bottles. We saved money by buying super noodles and instant soup before we travelled and eating these in our hotel (glamorous I know). This saved us a lot of money on food, and while it isn’t exactly nutritious it’s fine as long as you aren’t doing it for every meal.

Food in Samoa

As mentioned before, beach fales often include dinner and breakfast which helps the budget a lot. There is excellent fish, and a must-try dish is Oka – raw fish with lime juice and coconut cream. It’s delicious. There is coconut with everything – to drink, in desserts, in main courses. Another traditional dish is palusami – taro leaves filled with coconut cream. Yum. If you’re in Samoa on a Sunday, then many restaurants will be serving a tonai – a traditional Samoan Sunday lunch that includes all the regional specialities.

Food in French Polynesia

Being French, you can buy lots of French food in French Polynesia. It’s basically the dream – tropical beaches and French cheese and wine. We found some great options in the supermarket in Tahiti, but once you get out to the more remote French Polynesian islands you’ll find less variety for a higher price. There is really good fish here too, and there is a similar dish to Oka called Poisson Cru made from the same ingredients.

Food in The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands also have good fish including Mahi Mahi (our favourite). Their version of Oka/Poisson Cru is called Ika Mata. Coconut is a staple in Cook Islands’ food and the tree is known as the ‘tree of life’ as it is used for everything from food and drink, to building houses. Supermarkets are expensive, and if you want to eat out cheaply then there aren’t many options aside from burgers, of which there are a lot. A stand out on Rarotonga was The Mooring Fish Café for delicious fish sandwiches.

Booking in Advance

I strongly recommend you book your flights and accommodation in advance whilst South Pacific island hopping. The flights will only become more expensive, and even if you have the Air Tahiti Island pass, the flights do get sold out. With accommodation, you can be a little bit more relaxed depending on the location. If you’ve booked your flights for French Polynesia then it also makes sense to have your accommodation booked. We booked everything at least a few months ahead of time. In Samoa and the Cook Islands, you can be a little more flexible. In particular in Samoa, because you don’t need to book the ferry, though it is recommended if you’re travelling peak season, and some of the beach fales don’t take bookings, and many don’t have websites.

The South Pacific was easily the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. The beaches are on another level and the marine life was incredible. We had the most amazing time exploring Samoa, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands and each has something different to offer. I would recommend all three. We are also keen to return and explore some of the other Pacific islands, so at some point, another South Pacific island hopping trip will be on the agenda!

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Such a dream trip. OMG!!!

It really was! Wish I could do it all over again!

Great article! Came across it whilst starting to plan a South Pacific island hopping extravaganza for my husband and myself. Lots of useful information, thanks!

Thank you! I’m glad it was useful 🙂 I hope you have a great trip, it’s such a beautiful part of the world.

H guys The best review/ blog I have ever read. It’s my ambition to go in this part of the world, is more expensive that say London to eat out

Thank you 🙂 If you eat at hotels then it can be pretty expensive – probably more than London. However, if you eat at local places then you can find some cheap options.

In 2001 and 2002 I got a flight from England to New Zealand with stops at French Polynesia and the Cook Islands on the way there. Plus on my way home I stopped in Samoa. I missed out on seeing Tonga. I am keen to see more of the islands. I went to Hawaii and Fiji in 1993. I have been back to Hawaii once since then.

That sounds like a great trip. I’m also really keen to visit Tonga. We are hoping to travel to Vanuatu once the borders open. Hawaii is so beautiful – I went there for my 30th!

Wow just loved this. Best I have seen. Always wanted to go there for a few months. Maybe maybe

Thank you. I highly recommend it – such a beautiful part of the world.

Thanks for sharing your voyage. It was so beautiful. I am hoping I can travel to at least a few of these paradise islands.

Thank you. I hope you can too!

Some great ways explain how they can identify the right travel agent for tourism to avoid future problems. Along with this, there are reasons presented why it is necessary. I guess this can be helpful.

Hi, planning a world trip with a difference!! But on my itinerary are the pacific islands. Excellent blog. Really enjoyed it. Just wondering if you can specify how you travelled from island to island? Are there any boats rather than flying in and out of NZ? These are the islands I wish to visit: Tonga, Fiji, Somoa, Cook and Tahiti flying in NZ or Aus

Thank you! I have included a section on getting around and between the islands here: https://www.alovelyplanet.com/south-pacific-island-hopping/#How_to_Island_Hop_in_The_South_Pacific . They all vary. Skyscanner is a pretty handy tool when looking at flights – I use the ‘everywhere’ destination option to see what direct flights are available from each destination. For example, from Fiji there are direct flights to Samoa and Tonga, so you could organise to do those together. You may still have to do one or two connections via NZ. Hope you have a great trip – it sounds amazing!

Hello! Thanks for the great post. I’m curious what was your budget? You didn’t mention it.

Thanks! Kiera

Hi Kiera, our budget varied depending on the location. It was easy to eat cheaply in the Cook Islands and accommodation is more affordable than say Bora Bora. So it really depended on where we were. We aimed for accommodation around $100-200 USD per night with a few luxury stays here and there. Plus we were also hosted at a few places. Sorry that’s not the most helpful I know. The more remote the island the harder it is to find groceries etc and generally the more costly things are.

Hi, I loved your post! Could you give an estimate of what you could spend in a two week trip? Approximate?

Thank you!! Idoua

Glad you liked it 🙂 It really depends on what level of accommodation you stay in and how many islands/places to visit. The luxury resorts are expensive, but there are reasonable guest houses and cheap places to eat/food from the supermarket. So it’s really hard to give an estimate. Sorry – I hope that helps!

How did you get from Tahiti to Easter Island? I looked it up online, but they all say you have to go via Santiago in Chile. Super useful webpage this has been really helpful!

There isn’t a direct flight, but you can fly via the US and then Santiago. Unfortunately there used to be a more direct option, but not anymore. Glad you like the article 🙂

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Le Parc des Grandes Fougères

This 4500-hectare park, in the mountains above Farino, features tropical rainforest with rich and varied flora and fauna. As the name suggests, tree ferns…

The Heart of Voh

North of Koné, near the township of Voh, there’s a mangrove swamp which has developed some unusual natural designs. The most intriguing is a perfect heart…

Mele Cascades

This popular and photogenic swimming spot is 10km from Port Vila. A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive…

Pont de Mouli

Loyalty Islands

It may seem unusual to recommend a road bridge as a top sightseeing spot, but at Pont de Mouli, Ouvéa’s tip, Mouli island, is cut off by a wide channel…

Orientated east–west, this popular beach is a hotspot for visitors to Noumea, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Only 10 minutes…

Baie des Citrons

Orientated north–south and less than 10 minutes from the city centre, trendy Baie des Citrons attracts locals and visitors alike. The beach is great for…

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South Pacific travel guides

Whether you’ve yet to decide where to visit in the South Pacific or have your sights fixed on a certain destination, our travel guides can give you invaluable insight into the region. Drawing on our specialists’ own experiences in the South Pacific, the guides brim with ideas of what to see and do in each country. You might like to read about the best honeymoon activities to enjoy in French Polynesia, from rainforest walks in search of birds and butterflies to snorkeling close to manta rays. We can help narrow down the best places to stay and things to do for families, or you can find out where to go for all-out luxury. Our specialists have also compared and contrasted South Pacific islands to help you decide which is your ideal match.

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Ideas for how to explore the South Pacific

Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for the South Pacific. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.

Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island

A cross-island guide to the South Pacific. Drawing on their own experiences, our travel specialists discuss the lure of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa with the aim of helping you decide which island is right for you.

Cruising in the South Pacific

Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.

Family vacations in the South Pacific

A warm Pacific island welcome and laid-back atmosphere, combined with reefs and lagoons to explore, and traditional bungalow-style accommodation make the South Pacific an ideal location for a family vacation.

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The South Pacific is a marvel of natural beauty and cultural splendor with endless activities to enjoy. From paddleboarding to island hopping, visiting the Great Barrier Reef to hiking through tropical jungle, you can experience timeless romance or enjoy unforgettable adventures. Whether eager to relax in an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia or sail around a secluded bay in New Zealand, travel to Australia’s Outback or zipline through the trees of Fiji, you can find more information on what you can do, where to go, or how to plan for your best experiences using our South Pacific Travel Guide. When you are ready, speak with a local travel specialist who can help personalize your itinerary to make your dream trip a reality.

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South Pacific Travel Guide

Embodying unmatched natural beauty in every way, shape and form, it’s no wonder that the expansive region of the South Pacific is readily referred to as paradisal.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Home to 30,000 islands that are scattered across the world’s largest ocean, the South Pacific remains incomprehensible, if not mystifying, even to the most budding explorer. These dispersed pockets of land do have one characteristic in common, however. Each, in its own way, resembles a natural form of paradise.

Renowned for stunning golden coastlines and crystal-clear blue waters that almost always go hand in hand, the South Pacific islands have acquired legendary status for their natural beauty. And rightly so. Often the most substantial headache that the region provides is which of the many islands to choose from as there is quite literally thousands to choose from. Whether it’s Tahiti with its diving and surfing offerings, Fiji and its expansive cultural histories or Vanuatu and its fiery volcanoes, you’ll never be short of things to do wherever you go.

Whatever may take your fancy, however, it’s definitely worth getting away from the relaxation-inducing comas of resorts and beaches to explore any of these islands’ inland offerings. These fascinating worlds are home to tropical rainforests and towering waterfalls that will truly and undoubtedly take your breath away.

THE BUSINESS END

Away from the flora and fauna of these islands, the South Pacific is primed for economic development, something that the World Bank has been looking to facilitate of late after opening its new South Pacific hub office in Suva, Fiji in March 2019. Much like the World Bank, South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is actively promoting economic development in the region, particularly pushing for expansion of the region’s tourism sector in recent years – a strategy that continues to pay dividends, evident in recent results.

“The performance of the tourism industry in the Pacific region remained upbeat in 2018,” explains Christopher Cocker , CEO of SPTO. “The number of tourists travelling to the region by flights rose to 2.14 million, marking a two percent increase compared with 2017’s figures. What’s more, when you include the year’s cruise arrivals that totalled one million, total visitor arrivals to the region reached 3.2 million in 2018, 1.3 percent up from 3.1 million in 2017. Consistent with the increasing number of arrivals, tourism earnings also trended upward, recording an estimated $4 billion – up from an estimated $3.7 billion in 2017.”

TOURISM INSIGHTS: SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM ORGANISATION

Catching up with SPTO following our previous conversation last year, the organisation has continued to take numerous strides in achieving its primary objective of bolstering the region’s tourism potential throughout the latter stages of 2018 and early 2019. Having recently appointed a new Chair (David Vaeafe) and Deputy Chair (Felicity Bollen), alongside the launch of its new 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, the entity is now looking to enhance the region’s offerings to both leisure and business travellers. Cocker, SPTO’s CEO, reveals all.

Q&A WITH CHRISTOPHER COCKER, CEO, SPTO

Since the last time we spoke, how has South Pacific Tourism Organisation developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

Christopher Cocker (CC):  SPTO continues to provide services to member countries and private sector members as per our mandate. We’re focusing on building relationships and are extending our activities to non-traditional partners and donors as we seek to grow and market the tourism industry in the region. With that in mind, the SPTO Board of Directors very recently endorsed a new Strategic Plan and Membership Prospectus, both of which have adopted the new organisation vision of ‘Our Pacific Islands’ that is empowered by and benefits from sustainable tourism. The 2020-2024 Strategic Plan has narrowed down the priorities of the organisation to three key areas – marketing the region, sustainable tourism planning, and research and statistics. In addition, secondary priority areas like investment and product development, air access and route development, human resource development, and training and cruise ship development will be addressed via innovative partnerships led by the SPTO Executive Office. Through this we hope to attract and build meaningful relationships with donors who share our vision of a prosperous, stable ‘Blue Pacific’. 

How would you say the South Pacific in general has developed since then as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

(CC): Although the Pacific mainly attracts leisure travellers, business travel is a growing market and one that we recognise as having potential. Several Pacific Island countries, including Fiji and led by PNG, continue to develop infrastructure in line with this, growing the region as not just a tourism hub but a crossroad for development in business and trade. The Pacific Islands are opening up as an emerging destination to the MICE market and we’ve seen this growth in the hosting of major events such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in PNG in 2018, 52nd Annual Meeting of the ADB Meeting in Fiji in 2019, and a visit by the UN Secretary General in Fiji.

Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in the region now compared to its condition in 2017?

(CC): The continued growth in 2018 was supported by positive tourism performances from more than 56 percent of the Pacific Island countries including Fiji, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. Arrivals from the key traditional markets of Australia and NZ continued to dominate the Pacific destinations with a 51 percent share in 2018, while the Asian Economies of China, Japan, India and other Asian countries accounted for 17.7 percent, USA 10.5 percent, Europe 9.7 percent and Pacific Islands 7.2 percent. Aligned to this positive outlook, total visitor arrivals are now forecast to grow by 5.1 percent to 3.3 million in 2019, largely owed to the inclusion of additional tourists from SPTO’s two new member countries – Rapa Nui and Wallis and Futuna. We recently released the Visitors’ Arrival Report for Q4 2018, and it showed some interesting trends to watch in 2019. I don’t want to pre-empt anything, but I can say we are doing very well. Total visitors to Pacific Island countries was recorded at 804,770 for the three-month period, while the cruise ship industry continues to grow. We encourage this sector because it presents business and employment opportunities for a larger segment of our Pacific people.

What is in store for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation over the course of 2019 and beyond?

(CC): Our year started with the successful launch of the 2019 China Pacific Tourism Year (CPTY) in Samoa in April. Prior to that some of our member countries had events and many more will follow until we close the CPTY in November. We look forward to collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in key activities from June until closing to build a understanding of the Pacific tourism industry on the Chinese market, increase awareness of the Pacific in China and attract niche travellers from China into the Pacific. We also received funding from the Korean government through the Pacific Promotion Programme for Trade, Investment & Tourism (PPTT). This will be used to promote trade, investment and tourism between Korea and Pacific Island countries in terms of job creation, economic development, trade fairs and market promotion. During our board meeting in early May, we also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO). The agreement covers information sharing, coordination and cooperation, and strengthens the links between tourism and aviation, two sectors vital for economic growth throughout the Pacific. With the newly approved strategic plan and donor membership prospectus, we hope to increase the development programmes implemented by SPTO for its members, diversify SPTO’s funding sources and increase innovative partnerships with development and corporate partners in the future.

Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again another year down the line, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back?

(CC): Our new Strategic Plan 2020-2024 sets a new direction for how we operate, wherein we are prioritising our outcomes, ensuring that the work and money invested into our activities will have a more favourable return. This is aligned to and supports our stakeholder interests and we look forward to working with them in achieving new outcomes. We hope that through the Strategic Plan we will attract and secure new donors and development and corporate partners to collaborate with SPTO, to develop and promote tourism in the Pacific.

SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM EXCHANGE IN FOCUS

A core part of SPTO’s work is the annual South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE), an event providing a kaleidoscope of pristine, exotic and cultural tourism experiences all in one place. It was introduced six years ago with the view of providing the region’s international travel partners with a one-stop shop, showcasing the best in travel products and suppliers from SPTO’s 19 member countries. This year’s conference will be held at the Grand Millennium Ballroom, an 830 square metre facility, in Auckland, New Zealand on May 9-10 in partnership with New Zealand Māori Tourism. 

“The SPTE is our largest gathering for 62 buyers and 94 sellers, and this year’s edition was co-sponsored by New Zealand Māori Tourism,” Cocker affirms.“The theme for the two-day event is sustainable tourism development through people-to-people connectivity, recognising the importance of developing the region’s tourism industry sustainably while maintaining our key relationships.”

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

Niue  is a Pacific Island paradise like no other. With a landmass of just 261.5 square kilometres, it is a small country, yet is renowned as being the home of one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. Located 2,400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand, the island can be found surrounded by Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. It’s relative isolation, however, creates an idyllic coastline. Moving inland, Niue is a perfect showcase of nature’s beauty, the Huvalu Rainforest being a particular highlight with its amazing indigenous trees and other sites of natural beauty.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki (Cook Islands)

The Brando (French Polynesia)

Six Senses (Fiji)

EAT & DRINK

Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant (Fiji)

La Villa Mahana (French Polynesia)

Sails Restaurant and Bar (Samoa)

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Samoa)

National Museum of Vanuatu (Vanuatu)

Alele Museum, Library, National Archives (Marshall Islands)

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

In years gone by, getting to, from and around the islands of the South Pacific has posed a challenging task. The region has historically been viewed as a perfect place to unwind and relax, but reaching that point has often been easier said than done.

In more recent times, however, this reputation has largely changed, with many of the regional islands having implemented vastly improved transportation infrastructure that is now being utilised by a rising number of regional and international airlines.

As such, light aircraft are often the primary source of travel around the Pacific. It must be noted that cabin crews, complimentary meals and in many cases tarmac runways are often bypassed, however, particularly when travelling to some of the region’s most remote areas.

Airlines that currently offer flights between and within South Pacific countries include Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways, Inter Island Airways, Manu’a Airways, Northern Air, Polynesian Airlines, Real Tongo and Solomon Airlines, among others.

Some destinations are still only accessible by water, but to this end there is an abundant network of water taxis that readily provide transportation services, owed to a growth in tourism that has swept the region in recent decades.

Brisbane Travel Guide

French Polynesia Travel Guide

Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

The Cook Islands Travel Guide

Vanuatu Travel Guide

Palau Travel Guide

Mariana Islands Travel Guide

Solomon Islands Travel Guide

Fiji Travel Guide

Gold Coast Travel Guide

Jordan Banks : Behind the Lens

Tootbus : Travel Business

Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network

Under SXM : Creating Sustainable Underwater Experiences

Hidden Spots for Cherry Blossom Season : Round Up

Urbino : The Last Stop

Enrico Costantini : Behind the Lens

Lepogo Lodges : A Sustainable Safari Experience

Casa de Olivos : Sustainability Stories 

Opulence on the Orient Express 

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Travel Guide Fiji

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Sun-drenched beaches, turquoise lagoons, swaying palm trees – Fiji supplies all the classic images of paradise. No wonder, then, that every year thousands of travellers come to this South Pacific archipelago for the ultimate island escape. With over three hundred islands to choose from, Fiji is an amazingly versatile destination. Whether you’re after a luxury honeymoon retreat, a lively backpacker island or a family-friendly resort you won’t be disappointed. You’ll also find a warm, hospitable people, an intriguing blend of Melanesians, Polynesians and Indians.

Where to go in Fiji

Six of the best resorts, underwater fiji.

With a reliable tropical climate, a good tourist infrastructure, English as its main language and no jabs or pills to worry about, travelling in Fiji is as easy as it gets. As the hub of South Pacific tourism, the country attracts over half a million visitors a year, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, its largest “neighbours” lying over 2000km southeast. Of the northern hemisphere travellers who arrive, many are backpackers from Europe or surfers and scuba divers from North America.

While it can be tempting to spend your whole time in Fiji sunbathing and sipping cocktails from coconuts, there are plenty of activities to lure you away from the beach. Within a ten-minute boat ride of most resorts you can find yourself snorkelling with dolphins and manta rays or scuba diving at pristine coral reefs. In addition, at the exposed edges of the reefs are some of the world’s finest and most consistent surfing breaks . Nature lovers are also spoilt for choice, both underwater and on dry land, and wildlife-spotting opportunities are plentiful, whether you’re seeking turtles, exotic birds or 3m-long tiger sharks.

Away from the resorts is another Fiji waiting to be discovered: a land of stunning mountains, rainforests and remote villages . Here you’ll find fantastically hospitable Fijians living a similar lifestyle to their tribal ancestors. Staying a night or two at a village homestay will give you an authentic insight into ethnic Fijian culture as well as the chance to sample yaqona or kava , the national drink. Fiji is also home to a large Indian community and their influence is seen in the delicious Indian food served in almost every town, Bollywood films showing in the cinema and vibrant Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the year. While Fiji is not renowned for its towns or cities , three are definitely worth taking the time to explore: quaint, colonial-era Levuka, yachting hotspot Savusavu, and Suva, the lively capital city and the best place to party in the South Pacific.

However long you spend in the country you’ll notice an unhurried, good-humoured lifestyle. This is the essence of Fiji Time – an attitude that can be both inspiring and infuriating. Away from the highly organized upmarket resorts, life runs at a different pace; bus and ferry timetables serve more as guidelines and a simple meeting in a village can last for days. It’s best to leave your inner control freak at home – you never know, you may come back a calmer person.

The vast majority of travellers arrive at Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, the biggest island in the archipelago. Most stay around the suburban tourist hub of Nadi for a day or two to organize travels to other parts of the country, or use it as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside and offshore islands. The most popular destination in Fiji lies visible off Nadi’s coastline – a gorgeous collection of islands known as the Mamanucas. Here you’ll find sublime beaches and tiny coral cays with suitably exotic names such as “Bounty” or “Treasure Island”. Extending north of the Mamanucas are the Yasawa Islands, a string of larger, volcanic islands home to a mixture of budget beach resorts and upmarket boutique accommodation.

Almost as popular as the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands, especially with families, are the beach resorts of the Coral Coast along the south coast of Viti Levu. Around an hour’s drive from Nadi, these larger resorts offer good value all-inclusive packages and a great choice of sightseeing tours. Inland is the rugged rural interior of Viti Levu. This region was once home to fierce, cannibalistic hill tribes and is crisscrossed with hiking trails including the route to Fiji’s highest peak, Mount Tomanivi. Heading east along Viti Levu’s south coast brings you to Pacific Harbour, Fiji’s adventure tour capital offering whitewater rafting, jet-ski safaris and world-renowned shark dives off the nearby island of Beqa. Beyond is Suva, Fiji’s cosmopolitan capital city and the hub for sea transport throughout the archipelago.

Of the outer islands, the most accessible are in the Lomaiviti Group, a short trip by boat from the east coast of Viti Levu. Here you’ll find the quirky former capital of Levuka on the island of Ovalau and a good range of budget island resorts – a less commercial alternative to the Mamanucas and Yasawas. Spreading east for hundreds of kilometres is the vast Lau Group. Reached by cargo boat from the mainland, these islands provide a true adventure for the intrepid traveller and the chance to sample Polynesian culture. South of Viti Levu is the snaking shape of Kadavu, a magnet for scuba-divers thanks to the impressive Great Astrolabe Reef.

Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, is in the northern part of the archipelago. On its south coast is the beautiful sailing anchorage of Savusavu while to the east is Taveuni, Fiji’s lush “Garden Island”. Half of Taveuni is protected as a national park and it’s the best place in Fiji to hike through rainforest and encounter the country’s rare, native birdlife. Offshore is the stunning Rainbow Reef, aptly named after its colourful soft corals. Far north of Vanua Levu, the tiny Polynesian island of Rotuma is politically part of Fiji but so isolated it feels like a different country, with its own language, culture and traditions.

Fijian resorts range from simple beachside bures (traditional thatched huts) with cold-water showers to opulent villas with hardwood floors and private spa pools. With almost a hundred resorts throughout the islands the choice can be overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve whittled them down to six of the best, each aimed at a different type of traveller.

Discover more places in Fiji

• Rural Viti Levu Travel Guide
• Suva and around Travel Guide
• Vanua Levu and Taveuni Travel Guide

Luxury Vatulele Island Resort , Vatulele.

Backpackers The Beachouse , Coral Coast, Viti Levu.

Romance Matangi Island Resort , off Taveuni.

Families Plantation Island Resort , Malolo Lailai, Mamanucas.

Divers Dolphin Bay , Vanua Levu.

Eco-adventure Tui Tai Cruise , Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Top image © Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock

• Fiji is made up of 333 islands and many tiny islets. Two thirds of Fiji’s islands remain uninhabited.

• The name Fiji is an adaptation of the Tongan pronunciation of “Viti”, originally written by Europeans as “Feejee”.

• Only four of Fiji’s 27 airports have paved runways.

• Of a total population of nearly 875,000, around 512,000 are ethnic Fijians, 290,000 Fiji-Indians and the remainder Chinese, Europeans and various Pacific islanders.

• At New Year on the islands, women play a game called veicaqe moli – “kick the orange”. The winners have to give new clothes to the losers, and the losers’ job is to serve the victors yaqona .

• Around a fifth of ethnic Fijians live a mostly subsistence lifestyle on tribally owned native land (87 percent of all land in the country).

A huge part of Fiji’s appeal lies below the surface of the waves. Don a mask and snorkel and you will find coral reefs shimmering with colourful fish, sea fans dancing in the current and manta rays and reef sharks cruising the lagoons. Throw in crystal-clear water and temperatures that rarely fall below 25°C and you have one of the world’s greatest snorkelling and diving destinations.

Fiji’s ten thousand square kilometres of coral reef twist and turn around every island, and include the world’s third longest barrier reef – the 200km-long Great Sea Reef found off the north coast of Vanua Levu. These amazing structures provide habitats for thousands of species of fish, plants and animals and boast an astonishing biodiversity that’s comparable to that found in rainforests.

The three most common types of reef found in Fiji are fringing reefs , which are attached to an island and offer snorkelling direct from the shore; patch reefs , individual coral reefs found within a lagoon and usually attracting great numbers of reef fish; and barrier reefs , which are separated from the shore by a deep channel and feature steep drop-offs and strong currents. There’s information on Fiji’s best reefs, plus snorkelling and diving advice.

Travel advice for Fiji

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Fiji

• Culture and Etiquette in Fiji
• Eating and drinking in Fiji
• Travel Health Fiji
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Fiji
• Travel Tips Fiji for planning and on the go
• How to get to Fiji
• Getting around Fiji: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Fiji
• Travelling with children in Fiji
• Best time to visit Fiji

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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David Stanley | 01 July 2010

South pacific travel blueprint: 4 breathtaking itineraries.

Boasting vibrant culture, delicious food and over 7,500 idyllic and intriguing islands, the South Pacific is so much more than just a palm-fringed paradise

From volcano-dominated wildernesses to wave-lapped shores to small humps of sand barely peaking above the waterline, there are around 7,500 islands to explore in the South Pacific.

So where do you start? The Pacific Ocean covers more than a third of the planet's surface and these tiny specks are scattered thousands of kilometres apart, separated by vast expanses of uninhabited - by humans, at least - blue. Getting around the area used to be an expensive and time-consuming business but now international flights stop regularly at many of the main islands, with the major airline alliances offering free stopovers at Polynesian paradises on round-the-world tickets. But don't just stopover, invest in a regional air pass or hop on the local boat network and properly dip into the Pacific.

The islands of Polynesia and Melanesia offer a vast amount of variety. If you want action, there are countless opportunities: you could scuba dive with sharks and manta rays; snorkel with more technicoloured fish than you can wave a flipper at; surf waves with gnarly names such as Cloudbreak and Frigate's Passage, which remain unbroken since Antarctica; kayak around mangrove-edged lagoons and rocky shorelines; pedal among mysterious statues from ancient cultures; hike up volcanic rises and down verdant valleys; and sail on that seemingly endless ocean.

The rhythm of Island life

It's not all action though - the social scientist will be intrigued by the South Pacific's diverse customs and cultures. From the enigmatic moai of Easter Island to the Polynesian traditions of Samoa, the region is a fascinating cultural melting pot. One of the best ways to experience this side of the south is at an Island Night. Though put on for travellers, these food-and-festivity-filled evenings - often including drumming, dancing and fire-juggling - are an excellent taster. Otherwise, head to a church on a Sunday morning to hear sweet choral harmonies flowing across the palm trees, hop on an open-sided Fijian bus - an experience in itself - or pop to the local market where island life seems to come together amid stallfuls of breadfruit, papaya and coconuts. The hospitality and friendliness of the islanders is legendary, and virtually all are happy to share their customs, traditions, and beliefs.

In the South Pacific there are no troublesome visas to be obtained and advance bookings are rarely necessary - visitors will always find somewhere to stay. The South Pacific is far less commercialised and crowded than the Mediterranean or Caribbean; there are well-defined traveller's trails but also abundant opportunities to escape to islands that haven't seen a tourist in years. It is more expensive than 'nearby' South-East Asia, but the payoff is the chance to discover a dazzling array of spectacular countries that combine desert-island fantasies with a dose of adventure. For travellers, it's almost paradise.

South Pacific itineraries

1. islands of legend & mystery: archaeology, scenery & sealife.

Easter Island - French Polynesia (Two weeks)

Five days is the absolute minimum required to do Easter Island justice. The first should be spent visiting the Sebastián Englert Anthropological Museum in the main town, Hanga Roa, and the nearby statues and platforms. On the second day, hike or ride up Rano Kau volcano to Orongo - the ceremonial centre of the island and focus of the birdman cult.

The petroglyphs and circular stone houses here are unique. The third day should be devoted to Easter Island's top site, Rano Raraku , the quarry from which all of the island's famous moai (giant statues) were carved. Nearly 400 moai in various stages of completion lay scattered around. If you enjoy walking take a taxi to Rano Raraku in the morning, then hike the 18km back to Hanga Roa along the south west coast.

One of the finest coastal walks in the South Pacific is around the north-west corner of the island and is a perfect way to spend your fourth day. Take another taxi to Anakena beach where you can begin the walk; numerous toppled statues, platforms and caves are to be found all along the way. Your last day on Easter Island could be devoted to any number of lesser sites near Hanga Roa , along with shopping in the handicraft market.

French Polynesia can easily be reached from Easter Island (flights depart twice a week). On arriving try to connect immediately with a flight to Bora Bora - the quintessential South Seas island with its soaring peaks and broad lagoon. The whole island can be absorbed in a three-hour bicycle ride, and a lagoon tour will have you exploring its shores by snorkelling with manta rays, sea turtles and reef sharks.

Huahine , a less frequented Polynesian isle, can be easily explored by rental car or motorised outrigger canoe in a couple of days. Planes and passenger boats returning to Tahiti from Bora Bora call at the island, which is home to French Polynesia's largest archaeological area at Maeva , where there are several dozen restored stone platforms - well worth a visit.

Moving east, the hourglass-shaped island of Tahiti is the next stop. Here lies French Polynesia's glittering capital city, Pape'ete , with its fine dining, entertainment and shopping. A trip around Tahiti by rental car or tour bus can be done in a day with an obligatory stop at the Gauguin Museum on the south side of the island.

Most of Tahiti's beaches consist of black volcanic sand; to find the white beaches and emerald lagoons of the travel brochures you must board a high-speed catamaran ferry for the 30-minute ride to nearby Mo'orea . This island has everything Bora Bora has to offer at a more manageable price. Just below a spectacular viewpoint in the centre of the island is a large archaeological complex swallowed by the jungle. You can also swim with sharks and rays, track schools of spinner dolphins or humpback whales, scuba dive with any of the five local operators, hike over volcanic ridges, or eat out at any of small French restaurants scattered around the island.

For a truly off-the-beaten-track itinerary, a trip to the rugged Marquesas Islands is a must. For nearly two centuries writers, artists and adventurers alike have escaped to these verdant isles, where their dramatic coastlines and deep tropical valleys have fuelled their inspiration. Remarkable stone tikis (large, carved wooden heads) pepper the islands. And you can visit the grave and museum of the painter Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa . The Aranui - a passenger-carrying freighter - serves the Marquesas, and is the ideal way to get there.

2. The western Polynesian triangle: where Pacific island traditions endure

Samoa - Tonga (Three weeks)

Samoa and Tonga are remembered in Polynesian legend as Havaiki - the primeval homeland where the Polynesians lived for 1,000 years before, around the time of Christ, the canoes continued east to what is now French Polynesia. Traditions run deep here. In Samoa, village life is still controlled by the matai (chiefs) who meet regularly in village councils; it is only the matai who can be elected to Samoa's parliament.

Tonga is currently undergoing a difficult transition from absolute monarchy to democratic rule - in November 2006 whole blocks of Nuku'alofa , the capital, were burned during politically motivated rioting. Nonetheless, Polynesian culture is best experienced at island nights hosted several times a week at hotels and cultural centres in both Apia and Nuku'alofa with traditional dancing, buffets of local food and handicraft displays .

Begin in Nadi, Fiji, then connect to Samoa at the first opportunity. Samoa's capital, Apia (on 'Upolu island ), is one of the South Pacific's most picturesque towns, a row of old wooden buildings - now converted into restaurants and bars - facing Beach Road opposite the harbour with views stretching across the water. There's a bustling market, and island night at Aggie Grey's Hotel is not to be missed. To get around 'Upolu - Samoa's second-largest island - you can rent a car and stop at as many photogenic beaches or waterfall viewpoints as you wish.

Regular ferries link 'Upolu to the much larger Savai'i island where the beaches are even finer and the mountains higher. A lava flow on the north eastern side of Savai'i crosses the highway around the island; a stone church engulfed in lava in the last eruption in 1911 makes for an unusual sight.

If you have a couple of days to spare, a side trip to American Samoa can be easily arranged. Along the south side of the mountainous Tutuila island (the main island) a long road winds around to Pago Pago Harbour , travelling through many small Samoan villages providing a sumptuous slice of Samoan life.

South of Samoa lies the kingdom of Tonga. Despite the damage done to Nuku'alofa during the 2006 rioting, rural Tongatapu is as appealing as ever with its ancient stone megaliths and impressive pyramid tombs . For a touch of the wild and wonderful stop at Kolovai , where large colonies of flying foxes hang from trees next to the road. However, many visitors connect straight away to Vava'u island , one of the South Pacific's most important yachting and whalewatching destinations.

Pods of humpback whales can be seen off Vava'u from July to October and there's scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and bicycling year round. On the island, Neiafu is one of the most charming small towns in the Pacific and the most picturesque in Tonga. If you are craving something more active, some of Tonga's best hiking is in the rainforests and along the coastal cliffs of 'Eua island next to Tongatapu.

3. The Melanesian crescent: relics & wrecks

New Caledonia - Vanuatu -Solomon Islands (One month)

The three Melanesian countries are strikingly diverse and a treat for even the most jaded world traveller. New Caledonia has been a French colony since 1853 and the Kanaks (indigenous inhabitants) now comprise only 45% of the total population - the French influence is strong.

The capital, Noumea , resembles a southern French town with its neo-Gothic church in the hillside overlooking the downtown grid. While in Noumea's southern suburbs chic restaurants and hotels face a flashy seaside boulevard. The mountainous main island, Grande Terre, is almost 400km long; its interior scarred by nickel mining. You can easily spend a week driving up the predominantly Kanak east coast and down the mainly French west coast past sprawling cattle ranches.

East of Grande Terre are the Loyalty Islands : Ouvéa, Lifou and Maré. Lifou is the world's largest uplifted atoll with numerous cliffs and caves. The smaller Isle of Pines to the south has some of the finest beaches in the Pacific. Commuter flights and a high-speed ferry link Noumea to the Loyalties and Isle of Pines.

Vanuatu consists of 83 islands in a Y-shaped chain 1,300km long. The country's international airport is at Port Vila on Efate island. From 1906 to 1980, Port Vila was the capital of the Anglo-French New Hebrides Condominium and an odd assortment of mismatched colonial buildings remain.

The city is beautifully set around a series of long peninsulas and bays, and its fine cafés, restaurants and resorts reflect competing French and Australian influences. For foreign visitors, the second-most-visited island is Tanna for Yasur - an active volcano with a road almost up to the crater rim.

Tanna is also famous for its cargo cult villages, and the custom villages where people dress and live as they did before European contact. Few scuba divers miss the chance to fly north from Efate to Vanuatu's largest island, Espiritu Santo , where the wreck of the 22,000-ton SS President Coolidge sunk when it hit a 'friendly' mine in 1942 - it is an easy shore dive and is the world's largest diveable Second World War wreck.

After Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands is the largest country in the South Pacific. It's also the least developed with 75% of the population living from subsistence agriculture on the six large islands, plus another 20 medium-sized islands and hundreds of smaller ones scattered across an area covering 28,400 sq km. It would take months of constant travel to reach a representative selection of the islands.

All visitors arrive at Honiara on Guadalcanal island - a major battlefield in the Second World War. The numerous monuments, decrepit buildings and war relics are the major tourist sights of the dusty capital city. The country's main tourist centre, however, is the quaint town of Gizo in Western Province. Gizo has excellent scuba diving on wartime wrecks and coral reefs, and it makes a good base for exploring New Georgia and adjacent islands situated just south east.

4. The coral route: paradise at its best

Cook Islands - Fiji - French Polynesia (One month to six weeks)

Of the 15 islands and atolls that make up the Cook Islands, only two or three are on the beaten tourist track. Two roads encircle the gateway island Rarotonga with beaches and resorts almost all the way around. The capital, Avarua , is pleasant enough with numerous shopping, dining, drinking and sightseeing possibilities. Many of Avarua's solid stone buildings reflect the predominant influence of early missionaries.

In half a day you can hike right across Rarotonga on a steep mountain trail, which passes Te Rua Manga (the Needle), a volcanic plug visible from much of the island. The scuba diving and snorkelling off Rarotonga are excellent and accessible, but one week would be quite enough time here. Many visitors fly from Rarotonga to Aitutaki on one of the three daily flights. The American television series Survivor 2006 was filmed on Aitutaki, and the beaches and reefs are spectacular diving venues.

Fiji offers a greater choice of things to see and do than any other South Pacific country. Families and couples tend to gravitate toward the well-established resorts of the Mamanuca Group off Nadi and the Coral Coast along Viti Levu's southern shore. Many young backpackers board the daily high-speed catamaran from Nadi to the Yasawa Group , disembarking at islands like Kuata, Wayasewa, Waya, Naviti, Tavewa and Nacula where local villagers have built thatched cottages to accommodate them.

The Mamanuca and Yasawa beaches are glorious, but the veteran traveller who wants to see more of Fiji should consider catching a commuter flight from Nadi to Taveuni island . Taveuni has some of Fiji's best hiking and scuba diving, and it's just a short hop by plane or boat back to picturesque Savusavu on Fiji's second island Vanua Levu .

From Savusavu you can fly or catch a ferry south to Suva , Fiji's capital, with its solid colonial buildings and attractive parks. Those into history can easily make a trip to the old capital Levuka, on Ovalau island , which still consists of a row of wooden 'Wild West' storefronts facing the Koro Sea. Buses run constantly right around Viti Levu , Fiji's main island.

The northern route back to Nadi through the interior is more scenic than the southern route along the Coral Coast.

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The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji 🌴 [2024]

The complete travellers’ guide to fiji.

Peppering the tropical waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an island nation that’s diverse, cultural and beautiful. Each of the 333 islands tells a unique story, whether it has left its made its mark via a rugged volcanic island or a simple sand cay surrounded by azure waters. Between the islands, shallow coral reefs decorate the ocean with diverse marine life making Fiji a diver’s, snorkeller’s and angler’s paradise.

But Fiji certainly isn’t all about coral reefs and sandy beaches. Some of the larger islands have a rugged interior typically awash in a mix of plantations and verdant jungles dotted with remote Fijian villages and dramatic river formations leading to more waterfalls than you can count. That’s Fiji in a nutshell, but if you’re planning a trip to the islands, you’ll want to take a deep dive into Fiji Pocket Guide where this complete guide to Fiji is the ideal place to start…

Learn about the diverse regions and island groups of Fiji and follow our recommendations to various travel guides throughout Fiji Pocket Guide to help plan your trip according to your personal style and interests.

An Intro About Fiji

Location : Fiji is located in the South Pacific in the continent of Oceania. Fiji sits in the centre of Tonga , Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and is about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand .

Land size : 18,274 km 2  (7,056 sq mi)

Climate : Daily average temperature – 25.5 ° C/77.9 ° F, average rainfall 1,826mm/71.9″ – 3,065mm/120.7″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Time zone : FJT / GMT+12/+13 Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?

Population : 896,500

Languages : English, Fijian and Hindi Find out more in  What is the Fiji Language?

How to Get to Fiji

First things first, you’ll need to see if you are actually able to travel to Fiji due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit Tourism Fiji ‘s website for the latest travel information.

Next, what is the best way to get to Fiji? Fiji can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way to get to Fiji is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flying to Fiji

Direct international flights come from Australia , New Zealand , Hawaii , Vanuatu , New Caledonia , Nauru , Samoa , the Solomon Islands , Tonga , Kiribati , Tuvalu , Wallis & Futuna , the US and South Korea . If you are coming from further afield, then you will need to make a connecting flight most likely in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Hawaii. See How Long Does it Take to Fly to Fiji? for more information.

Although Fiji has two international airports, around 97% of visitors to Fiji come via Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Learn more in our guide, Which Airport to Arrive in Fiji .

Cruises to Fiji

Fiji is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from Australia , New Zealand and French Polynesia . There are five ports of call in Fiji, the main ones being Suva , Lautoka and Port Denarau . Find out about which cruiseliners have Fiji on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji .

Sailing to Fiji

Fiji is conveniently located at the centre of the Transpacific journey between the US and New Zealand. The yachting season is between May and October. Learn about the sailing formalities and the ports of entry in The Sailing Guide to Fiji .

A Note on Customs Declarations

Fiji has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Fiji has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji   so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on   How to Get to Fiji for even more tips on making your way to the islands of Fiji.

When to Visit Fiji

Fiji is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and humid. Learn more about the climate in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Dry Season (May to November)

The dry season is also known as the winter season in Fiji, although many would not describe it as winter with temperatures around 19-29°C (66-84°F) . The rainfall per month is an average of 70-150mm (2.8-6″) . The dry season is also the time for  swimming with manta rays ,  surfing big waves , clearer  scuba diving  conditions and catching sailfish, skipjack tuna and wahoo .

Wet Season (December to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with temperatures around 22-33 ° C (72-91 ° F) and an average monthly rainfall of 180-310mm (7-12″) . This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in  How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji ). The wet season is also the best time for catching Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Mahimahi , as well as avoiding other tourists.

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to Fiji? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Fiji , which dives much deeper into the subject.

What to Pack for Fiji

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Fiji is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for visiting Fijian villages. A packing list for Fiji might look a little something like this:

• Shorts/Skirts/Dresses some below the knee for village visits
• Singlets/T-Shirts
• Light shirts/T-shirts  to cover the shoulders for village visits
• Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
• Sarong (Sulu) to cover your legs on village visits
• Light sleepwear
• Light jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina  for cooler evenings
• Outfit for smart/casual dress-code restaurants at luxury resorts
• Bikini/Boardshorts
• One-piece swimsuit  for watersports/village stay for women
• Rash vest  for sun and surf protection
• Light rain jacket if visiting in the wet season
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Walking shoes/sandals

And that’s just clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out  The Complete Packing List for Fiji .

Health Products

Although the water in towns is generally safe to drink, there is questionable drinking water in Fiji’s villages and more remote islands – see Can You Drink the Water in Fiji?   That coupled with high UV levels and the presence of mosquitos means that certain health products are essential to take to Fiji.

Fiji also has a fragile marine ecosystem so natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are a must, while water purification bottles/tablets are preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji .

Fiji Currency

The currency in Fiji is Fijian Dollars . While credit/debit cards are accepted in major resorts and businesses in Fiji’s towns, you should have cash available for taxis and visiting villages. If you need more information, just head to What is the Currency in Fiji?

How Long to Visit Fiji For

Admittedly, Fiji makes an idyllic getaway for just staying in the same resort for a few days to a week – and that’s fine; we all need some R&R from time to time. More intrepid travellers, however, will find that Fiji is an excellent country not only for island-hopping but road tripping around Viti Levu .

For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Fiji

Over a long weekend, you will have enough time to explore Nadi , Denarau and the Coral Coast or perhaps take a quick trip to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . See some example itineraries in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend .

5 Days in Fiji

Five days is enough time for a quick island-hopping itinerary in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or check out Fiji’s landscape of resorts and adventure activities along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour . Alternatively, those with more budget could take a charter flight to and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Check out  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days .

7 Days / One Week in Fiji

A week in Fiji gives you time to relax in any one of the island groups, but for those who want to move around, you could take a road trip around Viti Levu or do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . Alternatively, you could explore between the two less-visited islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni . See  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week  for trip ideas.

14 Days / Two Weeks in Fiji

14 days allows you to extend itineraries suggested for a week. It will also give you time to explore a mix of Viti Levu and the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands or Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni , or a week in Kadavu and a week in Viti Levu … Check out more suggestions in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks .

Where to Visit: Viti Levu

Hardly anyone visits Fiji without spending some time in Viti Levu . Home to the main international airport, Viti Levu might be an obligatory place to visit but at 10,389 sq km (4,011 sq mi), Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and most diverse island. Fiji’s “main island” is split into several exciting destinations, each with its own unique landscapes, attractions and charm. Dive deeper into what Viti Levu has to offer in The Complete Guide to Viti Levu or connect to our travel guides of each region below.

Nadi is the main arrival city in Fiji but is much more with an array of attractions to enjoy. From hot springs to bustling produce and handicrafts, Nadi provides a number of ways to immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of Fiji. Take a look at more of what Nadi has to offer in The Complete Guide to Nadi .

Want to explore more of Fiji’s popular arrival town? Start planning your trip in your unique style with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to Nadi on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Nadi
• The Guide to Nadi for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Nadi
• The Food  Guide to Nadi
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Nadi .

Although just a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Nadi, Denarau is a stark contrast to Nadi’s dusty streets and hustle and bustle. Denarau is a manmade island connected to Nadi by a causeway and polished to perfection with five-star resorts, a golf course, a shopping centre and a marina. Learn more about Fiji’s fabulous manmade island in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island .

See yourself relaxing by a luxury resort pool or visiting for the day? Plan your getaway to Denarau using one of the following guides:

• The Luxury Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Denarau Island
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Denarau
• The Food  Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island on a Budget .

Coral Coast

Viti Levu’s southern coast is a hotspot for beach resort holidays, as well as inland adventures should you want to go chasing waterfalls or take a jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River . Find out more about the resorts, attractions and vibes of Viti Levu’s most popular coast in The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast .

Want to relax by the beach or have inland adventures on the Coral Coast? Plan your trip according to your unique travel style with one of the following guides:

• The Guide to the Coral Coast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Guide to the Coral Coast for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Food  Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Coral Coast .

Pacific Harbour and Beqa

Situated between the Coral Coast and Suva, the Pacific Harbour and the offshore island of Beqa are where most of Fiji’s adventure activities can be found. Think white water rafting, shark diving, jet boating, river tubing, jet skiing and more. Learn more about the wild side of Viti Levu in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Does the Pacific Harbour sound like your kind of adventure? Cater a trip more to your style with the following guides:

• The Guide to Beqa & Pacific Harbour on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Food  Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Fiji’s capital sits on the harboursides of Viti Levu’s southeast coast. The colonial-style buildings offer a different landscape in Fiji, while the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park reminds visitors that nature is never too far away. Find out more about visiting Fiji’s capital in The Complete Guide to Suva .

Whether you’re a couple on a honeymoon, a young family or backpackers on a budget, we have a Suva travel guide to suit most travel types:

• The Guide to Suva on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Suva
• The Guide to Suva for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Suva
• The Food  Guide to Suva
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Suva .

The northern side of Viti Levu is the island’s least-visited side, but that by no means means that there are no resorts , luxury villas or budget cottages to base yourself for the inland hiking, Bligh Water scuba diving or simply relaxing in Viti Levu’s sunniest region. Start planning your trip to the sunnier side of Fiji in The Complete Guide to the Suncoast .

Plan your getaway to northern Viti Levu according to your preferred style of travel with the following appropriate article:

• The Guide to the Suncoast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Suncoast
• The Guide to the Suncoast for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Suncoast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Suncoast .

Where to Visit: Mamanuca Islands

A scattering of some 20 islands in the glistening South Pacific waters feel a world away yet are conveniently close to Nadi International Airport . A 10-minute helicopter ride or a 30-minute ferry can have you on the idyllic Mamanuca Islands , most of which with just a single resort where you can soak in the sun, feel the sand between your toes and snorkel in the reefs circling the islands.

Each island has its own unique vibe largely due to the diverse island resorts, ranging from fun-filled family resorts to exclusive adult-only retreats to budget surf or dive resorts. Some of the islands are open to day-trippers, while others are exclusively for guests.

The Mamanuca Islands has just about every type of island activity available in Fiji, but some of the more unique features include the Cloud 9 floating pizza bar and some of the best surf breaks in the South Pacific including the famed “ Cloudbreak ”.

So if the Mamanucas are calling to you, start planning your getaway with The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Mamanuca Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan a trip to the Mamanuca Islands according to your own unique travel style with one of the following articles:

• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Where to Visit: Yasawa Islands

The string of the volcanic Yasawa Islands is often what many envision of the Fiji holiday: secluded islands with sweeping beaches, turquoise lagoons and remote villages of Fijian communities. This group of around 20 islands sit off the northwestern coast of Viti Levu just north of the Mamanuca Islands. Getting there requires a slightly longer mission, either from Nadi on a 30-minute helicopter/seaplane flight or between two to four hours by ferry.

The Yasawa Islands has been known as the backpacker hub of Fiji for many years thanks to its array of budget resorts, but more and more luxury boutique resorts have developed on the islands in recent years.

In terms of experiences, scuba diving, fishing, cultural activities are all on the menu as they are across most of Fiji. However, more unique offerings include trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and snorkelling with manta rays between May and October.

Sounds like your type of paradise? Learn more about the Yasawas in The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Yasawa Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan your trip according to your interests with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Where to Visit: Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu might be Fiji’s second-largest island and a dot on the Fiji map you can hardly avoid, but the truth of the matter is that only around 2% of visitors travel to the island. That means that tranquillity and unspoiled land and seascapes are easy to find in Vanua Levu, which is home to a variety of accommodations, from luxury boutique resorts to budget holiday homes.

The island might have its fair share of copra and sugarcane plantations, but jungle landscapes are never too far away, where many of Vanua Levu’s resorts can be found nestled among them often with a waterfall or two. Beaches are also never too hard to find but more water exploration can be enjoyed among the coral reefs, where Vanua Levu has some of the most renowned dive sites between the Namena Marine Reserve , the Great Sea Reef and Rainbow Reef .

You don’t have to feel too far from civilisation either on Vanua Levu, which has two major but small towns, Savusavu and Labasa , as well as plenty of quaint Fijian villages.

Learn more about visiting Fiji’s “Friendly North” in  The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu .

Plan Your Trip to Vanua Levu in Your Travel Style

Vanua Levu provides all kinds of holiday experiences, which you can read up on in the following guides:

• The Guide to Vanua Levu on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Guide to Vanua Levu for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Food  Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanua Levu .

Where to Visit: Taveuni

Sitting off the southeastern tip of Vanua Levu across the Somosomo Strait is the island of Taveuni , also known as the “Garden Island”. Around 80% of the island is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park , a volcanic formation carpeted in a tropical jungle where small Fijian villages are guardians to its attractions, from the towering Bouma Falls to the coastal journey of the Lavena Coastal Walk . Needless to say, Taveuni is an island for the active traveller.

Aside from seeing verdant forests and authentic villages, Taveuni also makes a great base for scuba diving at the Rainbow Reef or snorkelling in the Waitabu Marine Reserve . Pearl farms, beaches and general “island time” are other ways to enjoy the island.

While there is a spectacular range of resorts, lodges and private villas on the island to suit most travellers, it’s also worth researching the surrounding islands of Qamea , Laucala and Matangi with their spa resorts, surf resorts and even a private island seven-star resort.

For more information on the Garden Island, take a look at The Complete Guide to Taveuni .

Plan Your Trip to Taveuni in Your Travel Style

Start planning your trip to Taveuni according to the style you prefer to travel using the following guides:

• The Guide to Taveuni on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Taveuni
• The Guide to Taveuni for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Taveuni
• The Food  Guide to Taveuni
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Taveuni .

Where to Visit: Lomaiviti Islands

Delve into Fiji’s characterful history in the Lomaiviti Islands , home to Fiji’s first capital, Levuka , which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The small town on the islands of Ovalau is preserved with colonial buildings while surrounding islands provide an alternative island holiday experience much less visited than the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

The Lomaiviti Islands are located off the eastern shores of Viti Levu, taking only 10 minutes to fly from Suva’s airport or around four to five hours on one of the cargo ferries. Each island has its story, from the historic Ovalau to the luxury private island of Wakaya to the turtle sanctuary on Makogai . Between the islands, the diversity in marine life is astonishing thanks to several established marine reserves where it’s possible to dive with giant clams, turtles and sharks.

Learn more about Fiji’s less-visited island group in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Lomaiviti Islands in Your Travel Style

Whatever your style and interest, we have a guide to the Lomaivitis to suit:

• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Where to Visit: Kadavu

Pronounced “Kan-davu”, Kadavu is a large island in the southern regions of Fiji, accessible by a one-hour flight from Nadi or a lengthy cargo ferry trip from Suva. Either way, the journey is worth the effort to see a side of Fiji that stands still in time. The 75 villages of the island are all on the coast, where boat transport is just about the only way to get around as hardly any roads venture into the thick jungle.

Resorts here are all about experiencing life off the grid, being self-sustainable by growing their own crops and working in harmony with local fishermen. Needless to say, a stay in Kadavu provides a real slice of island life. That’s not to say that there isn’t much else to do than get the Robinson Crusoe experience, as the world’s fourth-largest barrier the reef curves around the island for some epic scuba diving, manta ray snorkelling and even surfing.

For those seeking a real off-the-beaten-track adventure in Fiji, check out The Complete Guide to Kadavu .

Plan Your Trip to Kadavu in Your Travel Style

Kadavu is not a place for adult-only resorts and only has one luxury private island resort among its offering for budget B&Bs and mid-range eco-resorts. Find out more in the following guides:

• The Guide to Kadavu on a Budget
• The Guide to Kadavu for Families
• The Food  Guide to Kadavu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Kadavu .

Where to Visit: Lau Islands

Only a minuscule number of tourists visit the sparse scattering of around 60 islands that make up the Lau Islands , but they are definitely still worth mentioning for the Fiji enthusiast. Almost the entire east side of Fiji is the Lau Islands where many of the islands are closer to Tonga than they are to Viti Levu. With that, the cultures here are unique and unchanged for centuries, where some islanders have traditions from both the Fijian and Tongan cultures.

Visiting the islands and their people requires either one of the weekly flights to Vanua Balavu or Cicia , a multi-day island-hopping cargo voyage from Suva, or one of the few Lau Islands’ cruises with Captain Cook Cruises each year (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) . Alternatively, you can take a charter flight to the island group’s only resort, Vatuvara Private Islands , which provides many of the offerings that we feature in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands – the only travel style we curated a guide for in the Lau Islands, as the tourist industry here is so undeveloped.

Intrigued? Check out The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands .

How to Get Around Fiji

Yes, after seeing the number of island groups in Fiji, let alone the different islands and some of the larger islands to explore, you’re probably wondering: how do I get around all of these islands?

Transport differs between island groups. More touristic islands, such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas are well serviced with ferries, seaplanes and water taxis, while the lesser-visited islands may only have transport that is provided by your chosen resort. The main ways to get around Fiji include:

Domestic Flights

There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji, both offering regular flights between Fiji’s most populated islands. Learn more about these flights in   The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji .

Charter Flights

Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly Viti Levu and the Mamanucas , Yasawas , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji  and  Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji .

High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry .

Rental cars are available in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji .

Public Buses and Express Buses

Public buses are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji. They are available in Viti Levu , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Ovalau . Find out more in   How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus .

Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in   The Guide to Taxis in Fiji .

There are a lot more ways to travel around Fiji so be sure to browse our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji for more advice.

Accommodation in Fiji

First and foremost, Fiji is a country of resorts. In most cases, resorts handle everything: accommodation, entertainment, tours and sometimes even transport. For these reasons, one of the most important decisions you can make for a trip to Fiji is where you are going to stay.

That’s not to say that Fiji solely has resorts. If that’s not your style, then you have lodges, hotels, homestays, holiday homes, villas and even small-ship cruises to choose from.

The most abundant accommodation type in Fiji, resorts are typically complexes with hotel-style rooms or freestanding bure (bungalows) and facilities such as a restaurant and swimming pool. Many resorts across Fiji, especially on remote islands, offer an entertainment schedule, as well as optional paid tours, such as scuba diving, fishing, massages and more. Note that there are also adults-only resorts in Fiji , as well as family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs. Dive deeper into what a resort entails in How to Pick the Best Resort in Fiji for You . Plus, don’t miss The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji .

International-style hotels can be found in Fiji’s largest towns, such as Nadi , Suva and Lautoka . The rest of Fiji’s hotels are typically budget hotels found across Fiji’s smaller towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more in  How to Pick the Best Hotel in Fiji for You . Plus, browse our  10 Best Hotels in Fiji .

Holiday Homes and Villas

For a more intimate style of accommodation in Fiji, choose a holiday home or villa. Note that these are some of the very few self-catering accommodations available in Fiji and can usually only be found on Fiji’s larger islands, like Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Learn more about what holiday homes are like in  How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Fiji for You and villas in  How to Pick the Best Villa in Fiji for You . Plus, find the ideal stay in the   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and   10 Best Luxury Villas in Fiji .

Becoming more and more abundant in Fiji with the popularity of booking websites like Airbnb , Booking.com and Expedia , homestays are where locals open up their spare room to visitors. With many homestays available in Fijian villages, this can be a truly authentic way to experience the Fijian culture. Note, however, that this is not an appropriate accommodation choice for travellers who like their luxuries and modern comforts. Find out more about what a homestay is like in How to Pick the Best Homestay in Fiji for You . And pick a homestay from the  10 Best Homestays in Fiji .

Small-Ship Cruises

Fiji has two small-ship cruises sailing primarily to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and less frequent sailings to other island groups throughout the year. Each offer cabin accommodation along with the opportunity to visit different islands, free and optional paid activities, and meals. Learn more about these cruises in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji .

Things to Do in Fiji

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Fiji than drink cocktails and sit by the pool. Fiji exceeds at adventure, relaxation and culture. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our  101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List .

The thing to remember is that resorts offer most of the activities in Fiji, especially those in the outer islands. The sort of activities available at resorts include:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Swimming with sharks or manta rays
• Spa treatments
• Fijian village visits
• Fijian cultural dancing (meke)
• Fijian crafting lessons
• Cooking classes
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Parasailing
• Walking/hiking

That’s not to say that there are no exciting experiences outside of the resorts. Especially on the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu , there are independent tours and activities to try. For instance:

• Jet boat tours
• White water rafting
• Quad biking/off-roading
• Sightseeing tours
• Golf courses

Again, you’ll find much more inspiration from our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List so get on there!

Food and Dining in Fiji

From the menus of the restaurants in Fiji’s major towns to the resort restaurants, a wide range of international cuisine is represented in Fiji. Fijian foods are also easy enough to come by especially on resort menus, while Indo-Fijian cuisine is best sampled at town curry houses.

There are no major health concerns to be worried about when it comes to food in Fiji. Resort restaurants have a high standard. However, one should be a little wary when it comes to street food – it’s best to try food that is cooked and to avoid drinking tap water (or treat it) if you’re unsure of the quality.

Self-catering is rarely available in Fiji, only in villas, holiday homes and apartments. See the   Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji  for purchasing groceries.

Vegetarian options are widely available in Fiji, but those with other dietary requirements should contact their resorts prior to arrival. Although most resorts can cater to just about any dietary need, they tend to need notice in order to prepare.

For more food-related advice, check out  The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji and see what to try in the 18 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try .

Typical Costs and Budget – Is Fiji Expensive?

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is a, quite frankly, impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in   Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

• Dorm bed/night – FJ$25-$100
• Homestay private room/night  – FJ$30-$100
• Budget double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$86-$200
• Mid-range double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$150-$250
• Luxury double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$250+
• Family rooms/night  – FJ$140-$1,000

The Cost of Food

• Indian & Chinese restaurant mains  – FJ$6-$15
• Restaurant mains  – FJ$20-$30
• Restaurant breakfast meals  – FJ$6-$15
• Resort breakfasts  – Free
• Resort lunch meals  – FJ$16-$25
• Resort restaurant mains  – FJ$25-$70
• Resort meal plans/day  – FJ$58-$250
• Bottle of water  – FJ$1.60-$4
• Bottle of wine  – FJ$15-$30
• Pint of beer  – FJ$4-$8
• Cocktail  – FJ$10.50-$30

Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in  What is the Cost of Food in Fiji?

The Cost of Tours and Activities

• Day cruise  – FJ$150-$250
• Swim with sharks  – FJ$200-250
• Shared half-day fishing charter  – FJ$360-$500
• Snorkel tour  – FJ$70-$120
• Two tank scuba dive  – FJ$280-$320
• River tubing  – FJ$190
• Cultural night tour  – FJ$160
• Beach horse riding  – FJ$190
• Half-day zipline tour  (transfer included) – FJ$260
• Jet boat safari  – FJ$280
• Skydive  – FJ$850
• Kula Eco Park admission  – FJ$50
• 45min helicopter scenic flight  – FJ$580
• Massage  – FJ$80-$190

The Cost of Transport

• Ferries to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$80-$135
• Water taxis to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$575-$9,618
• Cargo ferries to other outer islands (one way) – FJ$25-$68
• Flights to outer islands  (one way) – FJ$92-$600
• Public buses  – FJ$1-$5
• Express buses  (Nadi to Suva) – FJ$20-$30
• Multi-day tour bus  – FJ$780
• Private resort transfer  – FJ$50-$200
• Car rental/day  – FJ$180
• Private taxi driver/day  – FJ$150
• Taxi  (20 minutes) – FJ$30

Again, check out our guide, Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for more budget tips and costs.

Fiji Accommodation

• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort
• First Landing Beach Resort
• Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
• Nadi Nalagi Hotel
• Tanoa International Hotel
• Mercure Nadi
• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• The Palms Apartments
• The Terraces Apartments
• Sheraton Fiji Resort
• Sheraton Denarau Villas
• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
• Mango Bay Resort
• Bedarra Beach Inn
• Wellesley Resort Fiji
• Tambua Sands Beach Resort
• InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
• Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
• The Warwick Fiji
• Crusoe’s Retreat
• The Beachhouse
• Namuka Bay Lagoon
• Nanuku Auberge Resort
• The Pearl Resort
• Royal Davui Island Resort
• Beqa Lagoon Resort
• Holiday Inn Suva
• Grand Pacific Hotel
• Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
• Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
• Volivoli Beach Resort

Mamanuca Islands

• Plantation Island Resort
• Castaway Island Resort
• Treasure Island Resort
• Malolo Island Resort
• Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island
• VOMO Island Resort
• Six Senses Fiji
• Beachcomber Island Resort
• Mana Island Resort
• Serenity Island Resort
• Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
• Funky Fish Resort
• Ratu Kini Dive Resort
• South Sea Island Resort
• Tokoriki Island Resort
• Matamanoa Island Resort
• Likuliku Lagoon Resort
• Lomani Island Resort
• Tropica Island Resort
• Tadrai Island Resort
• Mana Lagoon Backpackers

Yasawa Islands

• Barefoot Kuata Resort
• Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
• Navutu Stars Resort
• Naqalia Lodge
• Mantaray Island Resort
• Barefoot Manta Resort
• Long Beach Escape
• Boathouse Nanuya
• Nabua Lodge
• Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
• Octopus Resort
• Safe Landing Eco-Lodge
• Coralview Island Resort
• Viwa Island Resort
• Paradise Cove Resort
• Coconut Beach Resort
• Nanuya Island Resort
• White Sandy Beach Resort
• Gold Coast Resort
• Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
• Sunrise Lagoon Homestay
• Yasawa Homestays
• Savasi Island Resort
• Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
• The Remote Resort
• Nukubati Private Island
• Sigasiga Sands Resort
• Koro Sun Resort
• Palmlea Farms
• Emaho Sekawa Resort
• Island Breeze Fiji
• Naveria Heights Lodge
• Grand Eastern Hotel
• Daku Fiji Resort
• Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat
• Fiji Lodge: Vosa Ni Ua
• Gecko Lodge Fiji
• Korovesi Sunshine Villas
• The Friendly North Inn
• Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel
• Sau Bay Retreat
• Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
• Taveuni Palms Resort
• Raiwasa Grand Villa
• Vacala Bay Resort
• Matangi Private Island Resort
• Tides Reach Resort
• Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
• Taveuni Dive Resort
• Garden Island Resort
• Qamea Resort & Spa
• Aroha Taveuni Resort
• Paradise Taveuni
• Maqai Beach Eco Resort
• Makaira Resort
• Maravu Lodge

Lomaiviti Islands

• Toberua Island Resort
• Wakaya Club & Spa
• Leleuvia Island Resort
• Ovalau Holiday Resort
• Caqalai Island Resort
• Bobo’s Farm
• Royal Hotel
• Kauwai Guesthouse
• The Baystay
• Kokomo Private Island
• Oneta Resort
• Matava Resort
• Matana Beach Resort
• Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
• Tiliva Resort
• Navutovuto Accommodation

Lau Islands

• Vatuvara Private Islands
• Moana’s Guesthouse
• Lakeba Guest House

For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 50 Best Resorts in Fiji ,   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and more in our Accommodation category.

Plan a Fiji Trip According to Your Travel Style

Finally, this wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Fiji without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at Fiji Pocket Guide , we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, luxury travellers, honeymooners, families, adults-only and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget
• The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families
• The Complete Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Foodie  Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Fiji

Happy travels and thanks for reading this travel guide to Fiji! You might also like our  31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji .

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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New Zealand – 14th Feb 2024 – South Pacific Pocket Guide, a leader in online travel guides for the South Pacific nations, including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Niue, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024 (SPTE24) for a third consecutive year. This partnership highlights South Pacific Pocket Guide’s dedication to continuously crafting world-class travel guides for the Pacific.

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