Destination: Fiji

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Vanua Venture

NINE DAYS / SUVA TO VANUA LEVU

This route takes in Fiji’s other ‘mainland’ – Vanua Levu. Trek, shop, eat and drink here before hopping over to neighbouring Taveuni with its spectacular snorkelling, diving, mountains and water slides. In total this trip covers about 420km.



Beginning in Suva, spend a morning at the excellent Fiji Museum and then feast on some fabulous fare, have a drink with a local and stock up on souvenirs. After exhausting Suva’s urban comforts, flee the mainland on a flight to Vanua Levu and land yourself in Labasa, ‘India Town’, where you can fuel up on some of the finest curries in Fiji. Visit the Wasavula Ceremonial Site and take a side-trip to the mystifying Cobra Rock inside the Naag Mandir Temple.

Continue your Vanua Levu adventure by jumping on a bus and heading south to Savusavu. This scenic journey is a highlight in itself. Spend a day taking in Savusavu’s sights; do the touristy thing at Copra Shed Marina and save enough stamina for a beer at the atmospheric Savusavu Yacht Club or Planters’ Club. Take a day trip to the rich and colourful Waisali Rainforest Reserve and then spend a couple of days hiking or kayaking, exploring the lesser-travelled Vanua Levu.

Time to head to gorgeous Taveuni. If you’ve got sea legs catch a ferry, but the flight provides some spectacular views. Somosomo is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area. First on the itinerary should be a day snorkelling or diving magnificent Rainbow Reef. Back on dry land, you’ll want to marvel at the Wairiki Catholic Mission, scare yourself silly on the Waitavala Water Slide and climb to the top of the world...well to the top of Des Voeux Peak, which is just as good.