Destination: Fiji

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Northern passage

ONE TO TWO WEEKS / NORTHERN VITI LEVU & THE HIGHLANDS

The Northern Passage takes you into Viti Levu’s dramatic highlands and the relaxed waterfront city of Lautoka. You’ll then visit petite Nananu-i-Ra before traversing eastern Viti Levu on the lush Kings Road. Top it off by fleeing tourism altogether on the remote Lau islands. The journey covers around 620km.



Starting in Nadi, turn your eyes away from the water and plant them firmly on the hilly climb into Viti Levu’s imposing interior. The Nausori Highlands are an easy day-trip from tourist central and feature some of Fiji’s most verdant scenery. Hire a 4WD or take a tour to Navala, one of the most photogenic villages in the Pacific. Spend another three days exploring the nearby interior on a trek through Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

Next on the itinerary is to head north from Nadi. You can do this route in a 4WD but regular buses are easy and fun. First stop is Lautoka, an Indo-Fijian centre and Fiji’s second-largest city. Spend a couple of days soaking in the city’s relaxed atmosphere and dose up on curries and Bollywood. Continue your coastal journey along the rugged Kings Road and head to petite and pretty Nananu-i-Ra. Exhaust yourself windsurfing, swimming, snorkelling, diving or doing nothing at all.

Back on the mainland navigate your way south into Viti Levu’s dramatic eastern interior, visiting the distinctly Fijian church at Naiserelagi and the humbling Wailotua Snake God Cave. End the day in Suva and indulge in some cosmopolitan hospitality.

The final leg of your itinerary can be a three-day escape to Fiji’s remote far east. Book a flight to Vanua Balavu in the Lau island group. Explore exquisite coves, beaches and inland walks ignored by most tourists. Delve into the island’s Tongan influence then kayak and snorkel the spectacular Bay of Islands.