Where is Fiji?
Around 1,300 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand, Fiji lies in the South Pacific Ocean, an archipelago of more than three hundred islands and 540 islets. Only about one hundred of Fiji’s islands are inhabited, with the largest being Viti Levu (meaning ‘Great Fiji’), the home of the capital, Suva. The islands were first inhabited by the Lapita people around 1000 BC and were visited by Europeans in the 17th century. After a brief spell as an independent kingdom in 1871, the Colony of Fiji was established by the British three years later. After nearly 100  years of British rule, Fiji became an independent nation in 1970. 

What are the different areas?
The two main islands of Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, make up almost 85 per cent of Fiji’s total landmass, and so are the main centres for life in Fiji. Suva, the bustling capital, and the popular tourist hub of Nadi can be found on Viti Levu alongside luxury resorts, vibrant markets, and the iconic Coral Coast, famed for its beaches and coral reefs. Vanua Levu, meanwhile, is a haven for nature lovers with its lush rainforests and the serene town of Savusavu.

For a more remote escape, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are popular spot. The Mamanucas boast postcard-perfect beaches and diving spots in the clearest waters, while the Yasawas offer a quieter retreat with rugged landscapes and idyllic lagoons. If you’re looking for unspoilt beauty, the Lau Islands and Kadavu remain off the beaten track, offering an authentic Fijian experience.

What is the food like?
Fijian cuisine is a fusion of flavours influenced by the islands’ various communities. Simple foods such as rice, sweet potatoes, taro (a tropical root vegetable), cassava (a starchy shrub) and coconuts have made up much of the Fijian diet for centuries, but naturally, fresh seafood takes centre stage, with dishes like kokoda (marinated raw fish in coconut milk) showcasing the bounty of the ocean. Tropical fruits such as papaya and mango are also staples of the local diet.

Indian-inspired dishes like spicy curries and roti are also widely enjoyed, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. Don’t miss trying lovo, a traditional feast cooked in an earth oven, which is a true taste of Fijian culture. For beverages, yaqona (or kava) is a must-try – a ceremonial drink made from the kava root, known for its calming effects.

What is the culture like?
Fijian culture is deeply rooted in tradition, community and family, and has developed from a melting pot of Indian, Chinese, European, Polynesian and Rotuman influences. Often referred to as the ‘Bula Spirit’, the Fijian way of life revolves around warmth, kindness, and hospitality, with villages at the heart of everything in Fiji. Communal living and respect for elders are highly valued.

Traditional ceremonies, such as the yaqona/kava ritual, are integral to Fijian culture, offering visitors a chance to connect with local customs. Music and dance play a significant role, with meke performances – a blend of storytelling, song, and movement – being a cultural highlight.

How do you travel around?
Getting around Fiji is relatively straightforward, thanks to an efficient transport network. On the main islands, buses and taxis are affordable and widely available. Inter-island travel is a breeze with ferries, speedboats and domestic flights connecting the islands for not a huge amount. Cruise ships also operate in the region, providing a luxurious way to hop between islands.

Where do you stay? 
Accommodation options in Fiji cater to all budgets and preferences. Luxury resorts like those found in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands offer overwater bungalows, private beaches, and world-class amenities. On Laucala Island, private villas offer luxury dubbed ‘six-star quality’, with everything you’d want from an away-from-it-all Pacific Ocean paradise in a land of rainforest, hilltops and lagoons, and even an 18-hole golf course. For mid-range travellers, family-run guesthouses and boutique hotels provide a cosy and authentic stay, and backpackers are similarly well-served with budget-friendly hostels and eco-resorts. If you’re looking for something unique, consider staying in a homestay within a traditional Fijian village for an immersive cultural experience. 

What is there to do?
From the cultural to the exotic, Fiji has activities to suit every traveller. Snorkelling and scuba diving are must-dos, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Adventure seekers can try surfing, white-water rafting, or zip-lining through the jungle. For a more relaxed pace, take a sunset cruise or indulge in a spa treatment with the help of soothing local botanicals. 

Cultural activities are equally captivating. Visit a traditional village, participate in a kava ceremony, or explore ancient archaeological sites. Nature lovers can hike through the lush interiors of Viti Levu or marvel at the waterfalls of Taveuni, known as the ‘Garden Island’. 

Where can you watch rugby in Fiji?
Fiji has one of the highest player-population ratios of any rugby playing nation, with over six hundred clubs across Fiji’s fourteen provinces and more than 30,000 provincial and school-level players in sevens, fifteens and league. It would be difficult not to find a game to watch in Fiji, but to see the very best, you have to head to Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. In Nadi you’ll find the Fijian Drua, who launched in 2017 and have played in Super Rugby since 2022. After spending their first two seasons based in Australia due to Covid travel restrictions, the Drua returned home in 2023 to be based out of Nadi, finishing seventh out of twelve teams in the 2024 season. Lautoka’s Churchill Park hosted five of their homes games, while Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium hosted two. This latter stadium is also home to Fiji’s national side, the Flying Fijians, every rugby fan’s second-favourite team thanks to the famous flair with which they play. 

How do you get there?
Fiji is well connected to major international hubs, making it an accessible destination via Nadi International Airport. There are direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and parts of Asia, with several airlines operating regular services, including Fiji Airways. 

From the airport, it’s easy to reach your destination by taxi, shuttle, or domestic flight. If you’re planning to explore multiple islands, look into air or sea passes, which offer convenient and cost-effective travel options.

How do you get involved in Fiji?
One of the best ways to give back to this paradise is by engaging with local communities to see the country through the eyes of the locals. Many resorts and organisations offer ‘voluntourism’ opportunities, from marine conservation projects to teaching in schools. Not only does it help the locals, but it can be hugely rewarding, creating lifelong memories and friendships. 

Beyond volunteering, there are other ways you can give back to Fiji. Supporting local businesses for example, such as markets and artisan shops, will help to contribute to Fiji’s economy, and by showing respect for Fijian customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting villages, you can help to foster meaningful connections and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

For more information visit Tourism Fiji www.fiji.travel