How to get off the beaten track on your Fiji holiday or honeymoon - Header Image

How to get off the beaten track on your Fiji holiday or honeymoon

At popular Fiji resorts like the 5-star chains on Denarau Island, the recipe is the same; you step off the plane ready to collapse on the nearest sun lounger and after a few days of idle luxury you leave relaxed, sun-kissed and with all the Instagram-worthy photos to prove it.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this (in fact we recommend you do it at least once!), there are regions in Fiji where you can experience the ideal balance of culture, adventure and yes, still give you plenty of opportunity to sip on umbrella-topped cocktails at the end of the day.

One such place is Ra, also called the Suncoast of Fiji. As locals when we think of packing an overnight bag and fleeing the city we think of Ra (two-and-a-half hour drive from Nadi International Airport). Think wide open space, majestic mountain peaks, rolling hills and market vendors selling coconuts by the roadside. Its just the sort of place that after a night or two puts the spring back in your step. Want to see what we mean? Watch this video we filmed and produced for the Suncoast Tourism association.

Off the beaten track itineraries with Talanoa Treks

Do a google search for off the beaten track Fiji and you’ll find that the results are uninspired at best. We wanted to change that by sharing our local knowledge and experience.

As photographers and cinematographers naturally we love documenting our country and we’ve been able to do so for major mainstream tourism (Tourism Fiji) and more authentic tourism projects (Market Development Facility). Here we share some images, video’s and itineraries that we hope will inspire you to get off the beaten track in Fiji, whether its for your honeymoon, next family holiday or searching for a trip that will fire your imagination.

To create itineraries we’ve enlisted the help of Talanoa Treks, Fiji’s first and only hiking company created by husband and wife team Matt & Marita. They are part of the Duavata Sustainable Tourism Collective a small collective of sustainable tourism operators – which also includes some great options for getting off the beaten track.

Working with local communities and rural home-stays Talanoa Treks offer single and multi-day treks into the heart of Fiji. A typical day can include visiting waterfalls, walking through forests, wading rivers and crossing open grassland. You can even climb Fiji’s highest mountain Tomaniivi.

Marita has created for us 7,10 and 14-day itineraries that combine a few of their most popular treks along with accommodation and activities that take will you off the beaten track and into the heart of Fiji as well as some ultimate beach escapes. If you’re getting married in Fiji why not tag one of these itineraries on to your honeymoon? The Yasawa island recommendations are especially for those looking for some downtime and romance. The difference? Far less foot prints in the sand around you…

 

7 days

DAY 1-3

Head up to Volivoli Beach Resort and stay in one of their new villas. Do the dolphin trip on one day and/or picnic on Onei Beach.

DAY 3-4

Visit one of Fiji’s best waterfalls near Nabalesere village, overnight in a homestay in Navai village and climb Fiji’s highest mountain Tomaniivi. (Our Hit the Heights trip).

Overnight at the Fiji Orchid or Vuda Marina cottages.

DAY 5-7

Head to Paradise Cove, Blue Lagoon or Barefoot Manta by seaplane.

 

10 days 

DAY 1 Head up to Volivoli Beach Resort and stay in one of their new villas.

Day 2 Do the dolphin trip on one day and/or picnic on Onei Beach.

Day 3 Visit Nabalesere village and the beautiful Savulelele waterfall.

DAY 4-7

Get off the beaten track and into the heart of Fiji’s remote interior with Talanoa Treks on their Cross Highland Hike. 

Day 7-10

Head to Paradise Cove, Blue Lagoon or Barefoot Manta by seaplane.

14 days 

DAY 1-4

Head to Uprising.

Day 2 Do the Rivers Fiji rafting trip in the Upper Navua.

Day 3 Head up to Namosi Eco Retreat for the night and learn how to harvest and cook your food.

DAY 4-7

Head out to Leleuvia for a few nights of relaxation and the ocean.

DAY 7-10

Get off the beaten track and into the heart of Fiji’s remote interior with Talanoa Treks on their Cross Highland Hike. 

Day 10-14

Head up to the Suncoast to go diving at Volivoli or Wananavu.

Looking for more off the beaten track regions in Fiji? Get a taste of Kadavu and Savusavu in these 30 second videos we filmed and produced for Tourism Kadavu and Savusavu Tourism. Contact us if you’d like any recommendations for accommodation and activities in these regions (maybe there’ll be a post down the line). Happy planning!