As the home of the international airport, Nadi is probably the very first stop on your trip. But before you head out and discover the rest of the Fiji Islands, spend some time at the town for a truly exhilarating holiday.
If you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, you can explore the Fiji Culture Village, where you can visit huts of artisans showcasing their craft during the day and watch fire dancers lighting up the stage at night. Thrill seekers will enjoy ziplining through towering trees and wandering caves before relaxing at the mud pools.
Sounds good? Here are the most incredible things you can do in Fiji’s Nadi that won’t break your budget:
- Take part in a Kava drinking ceremony - FREE
- See the corals and the fish underwater - FREE
- Have a splash at the Waitavala Water Slide - FREE
- Take a stroll through the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park - $6
- Explore the Fiji Culture Village - $14
- Go on a hike at the Koroyanitu National Park - $16
- Meet the fascinating wildlife at the Kula Eco Park - $29
- Hop on a ferry to Mamanuca Islands - $52
- Discover the wonders of Nadi in a day - $65
- Experience the local culture at Lautoka City and more - $84
- Destress at the Therapeutic Mud Pools - $88
- Zip through trees and tour caves - $160
1. Take part in a Kava drinking ceremony - FREE
During your stay, you’ll probably be offered to join a kava drinking ceremony. Locally known as yaqona, it’s made with powdered root of a kava plant and mixed with water. It has a slightly bitter taste with a numbing effect. Before going to the ceremony, make sure you don’t come empty handed and get some kava from the market as an offering. It’s one of the most quintessential experiences in Nadi, Fiji!
2. See the corals and the fish underwater - FREE
On the southwest of the Fiji map lies Natadola Beach, where there’s nothing but white sand and crystal blue waters as far as the eye can see. You can take advantage of the untouched water by going snorkelling. Right off the coast, you’ll find all kinds of fish swimming by the reef!
3. Have a splash at the Waitavala Water Slide - FREE
Channel your inner kid and go gliding down the rocks of the Waitavala Water Slide, a natural water slide,before making a splash at the river in the bottom.But make sure to brace yourself with the bumpy and slippery rocks and test the water first before you try standing in the middle. You can find the popular watering hole by going for a short hike through the jungle and climbing some rocks.
4. Take a stroll through the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park - $6
Fiji’s Nadi is blessed with incredible natural gems and Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is definitely one of them! The UNESCO World Heritage site forms a postcard-worthy sight thanks to the endless views of soft, pale sand. Beyond the beauty, it’s also an important historical area, where pottery shards and stone tools from thousands of years ago have been uncovered.
5. Explore the Fiji Culture Village - $14
Combine art and culture on a trip to the Fiji Culture Village. Boasting huts that showcase handmade local products, it’s a great way to learn about the country’s rich heritage. If you’re staying through the evening, make sure to catch the live fire dancing show for a truly fiery experience.
6. Go on a hike at the Koroyanitu National Park - $16
A hike through the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park can be pretty challenging (about four hours each way) but the result is worth it. At the summit, which is one of the highest peaks in Fiji, you’ll enjoy a panorama of cloud-scraping peaks and lush grasslands.
7. Meet the fascinating wildlife at the Kula Eco Park - $29
A trip to Nadi, Fiji isn’t complete without meeting some of its locals and where better to see them than at the KULA WILD Adventure Park! Starting out as a wildlife facility, it has now transformed into a full-fledged theme park, but you can still see the different animals, feed turtles, and even pose for photos with an iguana!
8. Travel to the picturesque Mamanuca Islands - $52
Experience a slice of paradise on a trip to Mamanuca Islands, located off the coast of Nadi, Fiji. Thanks to the vibrant reef system and untouched water, it’s a great diving spot. When you’re taking a break, you can grab some drinks at the floating bar. You also have the option of renting a jetski to explore some of the 20 islands in the archipelago. Regular transfers by boat and plane make the group of islands accessible all year round.
9. Discover the wonders of Nadi in a day - $65
If you’re short on time in the area, one of the best things to do is go on a Nadi Wonders Tour. In four hours, you’ll visit a stunning Hindu temple, fruit and artisanal markets, and explore the famed Garden of the Sleeping Giant. You don’t have to stress about getting lost or accessing transportation since a local expert will guide you through Nadi’s highlights.
10. Experience the local culture at Lautoka City and more - $84
Aside from sun-soaked days by the beach, Fiji also offers colourful history and traditions. If you have enough time, you can also get to know the vibrant culture by visiting an ancestral village, colonial houses, and temples. On the Lautoka City and Fijian Ancestral Village Tour, you’ll get to see a different side of Fiji and discover its traditions and customs.
11. Destress at the Therapeutic Mud Pools - $88
After jam-packed days of hiking, surfing, and swimming throughout Nadi, Fiji, there might not be a better way to relax and treat aching muscles than with a soak at the mud pools in Sabeto. It’s not just a fun activity for the entire fam, it’s also good for the skin! The tour also includes a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, where IG-worthy orchids await.
12. Zip through trees and tour caves - $160
No Fiji travel guide is complete without mentioning this hair-raising experience in Nadi. Climb towering trees before gliding through some of the fastest and highest ziplines in Fiji. With around 5km worth of ziplines, you’ll pass by captivating canyons, grasslands, and waterways along the way. Then, you’ll explore a cave with an expert guide and uncover its hidden gems.