12-Hour Layover in Fiji

8:30am Drop Your Bags and Grab Breakfast  

If you need to, drop your bags off at the airport’s luggage storeroom in the arrivals terminal, and arrange some local cash at the money exchange and a local phone SIM while you’re there.   

Next, head around the corner to the Koko Nui café to get your caffeine fix, indulge in a hearty breakfast and plan a smooth transit in Fiji.  Once you’ve fuelled up, the yellow taxis outside will take you wherever you need to go.  
 

1. For Pre-Planners 

Take the stress out of planning and get one of the sightseeing tour companies in Nadi to do it for you. Popular tours range from temple visits and shopping stops in Nadi town, to village visits and thermal mudpool spas but you can also customise your itinerary based on your interests and time.  It’s the most hassle-free way to engage a local guide and make the most of your time in Fiji. Visit any of the tour desks at the airport arrivals terminal or check online for other popular tour operators. 
 

2. For Adventurers 

If you like to stay active, the Sleeping Giant Zipline, a 20-min drive from the airport, is a beautiful spot to hang out for the day. The combined zipline and jungle safari tour gets you unlimited zips, jungle walks, waterfall swims and a deli lunch. There’s a bit of uphill walking involved but worth it for the views over the forest and river.  Tours run every day from 10am – 5pm.  Reservations aren’t required but handy if you want to take advantage of the complimentary return transfers.  

3. For Culture Lovers 

Experience the essence of Fiji in one convenient swoop at the Fiji Culture Village a mere 20-min drive from the airport.  If you book their morning tour early, you’ll enjoy complimentary transfers to the site starting from 9.30am. Upon arrival, expect a guided walk through the crafter’s huts, witness traditional ceremonies and dances, and savour a delightful light lunch before you catch the return transfer back to the airport at 2pm.  Open Monday - Saturday. 

4. For Shoppers 

Don't miss picking up some one-of-a-kind Fijian gifts on your layover. The Projects Collective on Denarau Road has cool artisan and Fijian-made food finds, while Rise Beyond the Reef's ‘Shed Shop’ in Sabeto offers beautiful, hand-made fashion and homewares that support rural women crafters. For classic Fijian souvenirs, swing by the Nadi Handicraft Centre or pop into Jack’s Handicraft in Nadi Town for fun gifts to take home with you. 

5. For Foodies 

The Vavavi Cooking & Cultural Tour is a must for foodies.  This immersive 5-hour experience takes you through a traditional lovo feast— prepping the veggies and root crops, wrapping it in banana leaves, and even learning to scrape coconuts while hearing stories about growing up in Fiji. With a market tour and a feast at the end, it’s the tastiest introduction to Fijian culture before you head off on the next leg of your trip.  

6:00pm Check in Early and Hang Out at the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge 

If you have access to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, you should check-in for your flight early. A nice shower, chef-inspired dinner menu and barista-made coffee (or cocktails from the bar) while your kids enjoy supervised play at the Lailai Land kids play center will help you unwind for the next leg of your trip.  Walk-in guests are also welcome to use the Lounge at a small cost if space is available.