Fiji – Stop-Over in a Tropical Paradise

The name “Fiji” carries a ring that holds an implicit promise of a tropical wonderland in the South Pacific. Stop by the islands on your way to or from New Zealand to confirm that the sand is indeed as white as promised by the catalogue pictures!

The Fijis have a lot more to offer than “just” pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. Air New Zealand offers a number of combination tickets that allow you to include these magnificent islands into your itinerary just perfectly.

Our recommendation is to visit the Fijis towards the end or your holiday. Having spent fascinating days filled with new impression in New Zealand, stretch out on the warm sand beneath the gently nodding palm trees to digest the new experiences.

The cheerful greeting “Bula” will surely be the first thing you hear from the “world’s friendliest people”. The 800,000 Fiji inhabitants have only recently received this honourable title from an American travel magazine.

Fiji is not only rich in sun, sand and sea but also in culture. The islands look back onto many centuries of very unique traditions and customs. Fiji is composed of more than 330 exotic islands, only half of which are inhabited. Roughly half the population is Fijian, 46 percent are Indo-Fijian and approximately five percent are immigrants from all over the world.

Visitors are overwhelmed not only by the picture-postcard landscapes but also by the warm hospitality and the diverse flora and fauna. In contrast to many other parts of the world, the Fijians have always maintained a careful balance between human settlement and pristine nature.

Life has changed… but not a lot - and the age-old traditions can still be observed in everyday life. One of these traditions is the Kava ceremony, a rite designed to strengthen the community.

Yaqona, a local plant related to pepper, is used to prepare a traditional drink in keeping with strict ceremonial rules. Witness the preparation and consequent drinking with your camera at the ready but please observe the etiquette.

The social rank determines who gets served first. Great attention is also being paid to the appropriate ceremonial dress. Experience these and other traditions and admire the many historical and archaeological treasures that have been unearthed on the islands.

Of course, the Fiji’s also boasts countless activity options in a stunning environment. The South Pacific, the favourable climate and the beach are the ideal setting for water sports.

Escape from everyday life and let your hair down on the Fijis. The Fijis are also a perfect destination for honeymooners or simply for those that are irresistibly drawn by the rugged mountains and white beach panoramas.

The Fijis’ main island is Viti Levu, which also accommodates the two airports. Apart from being the Fiji’s hub, Viti Levu boasts the classic fairy-tale scenery with volcanic mountains covered in lush rainforest reaching down to the blindingly white beach.

The second largest island is Vanua Levu. Slightly smaller and by far quieter and more laid-back, Vanua Levu is no less beautiful than its sister island Viti Levu.

In the third place, Taveuni has become known as the Garden Island thanks to its incredibly lush tropical vegetation. Next there is Kadavu, a diver’s paradise! Farther along, west and northwest of Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands are famous for their striking beauty.

Allow INTOSOL to take you on tour of paradise. Experience the South Seas and its friendly people. The cheerful Fijian Bula will let you know you have arrived!