Fiji Stopover Guide: What to Do in 1–3+ Days on the Way to New Zealand
Flying to New Zealand with Fiji Airways? Break up your trip with a Fiji stopover. Whether you’ve got 12 hours, 2 days, or a tropical mini-break, here’s how to make the most of your time in Fiji.
Flying to New Zealand often means long-haul flights, crossing the International Date Line, and spending more time in airports than you’d like. But if you’re flying with Fiji Airways, you’ve got the perfect excuse to break up the journey: a stopover in Fiji.
Think turquoise water, fresh tropical fruit, and a dose of island calm before (or after) your New Zealand adventure. Whether you’ve got just a few hours to reset or a few days to linger, here’s how to make the most of a Fiji layover.
If You Only Have 1 Day (or Less)
With just a short window, your best bet is to keep things close to Nadi International Airport (NAN). Skip the long transfers and use the time to relax.
Stay near the airport – Hotels like Fiji Gateway or Tokatoka are just minutes away. Many include free shuttles and pools—ideal for a swim and some sunshine.
Head to Wailoaloa Beach – A relaxed spot for a swim, sunset cocktail, or a stroll along the sand.
Try Indo-Fijian food – Nadi is full of local curry houses and cafés serving roti, dhal, and fresh seafood.
Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple – A colorful Hindu temple in Nadi that’s worth a quick stop.
If You Have 2 Days
Two days gives you the chance to move beyond the airport bubble and ease into island life.
Denarau Island – Just 20 minutes from Nadi, this resort hub has golf, spas, restaurants, and the marina where boats depart for the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands—ideal if you want a base with easy day trip access.
Day trip to the Mamanuca Islands – Spend a day at Malamala Beach Club or South Sea Island for snorkeling, cocktails, and postcard-perfect views.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant – Wander through lush orchids and shady jungle paths.
Sabeto Hot Springs & Mud Pool – Cover yourself in mud, rinse off in hot springs, and enjoy a playful but relaxing afternoon.
If You Have 3 Days or More
Now your stopover becomes a mini tropical getaway. With three or more days, you can push further afield.
Overnight in the Yasawa or Mamanuca Islands – Stay in a beachfront bungalow and snorkel right from your doorstep.
Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon – Known for river rafting, waterfall treks, and shark diving (if you’re feeling bold).
Coral Coast – A slower stretch of coastline south of Nadi, with beaches, snorkeling, and midrange resorts.
Things to Do on a Fiji Stopover
No matter how long you stay, here are some easy, adult-friendly activities:
Snorkeling & Diving – Fiji’s reefs are some of the best in the world. Even a half-day trip from Denarau gives you colorful coral and marine life.
Beach Clubs – Malamala Beach Club or Cloud 9 (a floating bar) are perfect for cocktails, music, and sun.
Waterfalls & Rivers – Book a day hike or river tubing tour inland for a change of scenery.
Cooking Classes – Learn how to make kokoda (Fiji’s version of ceviche) or Indo-Fijian curries.
Spa Time – Treat yourself to a massage in an open-air spa overlooking the water.
Markets – Browse Nadi or Lautoka markets for tropical fruit, spices, and handmade crafts.
What We Did on Our Fiji Stopover
Our stopover in Fiji was just 12 hours in Nadi, but it ended up being the perfect travel reset. Instead of running around, we booked a day room at the Fiji Gateway Hotel, right across from the airport.
We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, ordering cold drinks, and enjoying fresh food from the hotel restaurant. The highlight? A midday nap—something that feels extra indulgent in the middle of a travel day.
By evening, we checked out feeling refreshed and headed back to the airport, where we spent a couple of hours in the Fiji Airways lounge before our flight. Snacks, comfy chairs, and a calm space topped off our lovely Fiji stopover.
If your stopover is under 12 hours, this setup is perfect: hotel pool, food, nap, and lounge time. It’s simple, stress-free, and exactly what you need between flights.
Practical Tips for a Fiji Stopover
Airline Perk: Fiji Airways often allows free or low-cost stopovers in Nadi on routes between the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia.
Money: Local currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Credit cards work at resorts and shops, but taxis and markets often prefer cash.
Transport: Airport taxis are affordable (negotiate before you ride). Many hotels include shuttles.
Best Time to Go: May–October (dry season) is sunny and mild; November–April is hotter and more humid.
Where to Stay: If you’re staying longer, look for adults-only resorts—Fiji has plenty, especially on the smaller islands.
Final Thoughts
A Fiji stopover is more than just a layover—it’s a chance to catch your breath, soak in the sun, and ease into island life before heading to New Zealand. Even a single day can reset your energy, while a few extra days can feel like a full vacation (before your other vacation!).
On the way to or from New Zealand, it’s the kind of stopover that doesn’t just make the journey easier—it makes it better.
Plan Your Trip
Heading to New Zealand next? Check out these itineraries to help you plan:
5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary (Auckland, Hobbiton & Rotorua)
10-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: Scenic, Budget-Friendly & Childfree
Planning a different layover? Check out these posts for inspiration:
Ready to Add a Fiji Stopover?
If you’re flying Fiji Airways to New Zealand, don’t just pass through Nadi—turn it into part of your trip. Whether you’ve got 12 hours or 3 days, a stopover in Fiji is the perfect way to make the journey less exhausting and a lot more memorable.
Would you take a Fiji stopover—pool day, beach time, or island escape? Tell me in the comments!
3-Day Iceland Stopover Itinerary: Best Hot Springs, Bakeries & Glacier Adventures from Reykjavik
Break up your trip to Europe with a 3-day Iceland stopover packed with cozy bakeries, stunning hot springs, and one epic glacier adventure. From Reykjavik’s coffee scene to soaking in oceanfront pools and climbing a vertical wall of ice, this itinerary blends relaxation and adrenaline—perfect for childfree travelers who want to maximize their time without the chaos.
Reykjavik
If you're flying to Europe with Icelandair or PLAY, a stopover in Iceland is the perfect way to break up the trip and pack in some adventure. When we returned to Iceland on our way to Copenhagen last November, we upgraded from budget to bougie (well, relatively bougie) with a 3-day stopover full of cozy bakeries, stunning hot springs, and an ice climbing tour that brought the adrenaline.
Here’s how we made the most of our fast-paced but still relaxing 3-day Iceland stopover—no kids, no chaos, just the perfect mix of chill and thrill.
Day 1: Jet Lag and Sky Lagoon
We landed first thing in the morning and made our way to Reykjavik. After grabbing breakfast, we wandered around downtown Reykjavik, popping into local shops and boutiques. Even if you're not buying anything, it's a great way to soak in the Nordic aesthetic and get your steps in. The jet lag is always a struggle for us and we’ve learned that it’s best to stay active and avoid the urge to faceplant into our hotel bed at 4pm. Then we headed to our steamy next destination—Sky Lagoon.
Why Sky Lagoon Is Not Worth It (In Our Opinion)
If you only have time for one hot spring during your Iceland stopover, I personally wouldn’t pick Sky Lagoon. Sky Lagoon is convenient to get to from Reykjavik, with beautiful ocean views and sleek, modern facilities. However, we were underwhelmed by the 7-step ritual (included in the premium package)—loved the cold plunge and sauna with a view, but overall it felt a bit overrated for the price. It was also pretty crowded and full of people more focused on creating content than relaxing. Keep reading for our recommendation for one of the best hot springs in Iceland.
Where We Ate
Reykjavik Roasters: One of the best coffee spots in the city. This was our first stop as we landed early and needed caffeine and carbs immediately.
Baka Baka: A local bakery known for its flaky pastries and cozy vibe. We devoured some sweet treats while thawing out from the frigid Iceland wind.
Icelandic Street Food: A casual dinner spot located in the heart of Reykjavik. Their traditional lamb soup and tomato soup are perfect if you're craving something hearty and local. Their bread is incredible—make sure to order your soup in a bread bowl!
Then… we crashed. Jet lag: 1, us: 0. At least we made it until 8pm, right?
Day 2: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & Hidden Gems
After an early breakfast of (more) pastries, we made the 45-minute drive out to Hvammsvik Hot Springs—and honestly, this might have been our favorite discovery of the entire trip.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Iceland's Hidden Gem
This hot spring complex sits right on the ocean, with a mix of natural rock pools and manmade soaking spots that blend into the landscape. It’s low-key, stylish, and less touristy than the bigger lagoons. There’s no official cold tub here—the North Atlantic Ocean is your cold tub. Take a swim at your own risk (we did and it was, as expected, freezing!). Hvammsvik felt more peaceful, more local, and more connected to nature. If you're looking for an adult-focused, authentic Icelandic soak without the scene, Hvammsvik is your spot—but if convenience and amenities are your priority, Sky Lagoon is still a solid (though touristy) choice.
Where We Ate
Brauð & Co: A colorful little bakery where everything smells like butter and magic. Their cinnamon rolls and pretzel croissants are the real deal.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Reykjavik’s most iconic street food stand. We found the hots dogs to be underwhelming (we had much better ones on our 7-day Ring Road trip), but if you’re in the area check it out for yourself.
Mama Reykjavik: A warm and quirky spot with hearty dishes that blend Icelandic ingredients with global flavors. My husband went for a creamy yellow curry, with chickpeas and potato chunks and I had a tasty broccoli soup that was chock full of fresh veggies. Both meals came with—you guessed it—delicious sourdough bread and local butter. Europe just does bread so much better.
Day 3: Ice Climbing on a Glacier
For our final day, we went full adventure mode with an ice climbing and glacier hike tour on Sólheimajökull through Arctic Adventures. It’s about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, so prepare for an early start—but it’s 100% worth it. If you’re looking for a day trip from Reykjavik a bit further off the beaten path, this is a great option.
How it Went
The tour was hands down the most exhilarating thing we did in Iceland. After meeting at the glacier parking lot, we geared up with crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes before heading out with our guides onto the ice. The hike across the glacier was surreal—deep crevasses, glowing blue ice, and the constant sound of cracking beneath our feet as the glacier shifted below us.
The real highlight? Climbing a vertical ice wall. It looked intimidating, but the guides were incredibly supportive and made sure everyone felt safe (no prior experience needed, just some basic fitness and a willingness to go for it). If you're up for something active and unforgettable, this is a must-do.
Afterward, we drove back to Reykjavik feeling tired, cold, and accomplished. We spent the evening packing our bags and had the most restful (and well-deserved) sleep before heading to the airport early the next day.
View of Sólheimajökull
Final Thoughts: Is a 3-Day Stopover in Iceland Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you're on your way to Europe or heading back home, a 3-day stopover in Iceland is just enough time to soak in the landscapes, relax in hot springs, indulge in Reykjavik’s food scene, and try something adventurous.
You don’t need a rental car the whole time (just for the Hvammsvik and glacier days), and Reykjavik is super walkable. This itinerary balances rest and exploration, with a little luxury sprinkled in—perfect for childfree couples or solo travelers who want to experience Iceland without the rush.
Planning your own Iceland stopover? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments and check out my full 7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary if you’re thinking of staying longer—and subscribe below for more childfree, low-fuss travel tips.