Fiji Stopover Guide: What to Do in 1–3+ Days on the Way to New Zealand
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!