Pacific Island Paradises

FIJI NADI Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and sits on the western side of Viti Levu. It has a population of more than 10,000 and because of its proximity to the international airport, it essentially caters for tourists. Facilities include accommodation for any budget, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and interisland cruises. The town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling centre of business with around 20 hotels dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holidaymakers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian destinations. The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is close to Viseisei Village, regarded by most Fijians as the 'foundation village' of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned gardens, the tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens, open from Monday to Saturday. Driving north from Nadi past fields of sugarcane and the occasional glimpse of an offshore island, are the towns of Ba and Tavua. In Ba, you can visit the bazaar, pick up some handicrafts or go river rafting. At Tavua, don't miss a visit to the nearby Vatukoula Gold Mines. If you haven't time for a whole day of sightseeing, try a half day tour to Sabeto Valley with its mosque. Also worthwhile is a visit to the bustling marketplace, where all sorts of fresh produce is sold. Bartering is a way of life here, and is also a lot of fun! Twenty kilometres north of Nadi Airport is the city of Lautoka, which is a major commercial and administrative centre. It is an important seaport and home of Fiji's Sugar Corporation, the largest sugar mill and the South Pacific's largest distilleries. From Nadi you can visit the Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion by the Japanese which never eventuated, or take a trip to Mt Victoria, Fiji's highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the clean, still air which is found only above sea level. There are day cruises to both island and jungle locations and cruise boats will pick you up from Port Denarau Marina and take you down the Nadi River and on to the Mamanucas Islands. If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, why not join one of the schooners departing from the Denarau Marina at 9.30 am daily. You can choose between one or two-day dive programs. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment. Nadi has one of two international standard 18–hole golf courses in Fiji. It lies within easy reach of the town's hotel belt. www.paradisesonline.com  47

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