More to see in Fiji

With its unspoilt island beaches, retina-searing blue lagoons, and barefoot island vibe, Fiji and resort holidays go together like sand and sea. But there’s more to Fiji than palm trees and poolside cocktail service. For those who prefer their holidays turbocharged, Fiji is blessed with cultural cool and an abundance of active adventures.

Like a bird

Fiji’s mountainous terrain and tropical forests make the perfect setting for adventures in the treetops. At Zip Fiji, only 35 minutes outside of Nadi, you can fly high at lightning speed above the canyon across the forest canopy along five kilometres of zip line interwoven with breathtaking wilderness. At the end, there’s the added bonus of launching yourself down past the stalactites of The Tau Caves, one of Fiji’s most picturesque and special places.

Surfing Safari

Located halfway between the Fijian mainland and the heart-shaped island of Tavarua in the Mamanuca Islands is Cloudbreak, a world-class left-hander that’s regularly voted as one of the best and most challenging surf spots on Earth. Its fast outer-reef waves call wave riders the world over to surf its spitting barrels and long playful lines, but this treacherous swell is not for novices, who would be better served donning a wetsuit at Natadola on the Coral Coast, a beautiful resort beach with a shore break that’s ideal for body surfing and beginners.

Underwater encounters

Between April and October, the warm waters running through the channel between Nanuya Balavu and Barefoot Island – known traditionally as Drawaqa Island – offers filter feeding mantas a feast of nutrient-filled plankton. The conservation experts at Barefoot Island offer safe guided swims alongside the magnificent mantas in their natural habitat, providing an unforgettable experience for any wildlife lover.

Happy as a pig in mud

Sabeto Hot Water Springs’ natural geothermal hot pools and volcanic ash mud baths are renowned for their age-defying benefits and restorative effects. Once you’ve had your fix of wallowing and wading, you can nab a massage from one of the local villagers for the ultimate in therapeutic bliss.

Welcome to the jungle

Immerse yourself in authentic Fijian village life on the award-winning Sigatoka River Safari. This spectacular 17-km safari jet boat adventure through the picturesque Sigatoka Valley takes visitors right into the heart of the mysterious highland interior, with its fascinating history, customs and legends. At its village destination guests can experience a day in the life of a real ‘kaiviti’(Fijian). Sigatoka River Safari rotates visits to one of 15 different villages each day so as not to encroach on local life and the traditional way of life.

All the rivers run

For those who prefer their adventures with a side of rough and tumble, a highlands whitewater rafting adventure with award-winning Rivers Fiji is the ultimate way to experience the natural and cultural heritage of Fiji. Adventure seekers can choose between the extreme, rafting along the rapids of the incomparable Upper Navua Gorge, or the serene, gliding along the gentle waters of Middle Navua River in an inflatable kayak. Whichever adventure you choose, a lush landscape of verdant jungle, towering canyons and cascading waterfalls awaits.

On your bikes

Hit the rails with Ecotrax Fiji, a three-hour adventure for all fitness levels, riding the world’s only rail-mounted electric assisted pushbike carriages. The trail, originally blazed by Fiji’s sugarcane industry, will guide you through a stunning landscape of bush, rock, villages and fields to a deserted Coral Coast beach.

The need for speed

Get revved up with Terratrek, a self-drive guided tour through the mountains at the back of Pacific Harbour. An adventure as much about the journey as the destination, strap yourselves into a dune buggy and follow your Terratrek buggy guide to explore the hinterland valley sand rainforest on a white-knuckle drive to one of Fiji’s most stunning waterfalls, with time for a refreshing dip in the waters, before hooning back.

Island hopping

Explore the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands by small ship aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour. Along with Fiji’s most beautiful sights, passengers can enjoy traditional Fijian singing and dancing, and an immersive insight into Fijian culture. Explore daily destinations by kayak or glass-bottomed boat and meet some of Fiji’s most colourful marine life on a snorkelling or diving adventure. If you prefer your adventures more mild than wild, just kick back by the pool or on the sundeck.

Fins and spins

Considered one of the best shark dive sites in the world, Beqa Lagoon is something of a shark superhighway where divers can spot scores of sharks, including reef sharks, tawny nurse sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, silvertips, and tiger sharks. If you prefer your fish on the friendlier side, there are more than 100 dive sites including soft coral and wreck dives in the lagoon. And if you’d rather keep your head above water, take a high-octane spin of Beqa Lagoon with Jetski-Safari Adventures.

Where to stay

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa

Nestled on private Yanuca Island, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa offers the benefits of an exclusive island hideaway conveniently connected to the mainland by a causeway. The resort’s Shangri-La Marine Education Centre provides a sanctuary for the delicate marine life while CHI, The Spa provides one for guests. shangri-la.com

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Located on a palm-fringed white sand beach at picturesque Natadola Bay on Fiji’s main island, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa is inspired by a traditional Fijian village with warm Fijian hospitality, an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, three swimming pools and plenty of exciting culinary experiences. fiji.intercontinental.com

Nanuku Auberge

A classic and classy South Pacific paradise of fine dining, secluded beaches, and unique adventures set along the coastline of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu. A sanctuary for relaxation, the resort’s Fijian-style accommodation includes 13 brand new, luxury one- and two-bedroom Auberge Beach Villas. nanuku.aubergeresorts.com

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

With spectacular over-water accommodations, five-star amenities and warm genuine service overlooking the brilliant blue waters of the Coral Coast, this resort is the ultimate island retreat. Whether its wining, dining, diving or poolside vibes you seek, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay delivers in luxurious style. marriott.com.au

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Spa, dine and submerse yourself in a romantic, adults-only time at one of Fiji’s most unique luxury escapes. With an incredible location in the glorious Mamanuca Island group and breathtaking vistas, the resort’s over water bures are the ultimate in indulgent luxury. likulikulagoon.com

Vomo Island Fiji

This discreet and dreamy luxury private island boasts 28 villas and four ultra-luxe private residences. The resort’s creative dining, the superb Senikai Spa, and a wide range of activities including golf, diving in fish-filled coral reefs and a renowned Hawksbill Turtle Protection Program are all the ingredients for holiday perfection. vomofiji.com

Laucala Private Island

Laucala Island is an all-inclusive private island refuge offering incomparable levels of luxury and privacy in 25 villas where style and sustainability go hand in hand. The island offers a variety of activities includes scuba, snorkelling and surfing to organic treatments at the Laucala Spa, horseback riding and an 18-hole golf course. laucala.com

Kokomo Private Island

An intimate hideaway where pristine reefs and an unrivalled, all-inclusive six-star experience awaits – this plush retreat is Fiji’s most exclusive private island resort. With just 21 beach villas and four hilltop residences, a horse stable, five restaurants and an 18-hole golf course, it’s the ultimate spot to get lost when you really don’t want to be found. kokomoislandfiji.com