NADI
FIJI ISLANDS
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 of all kinds, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises.
The town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but a bustling centre of business with eighteen hotels dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holiday makers 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 many Fijians as a foundation village of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned gardens, the tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens, which opens from Monday to Saturday.
Driving north from Nadi past fields of sugar cane, 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 do not have time for a whole day sightseeing, try a half day tour to Sabeto Valley with its Muslim mosque.
A visit to the bustling market place is also well worth while, for all sorts of fresh produce is sold and is where bargaining is a way of life and lots of fun. Twenty kilometres north of Nadi Airport is the city of Lautoka which is a major commercial and administrative centre. It is a major sea port and home of Fiji's sugar corporation, the largest sugar mill and the south Pacific's largest distillery.
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 Mount 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 islands and jungle locations and cruise boats will pick you from Port Denarau Marina and take you down the Nadi River and on to the Mamanuca Islands.
If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, join one of the schooners which departs from the beach near the Denarau Marina at 9.30 a.m. daily. The program of one or two-day dives will depend upon your enthusiasm. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment. Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18 hole golf courses in Fiji and it is within easy reach of the town's hotel belt.
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