Long layover in Nadi, what to do?
 

Hi, Our Air Pacific flights were changed so we now have a long layover in Fiji on our way to New Zealand in late March. We will arrive on Nadi at 11:55 on a Saturday, and depart on Sunday morning at 8:45. Do you have any suggestions on how to spend this time or hotels to stay the night? Also, on our way back from New Zealand, we only have 15 minutes to connect to another Air Pacific flight! Anyone have experience with something similar? Thanks!

Hi lia018 -

There's a poster over on the Airlines Forum who just took a similar trip.

Here's his post:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35172284

If this doesn't help, you might consider posting your question on the Airlines forum to his attention.

If the 11.55 arrival is PM, I'd just hunker down in a corner of the airport.
If AM, there's a number of accommodation options on Queens Highway, main road between the airport and Nadi town - typical grubby tropical place.

SkyLodge is set in spacious grounds and has from backpacker accommodation through to hotel standard - http://www.hotel.com.au/Nadi-Fiji/No...i-1-hotels.asp and price on that site indicates what is probably a hotel room.

Have a look at www.bugpacific.com and you'll find additional budget accommodation if that's what you're after.
http://www.cleartrip.com/hotels/fiji...rport/stars/2/ gives more hotels in vicinity of the airport.

At a 11.55am arrival you'll still be too late to get onto even any half day tours and even the markets in Nadi will be on the wind down so you might just have to resign yourself with enjoying a pool dip.

Thank you for the replies. To clarify, we are arriving at 11:55 AM. I just bought a guidebook for Fiji and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant looks interesting. The book said it takes about 30 minutes to get there, and it closes at 5pm. I'm not sure if there is enough time to do it justice, esp after we clear immigration and find a hotel. Thanks!

The Tokatoka is very close to the airport (walkable, even) and while the rooms are extremely basic, the pool/dining area is quite pleasant. A nice way to recover from the flight and lounge around by the pool. I think they also offer massages. We've used it 3 times on our layovers.

You could take a trip to the orchid farm and a quick look through the touristy knicknack stores of Nadi, and call it a day.