The Best Walks Around Nadi
Looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience in Fiji? Hiking is one of the great ways to discover the “real” Fiji, getting to those hard-to-reach places only accessed on foot. Hidden within Viti Levu, the main island’s, interior are highlands and national parks with a wealth of landscapes to discover. Some of the best walks in Fiji can be accessed from Nadi with various tours, guides or a self-drive trip. Close to Nadi is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant which provides an easy short walk for all abilities, while those who are feeling more adventurous can join local guides in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park or the Nausori Highlands. Forests full of native birds, highlands awash with golden rolling hills and more waterfalls than you can shake a stick at, there’s plenty to discover on these hikes and walks in Nadi.
For more advice on visiting Nadi, check out our Complete Guide to Nadi, as well as the 10 Best Resorts in Nadi.
1. Garden of the Sleeping Giant
One of the most easily accessible short walks in the Nadi area is at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Located about 14km (8.7 miles) north of Nadi, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant provides a short walk around orchid gardens and tropical rainforest. The marked trail is easy to follow, taking around 30 minutes to complete the loop. Note that there is a small entrance fee. Check out more things to do around the area in our 12 Things to Do in Nadi.
Location: 14km (8.7 miles) north of Nadi via Wailoko Road. Tours to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are also available with Rosie Holidays (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Valentine Tours Fiji (on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Go Dirty Quad Bike Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Waterfall Walk in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
The Korotanitu National Heritage Park offers some of the most accessible hikes in Fiji. You can either hire a 4WD rental vehicle and make your way there yourself via Tavakuva Road off Drasa Avenue in Lautoka, take a taxi or book a tour including transportation to Abaca Village where all the walking trails start. At Abaca Village, one of the locals will find you where you’ll need to pay a small fee – around FJ$15 for a map and directions and FJ$25 for a guide so make sure you have cash. Then you can enjoy one of the amazing walks that this stunning national park has to offer. A popular walk to suit most fitness levels (and children) is the waterfall walk. This 1h30min to 2 hours loop walk takes you to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. Take your swimwear! While you’re in Lautoka, check out the 10 Things to Do in Lautoka!
Location: 38km (23.6 miles) north of Nadi, via Lautoka. Tours to the Abaca Village and walk are available with Fiji Eco Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Mt Koroyanitu Hike
An alternative walk in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is up Mt Koroyanitu. This walk is accessed the same way as the waterfall hike mentioned above with the Abaca Village. Mt Koroyanitu, otherwise known as Mt Evans, is Fiji’s fourth highest mountain at 1,195m (3,920ft) and provides an excellent mix of rainforest landscape and mountainous views. While it’s usually said to take 4 hours to complete, those with a higher fitness level could complete the walk in 2 hours.
Location: 38km (23.6 miles) north of Nadi, via Lautoka. Guided tours to this hike are also available with Nadi Urban Adventures (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© Rickard Törnblad on Wikipedia 4. Mt Batliamu
Another fantastic mountain hike in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is up Mt Batliamu. Mt Baliamu is also known as the “Sleeping Giant” and is the mountain that you see shaped like a, well, sleeping giant, rising high above the Garden of the Sleeping Giant (see above). Again, you will need a local guide to tackle this unmarked trail taking around 3-5 hours to complete the hike depending on which route your guide takes you. For a good portion of the trail, you will be in open grassland with very little shade (so a sunhat/cap and sunglasses are a must) before delving into lush tropical rainforest. The mountain stands 1,110m (3,649ft) high, and it’s likely that your guide will take you to a brilliant viewpoint overlooking the outer islands of Fiji. Guides can be organised from the Abaca Village or with your accommodation.
Location: 38km (23.6 miles) north of Nadi, via Lautoka.
© Rickard Törnblad on Wikipedia 5. Nausori Highlands
The rolling hills, river valleys and volcanic peaks of the Nausori Highlands provide a breathtaking environment for walking and hiking in the heart of Viti Levu. About a 1h30min drive inland from Nadi, the highlands offer sensation views over Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands and all the way to the Yasawa Islands on a clear day. Depending on the season, you’ll either experience sunburnt hills and golden valleys between May and November or lush green landscapes in the wet season between December and April. There are various hikes to viewpoints and waterfalls in the Nausori Highlands, but unfortunately, they are unmarked. Your best option is to hire a local guide, of which there are many, so it’s best to inquire at your accommodation or resort reception. Tours range from day hikes to 4-day excursions. For more hikes on Viti Levu, check out our 10 Hikes in Fiji.
Location: 30km (18.6 miles) east of Nadi. Tours through the Nausori Highlands are available with Tour Managers Fiji (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© Mark Heard on Wikipedia More About Walks in Nadi
