Fiji Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week

© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get Around Fiji in 7 Days

Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu is well-connected, with sealed roads around the island’s exterior. You have two options for getting around on a seven-day road trip in Fiji: renting a car or taking public transport.

Public Transport

All the cities and towns mentioned in the itinerary below are connected by local buses and express buses. This is by far the cheapest option for getting around Fiji and allows travellers to really get to see Fiji like a local.

The downside is that you don’t have as much flexibility for stopping off at attractions along the way as you would when driving a car.

Once you arrive at a destination, you can get around using the smaller local buses, taxis, and resort transfer services. Some resorts are out of town but will do complimentary pick-ups, so call them before booking a taxi.

Learn more about Public Transport in Fiji here.

Renting a Car

Giving you the most freedom to do all the activities mentioned in this itinerary, renting a car in Fiji is a good way to go. Although more expensive than buses, rental cars provide the ultimate convenience.

The itinerary below takes you on a complete loop of Viti Levu, the main island, meaning your rental car can be dropped off in the same place as you start, avoiding any expensive one-way fees.

Check out The Best Car Rentals in Fiji to see some great options. Plus, get more budget tips from our guide, How to Save Money on Car Rental in Fiji.

For all of your transport options across the islands, check out the Fiji Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 1 – Arrival in Nadi + Explore Nadi

Welcome to Fiji! Once you have gone through the airport arrival process, picked up your rental car or got your bus ticket, it’s time to explore the bustling hub of Nadi before hitting the road tomorrow. That way, you’ll feel less rushed to leave Nadi and spend more time enjoying what this city offers.

Drive or take a taxi to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and/or the Sabeto Mud Pools – two very affordable activities located in the same area just north of Nadi.

Otherwise, walking around the town, sampling some food and checking out the markets is a cheap way to experience the city culture of Fiji.

Things to Do in Nadi on a Budget

• Relax and get muddy at the Sabeto Mud Pools
• Take a walk around the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
• Check out some markets, such as the Nadi Handicraft Market, The New Nadi Farmers’ Market and the Namaka Market
• Experience the Nadi nightlife
• Admire the colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

Got more inspiration from our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nadi.

Budget Accommodation in Nadi

• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel
• Tanoa Skylodge Hotel
• Bamboo Backpackers
• Bluewater Lodge
• Nadi Downtown Hotel

Take a look at our top picks in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nadi.

Dining Recommendations

For budget-friendly dining options in Nadi, you’ll find local fare at attractions like Sabeto Mud Pools and Nadi Market for just a few Fijian dollars. In Nadi Town, the renowned Curry House serves up delectable curries that won’t break the bank.

Don’t miss Isa Lei in Namaka, also known as Sweet Laisa’s Kitchen, where you can savour a mouthwatering array of Fijian staples.

For more affordable dining options, check out our guide to The Top Cheap Eats in Nadi.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 2 – Nadi to Rakiraki

Drive Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Today, you drive or take the bus through the spectacular coastal scenery of the Suncoast, famous for having the longest sunshine hours in Fiji.

For those on a self-driving tour, there are plenty of sights to see along the way, such as the historical Tavua Hotel or the Tomb of Udre Udre, which both offer a mix of history and scenery.

Otherwise, we recommend heading straight to the Ellington Wharf near Rakiraki to take a boat to Nananu-i-Ra Island, home to several backpackers and budget lodges.

Things to Do in (and on the Way to) Rakiraki on a Budget

• Take a detour to Navala Village, a traditional 200-year-old village deep in the mountain landscape of Viti Levu
• Remember to present some kava roots (yaqona) to the village. Learn more in our Guide to Village Etiquette
• Stop by the colonial Tavua Hotel, with a waterpark and great views overlooking Tavua town
• Check out the Tomb of Udre Udre, the resting place of a famous Fijian cannibal
• Stop by the Rakiraki Lookout and snap up some photos of the islands beyond

Get more inspiration by checking out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast.

Budget Accommodation in Rakiraki

• Jioji & Alisi’s Place (Ring Gold Divers)
• Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
• Volivoli Beach Resort
• McDonald’s Nananu Beach Cottages (Nananui-i-Ra Island)
• Wind Sports Fiji Lodge (Nananu-i-Ra Island)

Check out our 10 Budget Accommodations on the Suncoast for more options.

Dining Recommendations

While most accommodations offer dining options, from home-cooked meals to on-site restaurants (except McDonald’s Cottages, which is self-catering), Rakiraki’s culinary scene has some hidden gems worth exploring. In Vaileka, the area’s main hub, Sue’s Restaurant serves up affordable Chinese cuisine – their chicken long soup is a must-try!

For those craving a spicier kick, Maharaj Spicy Kitchen dishes out fiery curries that’ll set your taste buds alight. If you’re on a budget, don’t miss our guide to The Top Cheap Eats in Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast.

And remember, for self-catering options, stock up on supplies from the Ba or Rakiraki Market en route to your accommodation.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 3 – Explore Rakiraki

Spend some more time relaxing in the Rakiraki area doing activities you might have missed yesterday.

Consider doing an overnight hike with Talanoa Treks, in which case, starting yesterday, you may be on the second day of your guided hike, or you may want to take a trip to Malake Island, just a 5-minute boat ride from the Volivoli Beach Resort or to Nananu-i-Ra Island (Ring Gold Divers offers very reasonably priced tours).

Accommodations in the area also offer a range of free and paid activities, from scuba diving to checking out Navatu Rock. Alternatively, relax by the pool or beach all day! That’s what Fiji time is all about!

More Things to Do in Rakiraki

• Do an overnight inland excursion with Talanoa Treks
• Take a trip to Malake Island with Volivoli Beach Resort
• … Or to Nananu-i-Ra Island with Ring Gold Divers
• Snap a photo of the gargantuan Navatu Rock
• Take a tour with Pacific Valley View Tours (PVV Tours) or drive to Navala Village to check out their natural waterslide (bring sevusevu).

Get more ideas of what to do today with our 20 Best Things to Do in Rakiraki & the Suncoast.

Dining Recommendations

Indulge in any culinary delights you might have missed yesterday or explore new flavours today. For those looking to treat themselves, we’ve got just the thing!

Check out our guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Lautoka, Rakiraki & Suncoast.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 4 – Rakiraki to Suva

Drive Time: 3-4 hours

Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive inland on Viti Levu, passing through many small villages. If you have your transport, take a detour to the Natalei Experience and consider treating yourself to a dolphin cruise to Moon Reef.

Otherwise, there’s plenty to do in Fiji’s capital, Suva! This city has a great mix of contemporary and historic architecture with a wealth of experiences on offer.

Go sightseeing, wander around the parks and gardens, check out the museum and discover Suva’s nightlife and foodie scene.

Things to Do on the Way to Suva on a Budget

• Stop at Natalei Experience and treat yourself to some snorkelling or a dolphin cruise to see spinner dolphins
• Visit the historic St Francis of Xavier Church, dating back to 1917, which also has great scenery
• Stop by the Nakoroloaloa Cave in Wailotua village
• Take a passenger ferry to Levuka, the first colonial capital of Fiji (allow at least two days)
• Explore the beautiful rainforest of the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park with its walking trails, waterfalls and pools for swimming.

Things to Do in Suva on a Budget

• Explore Albert Park or Thurston Gardens
• Visit the Fiji Museum, which holds artefacts dating back 3,700 years!
• Do some shopping at the Suva Municipal Market
• See historical architecture like the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Grand Pacific Hotel and the Government Buildings
• Experience Suva’s party scene.

Learn more about these experiences in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Suva.

Budget Accommodation in Suva

• Capricorn Apartment Hotel
• Town House Apartment Hotel
• Rainforest Eco Lodge
• Southern Cross Hotel
• Suva Motor Inn

Check out our 10 Budget Accommodations in Suva for more options.

Dining Recommendations

Your road trip through Fiji offers a smorgasbord of delectable dining options. For a quick and budget-friendly bite, don’t miss the roadside stalls dotting the landscape. Here, you’ll find an array of local treats like banana bread, pineapple sticks, and piping hot corn on the cob – perfect for satisfying those mid-journey cravings.

Once you arrive in Suva, head to Curry House in the Old Town Hall on Victoria Parade. This local gem serves up delicious fare for both lunch and early dinner, with the option to dine in or take away.

For more varied dining experiences, both Rainforest Eco Lodge and Town House, which are listed above, offer excellent culinary options.

And if you find yourself in the capital, be sure to check out the top cheap eats in Suva for even more wallet-friendly dining adventures.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 5 – Suva to Pacific Harbour

Drive time: 1 hour

A short drive away from Fiji’s administrative capital is Fiji’s adventure capital, the Pacific Harbour. The town is famous for its adrenaline activities, including white water rafting, shark dives, river boating, river tubing and more. Needless to say, these activities are not necessarily kind to the budget.

Still, there are some experiences definitely worth the extra bucks – see the 15 Best Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for our recommendations.

For those wanting to stick to a strict budget, there are plenty of ways to relax on the Pacific Harbour, from wandering around the Arts Village to kayaking, snorkelling and playing beach volleyball at the Uprising Beach Resort.

See The Guide to Beqa & the Pacific Harbour on a Budget for more ideas.

Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour on a Budget

• Explore the coast or river by kayak
• Listen to the harmonious singing at a church service
• Check out the shops and eateries in the quirky Arts Village
• Cool off at Wainadoi Waterfall (between Pacific Harbour and Suva)
• Lounge by the pool at one of the resorts.

Get more inspiration from our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour.

Budget Accommodation in the Pacific Harbour or Beqa

• Uprising Beach Resort
• Sunset View Villas
• Lawaki Beach House (Beqa Island)
• Pacific Harbor Eco Villa
• Orchid Island B&B

For more on the above accommodations, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on the Pacific Harbour.

Dining Recommendations

Whether your accommodation offers meal options or self-catering facilities, Pacific Harbour has some delectable dining choices to satisfy your cravings.

For a budget-friendly meal, head to Subway Spicy Hub opposite The Pearl Resort, where you’ll find a tempting array of sandwiches, salads, and Indo-Fijian dishes. Vegetarians will love their Roti Veg Curry, while meat-eaters can indulge in popular choices like Chicken Curry with Rice/Roti or Chicken Chowmein.

If you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, Beach Bum Burgers is the place to go.

For more wallet-friendly options in the area, be sure to check out our guide on The Top Cheap Eats on the Pacific Harbour.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – Pacific Harbour to the Coral Coast

Drive time: 1-2 hours (depending on which accommodation you choose)

Today includes a beautiful coast drive to Fiji’s popular Coral Coast! Here, you have 80 km (50 mi) of bays and beaches to explore along the Queens Road. The Coral Coast has a great mix of tourist resorts, where activities are easy to organise, and Fijian villages, so you are never too far from experiencing the real Fiji.

Follow our tips in The Guide to the Coral Coast on a Budget for more information.

The Coral Coast is a beautiful place to relax, especially considering the coast has awesome resorts and budget accommodations. Enjoy a break from hitting the road by relaxing by the pool or going to the beach.

Your resort will likely have a few free activities for you to do, too, which you can find examples of in our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Coral Coast.

Otherwise, you have a range of activities to experience should you still have the energy:

Things to Do on the Coral Coast on a Budget

• Drive or take a tour to the Biausevu Village and Waterfall, where your village guide will take you on a walk to a picturesque waterfall
• Watch or take part in glassblowing at work at Hot Glass Fiji
• Pick up some cheap produce and souvenirs at the Sigatoka Market
• Walk in the interesting environment of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
• Visit the Kula WILD Adventure Park to see native wildlife (and have fun on the ziplines and waterslides for an additional fee)

Get more inspiration from our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Coral Coast and 20 Best Things to Do on the Coral Coast.

Dining Recommendations

For a truly immersive experience, we recommend dining at your resort. Those staying at Likuri Island Resort or Gecko’s Resort are in for a treat with their Polynesian dancing and fire show nights, complete with a traditional lovo buffet. It’s a feast for both the eyes and taste buds!

If you’re looking to venture out, the Coral Coast offers a variety of delicious options to suit all budgets.

For more culinary inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on The Top Cheap Eats in Sigatoka & the Coral Coast.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – Coral Coast to Nadi International Airport

Drive time: 1-2 hours (depending on which Coral Coast accommodation you start from)

Enjoy one last drive on the remainder of the Coral Coast before returning to where you started at Nadi International Airport. Stop by some of the cool cafes for breakfast, with some great options both along the Coral Coast (Baravi Cafe, Retro Cafe and Cafe Planet) and Nadi (Bulaccino Cafe, Corner Cafe and Coffee Hub).

You may also want to stop at souvenir shops and markets on the way back to the airport to pick up some authentic souvenirs – see the 20 Best Souvenirs & Gifts from Fiji for ideas.

Remember to arrive at Nadi Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so you have enough time to return your vehicle, check-in, go through security and browse the duty-free.

For a full rundown of what to expect, take a look at Leaving Fiji: Departure Tips & Checklist.

And it’s “sota tale” from Fiji!