Fiji Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

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How to Get Around Fiji in 14 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 14-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, not limited to the most appropriate for couples, check out the Fiji Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

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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.

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Day 2 – Nadi to Lautoka

Drive Time: 35 minutes

Do any activities you might have missed in Nadi before hitting the road to Lautoka, a smaller town than Nadi but still bustling with plenty of things to do on a budget.

The drive from Nadi to Lautoka takes you through some fascinating settlements, such as Viseisei Village at Vuda Point, considered the birthplace of the Fijian people in Fiji. Take some time to explore Lautoka before heading to your homestay or resort.

Things to Do in Lautoka on a Budget

• Grab a bite to eat at one of the amazing eateries in Lautoka
• Check out the souvenirs and locally-made jams, pickles, teas and more at the Friend Fiji’s Shop to help support poverty alleviation in Fiji
• Get a cultural experience and fresh fruit from the Lautoka Market
• Wander around the beautiful Lautoka Botanical Gardens
• Hire a taxi or drive (high-clearance) to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park offering Fiji’s most accessible hiking trails starting from Abaca Village.

For more inspiration, see our 10 Things to Do in Lautoka.

Budget Accommodation in Lautoka

• Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
• Abaca Village
• Lautoka Hotel
• Nila Beach Resort
• Anchorage Beach Resort

Learn more about these stays in the 10 Budget Accommodations in Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast.

Dining Recommendations

For a taste of authentic Indo-Fijian cuisine, head to the Lautoka Market and pick up some delicious rotis. If you’re craving a hearty curry, Masala Magic in Tappoo Lautoka is our top recommendation. They serve up some of the best vegetarian curries and thalis with rotis in Fiji.

For those seeking Western fare, Blue Ginger Café is your go-to spot, often featuring great value lunch deals. (You’ll find even more wallet-friendly options in our guide to The Top Cheap Eats in Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast.)

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Day 3 – Lautoka to Rakiraki

Drive Time: 1 hr 40 mins

Today, you drive or take the bus through the spectacular Suncoast, named after its famous sunrise and sunset. There are lots of attractions to take a detour to, such as the historical Tavua Hotel or the Tomb of Udre Udre – both offering a mix of history and scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a guided hike up Fiji’s highest mountain.

Enjoy an evening at your accommodation with a swimming pool or a beach if staying at the Volivoli Beach Resort.

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.

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Day 4 – 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.

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Day 5 – 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, once you arrive, but we’ll get onto that tomorrow.

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.

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.

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Day 6 – Explore Suva

Today, you get to explore Fiji’s capital city, 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 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.

Dining Recommendations

For an authentic culinary adventure, head to the Suva Municipal Market where you can sample genuine Fijian dishes. If you’re craving curry, we highly recommend Singh’s Curry House, offering hearty meals complete with roti, curry, salad, and dahl at bargain prices.

Chinese cuisine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Vineyard Palace, located in the historic Old Town Hall. Here, you can enjoy a diverse buffet, including yum-cha, for around FJ$20 from Tuesday to Friday. The combination of delectable food and a unique setting makes for a memorable dining experience.

For more culinary inspiration, check out our guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Suva.

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Day 7 – Suva to Pacific Harbour

Drive time: 1 hour

It’s a short drive from Suva to the Pacific Harbour, but there are a few affordable attractions along the way. Stop by the Bilo Battery Gun Park to see the tunnels and remnants of a World War Two site. Also, turn off the Queens Road to Wainadoi village where you’ll find a picturesque swimming hole with two waterfalls (a small charge applies).

Your final stop is Pacific Harbour. This is known as Fiji’s adventure capital, as there are so many amazing activities on offer. The downside is that the area does not exactly offer “super cheap” activities.

We recommend that you save your money to do some of these more unique activities in Fiji, from white water rafting and river boating in the stunning mountainous landscape on the inner island to diving with eight different species of sharks.

We’ll go into more detail tomorrow. For now, settle into your accommodation.

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.

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Days 8 & 9 – Experience the Pacific Harbour

As we said, there are a hell of a lot of things to do in the Pacific Harbour, so spend two days here to really make sure everything is ticked off the bucket list.

Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour

• Do diving with sharks at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve
• Do white water rafting or jet boating down the Navua River
• Experience a Navus River alternative with River Tubing Fiji
• Head out to the floating bar, the Lailai Lounge, with Tropic Magic
• Go on a surfing trip to the Frigate Passage

Get more inspiration from our 15 Best Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour & Beqa. Or, if you want to save a few cents while staying here, just take a look at our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour.

Dining Recommendations

For budget-friendly dining options in Pacific Harbour, look no further than the Skinny Bean Cafe in the Arts Village. This charming eatery serves up a variety of affordable breakfast choices, from wraps and sandwiches to pies.

If you’re after a wider range of options, head to Vakia Restaurant opposite The Pearl Resort. Here, you’ll find an extensive menu featuring everything from hearty breakfasts to satisfying mains, including various egg dishes, chicken specialities, and fresh fish options.

For those looking to splurge a little, check out our guide to the 10 Best Restaurants on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for some more upscale dining experiences.

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Day 10 – 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.

We’ll get into the things to do tomorrow. For now, settle into one of the Coral Coast’s idyllic yet affordable beachfront resorts.

Budget Accommodation on the Coral Coast

• Crusoe’s Retreat
• Mango Bay Resort
• The Beachouse
• Gecko’s Resort
• Likuri Island Resort

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

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Day 11 – Explore the Coral Coast

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

The Coral Coast offers a diverse array of dining options to satisfy every palate and budget. For a comprehensive list of affordable eateries, check out The Top Cheap Eats in Sigatoka & the Coral Coast.

If you’re looking for a charming lunch spot, don’t miss Cafe Planet in Korotogo, where you can savour wraps, sandwiches, and pies in a delightful garden setting.

For an authentic local experience, head to the Sigatoka Market, where you’ll find delicious homemade meals, including roti wraps and Indian sweets, at pocket-friendly prices.

Another hidden gem is the Halal Food Stall in Olosara, run by a former InterContinental Resort chef, offering mouthwatering local flavours that are sure to impress.

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Day 12 – Coral Coast to Denarau

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

More beautiful coastal scenery awaits on the drive up to Denarau, the largest integrated resort town in the whole South Pacific! While the area might be more famous for being an expensive resort town, there are still plenty of things to do there on a budget, and looking around the town is well worth it.

If you are staying in one of the resorts, there will be plenty to do, from relaxing with a cocktail by the pool to exploring the area on the resort-connecting walkway or Bula Bus.

Hot tip: Arrange to drop your rental vehicle off today, as you will likely not need it for the next two days. Compare the daily rate with airport transfers to see if it makes sense.

Accommodation in Denarau

Denarau is famous for its upscale resorts. However, your cheapest options include:

• The Palms Apartments
• The Terraces Apartments
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort
• Oasis Palm Hotel (Wailoaloa)

Take a look at our top picks in our 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Denarau Island.

Dining Recommendations

While Denarau isn’t the cheapest dining destination in Fiji, budget-conscious travellers can still find some wallet-friendly options. For a more affordable meal with a view, head to Cardo’s steakhouse bar on the Port Denarau Marina waterfront.

If you’re craving seafood, Bonefish Seafood Restaurant and Wicked Fish & Chips offer the best-value fish and chips in the area.

For a diverse menu that won’t break the bank, Grills Restaurant & Bar serves up satisfying portions of appetizers and mains in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more budget-friendly dining options, check out our guide on The Top Cheap Eats in Denarau.

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Day 13 – Explore Denarau or the Mamanuca Islands

This is your last chance to do one big activity in Fiji, whether it is island-hopping in the nearby Mamanuca Islands or sticking to the things that we list in our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Denarau Island.

Things to Do in Denarau on a Budget

• Cruise, snorkel and enjoy a Fijian lunch with Cruisin Fiji
• Wine, dine, snorkel and more at the floating bar experience of Cloud 9
• Get a Bula Bus hop-on-hop-off bus pass or simply walk from 5-star resort to 5-star resort, sampling their restaurants and swimming pools
• Do some shopping in Port Denarau town for a wide range of souvenir shops
• Treat yourself to an island excursion by choosing one of the many boat trips from Denarau Marina

Get more inspiration from our 20 Best Things to Do in Denarau Island and 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji.

Dining Recommendations

If you’re taking a day cruise from Denarau, you’ll be well-fed onboard. For your last day, however, treat yourself to a culinary adventure at Vasaqa (pronounced Vas-an-ga), where Fijian and international flavours collide in a casual setting. Known for its top-notch meats and seafood, this dining hotspot is sure to impress.

Craving authentic Fijian cuisine? Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant is your go-to, offering a delightful array of traditional dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients and cooking techniques.

For more dining options, check out our guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Denarau.

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Day 14 – Denarau to Nadi Airport

Drive time: 20 minutes

Either drive to the Nadi Airport to return your rental car or take one of the shared airport shuttles from the Denarau resorts for the best price – see the 15 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

You may want to do some last-minute souvenir shopping before you hop on a plane to your next destination!

Remember to arrive at Nadi Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so you have enough time to return your vehicle (if you still have it), 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!