14-Day Budget Itinerary for Fiji
Two weeks in Fiji is the perfect amount of time to see the best that Fiji has to offer! Think brilliant beaches, bustling cities, villages alive with traditions that have been the same for hundreds of years, inland rainforest and mountains, scrumptious Fijian and Indo-Fijian cuisine, clear waters with coral reefs, and so much more! While 14 days is the perfect amount of time to stay in Fiji, sticking to a budget is important to make the most of your holiday in Fiji. In this Fiji budget itinerary for 14 days, we’ve kept the travelling to the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu, avoiding all the expensive boat trips to the outer islands yet still incorporating the activities that most of us want to do. Speaking of activities, we’ve kept to the cheapest activities possible, throwing in a few unique experiences (especially in the Pacific Harbour) that you might want to save for. We also limit the accommodation listed to only the best-value accommodation in each area.
If you’re looking for an itinerary with less travelling, see our How to Spend 14 Days in Fiji on a Budget TI008.
How to Get Around Fiji in 14 Days
Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu is well-connected with sealed roads around the exterior of the island. You have two options for getting around on a 14-day road trip in Fiji: renting a car or taking public transport.
Taking Public Transport to Travel Fiji in 14 Days
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, using taxis and resort transfer services. Some of the resorts are out of town but will do complimentary pick-ups so call them first 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 taking the 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 How to Save Money on Car Rental in Fiji.
Day 1 – 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 has to offer. 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
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our suggested Cheap Eats in Nadi
- Experience the Nadi nightlife (check out The Ultimate Guide to the Fiji Nightlife)
- Admire the colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
Got more inspiration from our 12 Awesome Things to Do in Nadi.
Budget Accommodation in Nadi
- Bamboo Backpackers
- Bluewater Lodge
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel
- JFK Hotel
- Wailoaloa Beach Resort
- Capricorn International Hotel
- Tanoa Skylodge Hotel
- Mercure Nadi
- Aquarius on the Beach
Take a look at our top picks in 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nadi.
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 to be 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 our Cheap Eats on the Suncoast)
- 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
- Take a tour with Fiji Eco Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), hire a taxi or drive (4WD) to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park offering two of 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
Find a cheap homestay through Airbnb or Booking.com.
Day 3 – Lautoka to Rakiraki
Drive Time: 1h40mins
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 St Francis of Xavier Church – 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 Rakiraki on a Budget
- Take a tour to Navala Village, a traditional 200-year-old village deep in the mountain landscape of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Remember to take some kava roots (Yaqona) to present to the village. Learn more in our Guide to Village Etiquette
- Stop by the colonial Tavua Hotel with great views overlooking the bay and Tavua town
- Join a guided overnight trek up Fiji’s highest mountain, Mt Tomanivi (Mt Victoria) with Talanoa Treks
- Visit the historic St Francis of Xavier Church dating back to 1917, also with great scenery.
Get more inspiration by checking out our 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast article.
Budget Accommodation in Rakiraki
Or find a cheap homestay through Airbnb or Booking.com. Check out our 8 Budget Accommodation on the Suncoast for more options.
Day 4 – Rakiraki
Spend some more time relaxing in the Rakiraki area doing activities you might have missed 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. 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!
Get more ideas of what to do today with our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Suncoast.
Day 5 – Rakiraki to Nausori
Drive Time: 2h30mins
Today you’ll enjoy a scenic drive inland on Viti Levu passing through many small villages. If you have your own transport, take a detour to Takalana Bay Retreat and consider treating yourself to a dolphin cruise to Moon Reef. Otherwise, there’s plenty to do in Nausori or a short drive from this large town just north of Suva.
Things to Do in Nausori on a Budget
- Stop at Takalana Bay Retreat and treat yourself to some snorkelling or a dolphin cruise to see spinner dolphins
- Take a passenger ferry to Levuka, the first colonial capital of Fiji
- Explore the beautiful rainforest of the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park just 3km (1.9 miles) away from Nausori, with its walking trail, waterfalls and pools for swimming
- Visit the Nasili Village on the Nasili Village Pottery Tour to mingle with the locals and see pottery demonstrations
- Take a gift to the Dilkusha Girls’ Home, a girls’ orphanage in Nausori.
Budget Accommodation in Nausori
Find a cheap homestay through Airbnb or Booking.com.
Day 6 – Nausori to Suva
Drive Time: 40 minutes
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. If you missed any of the activities mentioned yesterday, then you have the time to catch up on those today too.
Things to Do in Suva on a Budget
- Take a tour around Pure Fiji‘s manufacturing facility, famous for its health and wellness products.
- Tours are only available on a Saturday.
- Explore Suva’s Orchid Garden or Thurston Gardens
- Visit the Fiji Museum holding 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
- Check out the city malls of Damodar City, Garden City and Sports City
- Grab some Fijian, Indo-Fijian or Chinese cuisine in the city centre (check out our Cheap Eats in Suva)
- Enjoy a night on the town by following our recommendations in The Ultimate Guide to the Fiji Nightlife.
Budget Accommodation in Suva
- City Private Hotel
- Tagimoucia House Hotel
- Town House Apartment Hotel
- Capricorn Apartment Hotel
- Southern Cross Hotel
- Suva Motor Inn
Check out our 10 Budget Accommodation in Suva for more options.
Day 7 – Suva
Catch up on those activities you might have missed yesterday or the day before, such as spending the day in the glorious Colo-i-Suva Forest Park with its waterfalls, forest and swimming holes.
For more inspiration for your extra day in Suva, see our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Suva, as well as our 10 Things to Do in Suva.
Day 8 – Suva to Pacific Harbour
Drive time: 1 hour
After a short drive from Suva, you will arrive in the Pacific Harbour. This is known as Fiji’s adventure capital with so many amazing activities on offer. The downside is, the area is not exactly presenting “super cheap” activities. We do recommend saving your money to do some of these more unique activities to do in Fiji, from white water rafting and jet boating in the stunning mountainous landscape on the inner island to diving with eight different species of sharks.
Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour
- Go ziplining through a tropical river valley
- Do diving with sharks at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Go 4WD dune buggying to some spectacular viewpoints
- Check out a cultural show at the Arts Village
- Play a round of golf at The Pearl Golf Club
- Go on a surfing trip to the Frigate Passage
- Do white water rafting or jet boating down the Navua River (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Get more inspiration from our 12 Sensational Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
Budget Accommodation in the Pacific Harbour or Beqa
Day 9 – Pacific Harbour
As we said, there is a hell of a lot of things to do in the Pacific Harbour so spend an extra day here to really make sure everything is ticked off the bucket list.
If you want to save a few cents while staying here today, just take a look at our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Pacific Harbour.
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 80km (50 miles) of bays and beaches to explore along the Ocean Road. The Coral Coast has a great mix of tourist resorts, where activities are easy to organise, as well as Fijian villages so you are never too far from experiencing the real Fiji.
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 (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Pick up some fresh produce like mangoes, pawpaws, watermelons and more at the Momi Junction Stall at Volivoli Village
- Watch the glassblowers at work at Hot Glass Fiji
- Watch the potters at work at the Nakabuta Pottery Village
- See local art at the Namana Arts Gallery
- 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 ziprails and waterslides (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Grab some Cheap Eats on the Coral Coast
Get more inspiration from our 10 Cool Things to Do on the Coral Coast.
Budget Accommodation on the Coral Coast
- Rendezvous Surf Camp Fiji
- Mango Bay Resort
- Shalini Garden Hotel & Apartments
- Tambua Sands Beach Resort
- Blue West Villas
- Bedarra Beach Inn
- The Beachhouse
- Namuka Bay Lagoon
Take a look at our top picks in our 9 Best Budget Accommodation on the Coral Coast.
Day 11 – Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is a beautiful place to relax, especially considering the coast is lined with awesome resorts and budget accommodation. Enjoy a break from hitting the road by relaxing by the pool or going to the beach. It’s likely that your resort will 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 all the activities mentioned yesterday to still do.
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 taking a look around the town is well worth it.
Things to Do in Denarau on a Budget
- 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
- Have something to eat or drink at one of the many restaurants in Denarau town
- Treat yourself to an island excursion by choosing one of the many boat trips from Denarau Marina
Get more inspiration from our 12 Amazing Things to Do in Denarau Island.
Accommodation in Denarau
Denarau is famous for its upscale resorts. However, your cheapest options include:
- Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
- Radisson Ble Resort Fiji
- Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
- The Palms Apartments
Take a look at our top picks in our 10 Best Resorts in Denarau.
Day 13 – Denarau
This is your last chance to do one big activity in Fiji, whether it is island-hopping in the nearby Mamanuca Islands, taking a jet boat ride, or sticking to the things that we list in our 11 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Denarau Island.
If you are staying in one of the resorts, there will be plenty to do, from relaxing with a cocktail by the pool to hiring a bike to explore the area.
Day 14 – Denarau to Nadi Airport
Drive time: 20 minutes
Either drive to the Nadi Airport where you can return your rental car or take one of the complimentary airport shuttles from the Denarau resorts. At the airport, you’ll be able to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, sit down with a meal and hop on a plane to your next destination!
More Advice for a Fiji Budget Itinerary for 14 Days
- The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
- What to Do for 7 Days in Fiji on a Budget
That’s it for the Fiji budget itinerary: 14 days / 2 weeks. See even more trip ideas in The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks. Plus, don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.