REGION INTRO
The Suncoast is a strikingly beautiful stretch of countryside along Viti Levu’s western and northern coast. This land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks is chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. Sprawling vistas, slow-paced rural life and an eternal summer make it easy to fall in love with this corner of Fiji.
Life is sweet in the Suncoast. The whole stretch of coast can be accessed by road from Nadi International Airport and yet a world away, this stunningly beautiful stretch of country combining cane fields, cassava patches, villages, majestic volcanic outcrops, and small towns is as charming as it is diverse.
Not only is this region Fiji Water and Fiji Sugar terrain – and where you’ll find Fiji in its working clothes in the sugar town of Lautoka – but the Suncoast also plays guardian to historic sites of early settlement such as Navatu Rock and Vuda Point, the latter also luring boaties in at Vuda Point Marina.
The northern coastline of Viti Levu has very few beaches so tourist resorts have been slow to develop along the Suncoast. Most accommodation is located near the Rakiraki and Nananu-i-Ra regions, with deluxe resorts, small backpacking resorts and private villas to rent.
Here, from the comfort of the resorts on the island’s northernmost peninsula, you can explore the region’s best bits. Follow an inland trail to Fiji’s highest waterfall or up its highest mountain, track dolphins and trevally across the lagoon or dive the soft coral-crusted pinnacles of the Bligh Water’s world-class dive sites. Offshore, Nananu-i-Ra’s scalloped bays are the perfect playground for kiteboarders and windsurfers during the windy season. Whether you’re after a thrilling outdoor adventure or up for some laid-back luxury, the Suncoast’s uncrowded beaches, blue skies and abundant sunshine will keep you smiling for days.
WHERE
Located on the northern coast of Viti Levu, starting at Vuda Marina just north of Nadi and stretching over 200 km long all the way to Wailotua, which is a small settlement 14 km before yu hit Korovou on Kings Road on the way to Suva.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Suncoast is ideal for self-drive explorations, but is also serviced by various bus services and most resorts or Inbound Operators can arrange an airport pickup or private transfer. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Nadi Airport to Vuda Marina, about 40 minutes to Lautoka, 1 ¼ hours to Ba and it is a good 2.5 hours to drive to Rakiraki from Nadi International Airport, with spectacular views of coastline and ocean on one side, and majestic highland ranges of the inland on the other.
- Private or Seat-in-Coach Transfer
- Taxi
- Rental Car
- Public bus
WHAT?
One of the most popular attractions of the Suncoast is the vacation island of Nananu-i-Ra, which has beautiful white sand beaches along with excellent scuba diving, kite-surfing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing opportunities. Hiking and birdwatching are also popular in this region. Spotting the spinner dolphins at Moon Reef or visiting the traditional Navala village are other reasons for visiting the Suncoast.
What are the Top 5 “Things To Do” in the region?
- Diving - If you are a keen diver the Bligh Straight offers some of the best diving around. Take the plunge and explore the underwater highlights of the Bligh Water’s world-class dive sites. With up to 50 sensational sites off the Suncoast, you’ll definitely get your fill of Fiji’s famous soft corals, vivid tropical fish life and mysterious reef critters. There are also large pelagic passing through and encounters with sharks, mantas, dolphins and whales that will delight divers of all levels.
- Visit Navala Village, the largest and oldest village in Fiji where they still make their bures in the traditional thatch style. It is like stepping back in time, as it is possibly Fiji’s most picturesque village. It is tucked away in the rugged, grassy mountains of the Suncoast. On a guided tour of the village, you’ll be welcomed in a kava ceremony before you meet the locals and learn about their subsistent way of life. Unlike other places in Fiji, Navala has largely kept their traditional style houses. Getting to see these distinctive traditional thatched-roof bures up close is what makes this place so special. Against the dramatic landscape, this ancient village is picture-postcard worthy. Don’t forget your camera!
- Chase the wind at Kite Point. When the trade winds blow from April to January, kite season picks up on the Suncoast. If you’re a keen kiteboarder or windsurfer, then this remote peninsula in northern Viti Levu is the place to be. Learners can launch their sails from sheltered Kite Point on Nananu-i-Ra Island while old hands take advantage of the steady 15 – 30kt winds to fly across the water and test out new tricks.
- Hit the Heights - Trade your flip flops for sturdy trail boots on an unforgettable trekking adventure across Viti Levu’s sunkissed Suncoast. Talanoa Treks guides you along the well-worn paths that weave their way through golden grassland and native forests, to spectacular waterfalls and up mountains like Mt. Tomaniivi – Fiji’s highest mountain. And at the end of a long day, you’ll bunk down in remote highland villages with a unique history. Another popular hinterland attraction is mountainous Koroyanitu National Heritage Park dominates the Lautoka skyline and a great hike for some stunning views.
- Visit Nanu-i-ra, the 3.5-sq-km island is beautifully hilly, and is surrounded by scalloped bays, white-sand beaches and mangroves
DID YOU KNOW
- Did you know that there is an unusual mural to be found at the Suncoast? The unusual mural at the Church of St Francis Xavier near Rakiraki is the perfect excuse for a pitstop on a self-drive of the Suncoast. Better known as the ‘Church of the Black Christ’, the large wall painting above the altar expertly blends Christian beliefs with local Fijian elements like a masi-clad Christ, woven mat and whale’s tooth offerings by devoted Fijians and a forest of breadfruit and banana trees. The mural was created by French artist Jean Charlot and small contributions are welcomed for the upkeep of this intriguing fresco.
- Did you know that Mt. Tomanivi is 1,324 m high above sea level and Fiji’s highest mountain?
- Did you know that the Bligh Passage north of the Suncoast was named after Captain William Bligh? Bligh sailed through this body of water (approximately 9500 km² in extent) his 7 m (23 ft) launch during his 3,618 mile journey from Tofua to the Dutch port of Timor after the “Mutiny on the Bounty”. At the time some of the local Fijian tribes were considered hostile and many were cannibalistic so Bligh did not wish to jeopardize his safety or the safety of his crew elected not stop his journey in the area.
- Did you know that Lautoka is not only Fiji’s 2nd largest city, but also known as the Sugar City? It the hub for sugar and rum industries in Fiji and hosts the annual Sugar Festival. Check out the Rum Factory!
WHY?
What are the Top 4 selling points for this region?
- The Suncoast is renowned for the best climate in Fiji, as well as all the activities you could wish for. Relax with stunning sea and island views, enjoy superb restaurants and cocktails at your resort, or catch a few rays before taking a dip. Explore the local villages and towns with guides or by rental car, hike to a waterfall or explore a mangrove fringed coastline by kayak. Snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, and game fishing on coral reefs are just some of the watersports awaiting your arrival.
- Easy access from Nadi airport by road – no ferry or air transfers needed.
- Beautiful and diverse scenery and one of the sunniest areas of Fiji.
- Perfect for active guests who love to seek an adventure but yet prefer to travel on the roads less travelled. From hiking Nabaslesere Waterfall, SUP tours through the Mangroves to Kite Surving and Diving
One of Fiji’s best areas to dive. With up to 50 sensational sites off the Suncoast, vivid tropical fish life it will delight divers of all levels.
WHO?
- Backpacker/Youth
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Nature
- Active explorers