Transit in Nadi

We are flying to the US from NZ and have about 7 hours in transit at Nadi. We arrive at 4pm and don't leave for LA till about 11pm. This is the fist time we are flying Air Pacific and first time in Fiji. I have read reviews that he airline is not that great. We booked based on price and I guess you get what you pay for. So not sure how bad it can be.

We don't know what the airport will be to wait for 7 hours and given that Fiji is not that big, is it possible to get out of the airport into town? Where would we go and what would anyone suggest we do between 4pm and 11pm to kill time. We are a party of 4 (2 adults and 2 children aged 10 and 13).

Thanks. Any other suggestions or advice is appreciated.

Cheers.

One idea once you clear immigration and customs is go to Denarau Harbour/Marina and have dinner via a dive thru Nadi

The direct drive via Nadi to Denarau would take about roughly about 30+ minutes

you will have time to walk down Nadi's main street and around the Denarau Marina and then have dinner at one of the restaurants.

look at getting a private transfer pick up so that no time is lost working out how to to get here and there.

You could even have dinner at one of the resorts at Denarau like the Hilton or Sheraton.

hope this helps

I would suggest taking your swim wear in your carry on luggage and head across the road(5 minute walk) to the Raffles Hotel. They have a lovely pool that you can use (not sure if they charge for it's use as we just sat in the lobby) and also showers in the public washroom where you can clean up after your swim. There is a nice restaurant there, although a bit pricey. You could instead take a bus into the Martinair area and choose from several restaurants that would be cheaper.

I agree with Newfie.
Might even be worth paying for "day-use " of a room to change, shower, have lie down if wanted.

"immigration etc takes a while " - in my 6 visits to Fiji -going out of customs/immigration has averaged about 15 mins
Checking in always takes much longer - 40 mins?

I am tempted to head into town, possibly to also have dinner (seafood maybe)?
I read that negotiating a fare up front with a taxi driver is important as taxis in Nadi tend not to use meters. What is an acceptable fare from the airport into town?
Any suggestions for a good restaurant in Nadi?
Thanks.

" taxis in Nadi tend not to use meters." - dunno where you heard that. I havew always paid what was on the meter
The fare from Airport to town will be around FJD12
Dinner in town is ok, but not too classy. Better bet at Port Denerau

I actually read that in Lonely Planet South Pacific. It says taxis in Suva uses meters bu not in Nadi.
Would you recommend any good restaurants in Port Denerau? Not looking for a classy place just good food in a good environment. LP suggests First Landing Seafood at Vuda Point. How far away is Vuda Point from Nadi?

Nadi town is a great place to visit look around but not a great place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere/environment. (in my opinion with 2 children) Port Denarau is much better for atmosphere/environment. You will find better restaurants at Port Denarau..the quality of the Hard Rock Cafe(there is one in Denarau) In my opinion to make sure everything runs smoothly and you get to see Nadi and Denarau and get back to the Airport on time you should get a private transfer for the extra few dollars you will have a driver with at all times and peace of mind.

The Airport is between Vuda Point and Nadi town ie Vuda Point is 15 min the other siode of the airport. Thus Vuda Point it is about 25 min from Nadi

In Denerau, there are great restaurants in all the resorts on Denerau Is, from casual eg at the Golf Club to classy eg silver service at the Sheraton. Easiest though is the the group at the Port Denerau. There is a cluster of shops cafes, take aways etc and also easy access to taxis etc

Heres a list of eateries at the Port - http://www.portdenarau.com.fj/stores.htm
I like the Indian place (Indigo) and also, I loved sitting outside at the places with a view over the water.

Prices at the Port are higher than in town but the quality is vastly better. Also, the prices were on the whole, less than back in Australia, given the great value of the FJD. BTW, shopping in Fiji , for that reason, is very good for clothes and running shoes .

There was a big fuss in the Fiji press a few months back on the subject of taxis in Nadi. It certainly is the law that taxis have to use their meters but a lot are not and the authorities were concerned that tourists were being ripped off. So steps were being taken to ensure that taxi drivers do, in fact, use their meters.

Haven't seen anything recently, but it's certainly something to be aware of.

I have a rule when getting into taxis in countries where this goes on. As I get in, BEFORE closing the door, I say "please put the meter on. THEN take me to to xyz " - they always do.

You don't have to go to Denarau, there are a few good restaurants closer to the airport. At Martintar there is Sitar, (Indian and Thai), and across the road there are 3 good ones but the best is Daikoku, which has Japanese teppanyaki, where they cook your food in front of you (there is one downtown Auckl) You do have to watch the taxi's, but if you ask for the meter and they know you are going back to the airport they will either wait for you or come back and pick you up. But be warned, they will try to take you to one of their "own" restaurants. You could also take your kids to visit the childrens home in Nadi, it is on the main road into town just past McDonalds.

Internally Air Pacific (Air Pathetic to the Fijians) can be pretty bad, especially with long, long delays, internationally, they are much better, but are anywhere as polished as they were some time ago.

At the airport you will be swamped by people who want you to have whatever experience, ignore them. Instead ask one of the immigration staff how much a cab should be to Nadi town. If you are going to Denarau for a transit visit, ring ahead to the resort and see if they can pick you up. Their charge may be minimal.