Wheres best to Backpack - Fiji, Tonga or Samoa?

hello! I'm going to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa after N.Z. Just wondering if anyones backpacked on these islands and got any good stories/advice and what country they preferrred and why? Cheers! Dan

Fiji offers the most possiblities for backpackers, as it has the most islands, and very diverse ones. It's also easy and cheap to get around even without flying. The biggest island alone is so HUGE and diverse by South Pacific standards that it can easily fill several days or even weeks.

Samoa has only two sizeable islands to visit, and is consequently also quite easy and cheap to tour. Some important advice or that country is on this thread. Both main islands can be encircled by road in a single day, and are only a short ferry-ride apart, so you can stay as short or long there as you like.

Haven't been to Tonga so I'll leave that for others to comment on.
But it falls between Fiji and Samoa in terms of number of islands, grouped into four rather different archipelagos.
It's supposed to be somewhat harder to get around without flying than Fiji, so if you do want to see several parts of it, allow enough time. People who only stay on the main island tend to find it disappointing though.

Anyway, if you do go to all three, you'll have the chance to compare them yourselves.

Fiji has a lot more to offer than Tonga, lots bigger, more places serviced by convenient ferries. As Laszlo said, you really need to fly to Haapai or Vavau (in Tonga).

I'd hit the main island of Fiji (Viti Levu) for a few days, then maybe a smaller island like Ovalau. You'll also meet other backpackers, and can join them in all three countries to where they are heading next. You'll have a good time.

What do you mean by 'backpacking'? Independent travelling or a low-budget holiday?

The reason I ask is that Fiji at any rate does not get a lot of what I'd consider travellers (perhaps true for all of south pacific). Fiji does get it's share of people on low-budget holidays, and there are a number of 'backpacker' resorts on the Yasawas etc which cater to this group. There are also the 'FeeGee Experience' sorts of package tours.

You'll find more independent travellers the further you are from the tourism centers. As mentioned, Fiji has a lot of islands (and a couple of big ones), so there's a lot of space to wander around in. The backpacker/traveller types will likely fall into 2 categories. Either people on RTW trips who slot in a layover on Fiji as part of their ticket (cheapest way to visit that part of the planet), or people taking a break from a 5-6 month work/study stay in Australia or New Zealand.

Thanks for all your help. By backpacking I mean on a RTW trip so will not be spending lavishly on expensive hotels/guesthouses etc. I am due to stop at each country but just wanted some information to determine how long to stay at each and know what to expect! Cheers again

Fiji will be easy for you to get around in everyone speaks something resembling English, transportation and food are decent and accommodations are found everywhere.

Consider carefully before you had to the Yasawas with their golden beaches, expensive resorts and monopolistic ferry access.

Samoa is a good backpacking option if:

1. You are expecting a rather quiet scene... Most of the backpackers and travellers who come to Samoa are seasoned and their interests are beyond just a drinking/beach holiday.
2. You want to experience some genuine Polynesian culture.
3. Do not have high expectations in regards to local ethics concerning punctuality, some issues of inconveniences (see Lazslo's post) and often in accommodation/food options.
4. You are very interested in nature... snorkelling, hiking, wildlife.
5. You are interested in getting to know locals, show interest in their lives and spend time with them.

The infrastructure for tourism is good... Not as highly developed as Fiji or the Cooks, definately higher than Tonga.