It should come as no surprise than Fiji is one of the hottest tourism destinations on the planet.

Pristine beaches, lush greenery and a diverse range of activities, Fiji encompasses every kind of holiday; whether that be one for the family, a honeymoon, or an island-hopping adventure.

Fiji is made up of 333 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, and offers a range of attractions for a plethora of different travellers. And while you may have an idea of what you want to do in Fiji, sometimes it helps to have a list.

So here are 12 fabulous things you absolutely can’t leave Fiji without trying.

Get there

Okay, technically this first one isn’t something you have to do in Fiji. But it’s something you have to do to complete all the other points on this list!

Fiji Airways is the international airline of Fiji and the minute you board, you’ll be met with the friendly hospitality you’ll find everywhere in Fiji. Plus, flights depart twice daily from Sydney on modern planes.

And we know the flight is only four hours, but a complimentary in-flight entertainment program is offered on all flights, through personal screens or throughout the main cabin on overhead screens. All business class passengers and economy passengers on selected long-haul flights can enjoy FijiTime, a new in- flight entertainment program that offers on-demand movies, TV and radio. What more could you want?

Quad biking

One of the wildest (and fun) ways to see the vast Fiji landscape is on a quad bike. It also happens to be one of the most intimate ways – as often times you wouldn’t see these sites other than on a quad bike.

Shark Snorkelling

Whilst many have heard of diving with sharks, this experience may be a little easier (or a little harder, maybe) for some to swallow; rather than diving down next to the sharks (although you can if you want to) snorkelers float above the sharks in a shallow reef as they feed on fish heads that have guides have left under rocks.

Try Kava

You may have heard of this traditional drink before heading to Fiji, and trust us, it’s worth a taste. It’s the unofficial national drink of Fiji – and the countries citizens drink it ceremoniously. It’s also known as Yaqona, and is a large part of Fiji’s culture.

Visit a cultural site

This goes without saying, as Fiji is one of the most culture-filled places in the pacific. Visit a traditional Fiji Village for the full experience, as Fijians welcome you with a ceremony, the aforementioned kava and a tour and explainer of how they incorporate a traditional way of life into more modern times.

Relax on a beach

Where silky, white sand meets beckoningly clear water, you’re bound to find your zen. Plus, you never have to travel far to find one. Whilst some of the best beaches would arguably be on the smaller islands, the coral coast on Viti Levu has more than a few stretches of sand worth a visit.

Whitewater rafting

This is one of the most adventurous, adrenalin-rushing activities to do in Fiji, particularly in the county’s stunning rivers and gorges, where calm, still water meets small waterfalls and rushing water. Hold on for dear life as your inflatable little raft takes you down river, over rocks and past countless wildlife and lush greenery.

Ziplining

For a different view of Fiji, fly through the trees and soar over the lush Fijian landscape on a zipline tour. Not only does ziplining offer a rush for adrenalin junkees, but a chance to immerse yourself in the Fiji jungle like never before – and with views to write home about, no less.

Take a cooking class

With pacific, Indian and Asian influences, the food of Fiji has been underrated for far too long. And the best way to get to know a culture’s cuisine is to take a cooking class. Think a visit to the markets to buy the freshest Fijian ingredients followed by a lunch you’ve made yourself.

Visit the Mamanuca islands

If there’s one thing Fiji is famed for, it’s islands. And the Mamanuca Islands are the best of the best. Think long, white stretches of sand accompanied by warm, crystal clear water. Just a few metres out from the shore you’ll find pristine snorkeling spots ripe for exploring.

Enjoy a spa treatment

Fiji is almost synonymous with luxury, and luxury is synonymous with spa treatments. Try a traditional Fijian massage, a relaxing body scrub and wrap or a rejuvenating facial. Better yet, try them all.

Stay in a five-star resort

These are abundant through Fiji, and for good reason; the islands are one of the number one destinations in the world for honeymoons and weddings. And where there’s romance, there’s luxury.