Airlines have cleverly marketed “stopover city” campaigns to incentivize itineraries that allow for extended layovers. This complimentary perk gives travelers the option to break up a trip—typically for a day or two—and explore a new city before arriving at their final destination.
But some close-proximity locales deserve equal time and attention with two unique and separate stays, bundled together to get the most out of an exceptionally long journey. Such is the case with Fiji and New Zealand: a duo of oceanic gems in the South Pacific that are separated by only a few hours of flying.
While both countries boast emerald mountains, lapis-hued waves and hidden beach coves that not even postcards and Instagram posts can adequately capture, there is a stark contrast in population, culture and general terroir. Fiji is renowned for its clusters of tiny, remote islands while New Zealand is home to metropolises like Auckland that tout bustling harbors and larger islands worthy of long weekend escapes. When combined, both offer a well-rounded vacation that allows visitors to get the best of two different worlds.
Should you find yourself venturing west in search of sun, sand and splendor, consider the adjacent archipelagos to be a package deal.
Flora, Fauna and Folklore in Fiji
We often hear about Fiji’s pockets of paradise, nestled deep in rain forests or along its captivating shorelines that lure guests in like a siren song. But beyond the nation’s unparalleled natural beauty is a community of locals who yearn to share their history and customs with those who express even the slightest interest.
Kick off a trip with a Sigatoka River Safari, a high-speed boat trek into one of a dozen nearby villages where you’ll partake in a traditional kava ceremony, tour the grounds and its hand-constructed buildings and indulge in a community lunch with a meat, fruit and veggie spread that rivals Thanksgiving.
For an even deeper appreciation of local culinary practices and ingredients, the Vavavi Cooking and Cultural Experience takes participants into a local market to peruse and shop for indigenous produce such as sweet and spongy longan fruit and Fijian jungle chili. These are then prepared and incorporated into one of many dishes that you’ll learn to make in a single day. Cooking tasks include braiding palm fronds around an entire fish for roasting and breaking and scraping coconuts for lolo bread buns, as well as assembling an underground oven and rock pit for lovo-style heating where smoke and flames kiss the food through banana leaf-wrapped parcels.
Of course, local rituals are woven into hotel stays, as well, with Savasi Island Resort spearheading this movement with a welcome evening event of dance and song rituals performed by a local tribe. The heartwarming display of regional pride and historical storytelling will genuinely bring tears to your eyes.
During a stay, pamper yourself with an oceanside massage to feel as if you’ve become one with the tide or expand your gratitude for the island’s unspoiled environment with a snorkeling trip through Ocean Ventures. Aside from marveling at the underwater collage of technicolor fish, participants can assist with coral replanting efforts to preserve the dive sites for future generations.
Lomani Island Resort and Spa on the island of Malolo Lailai also maintains a secluded feel, but with more manicured and romantic touches through private, Mediterranean-influenced casitas and a newly-renovated spa and pool area. The resort is also a boat’s ride away from uber-popular Cloud9, a floating bar that welcomes guests from yachts and catamarans for a day of lounging, cocktails and surprisingly delicious pizza.
On the mainland, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa is one of the only properties with rentals that are practically mansions—perfect for small groups or those demanding extra space and privacy, while the Sofitel Fiji boasts a robust number of conference rooms should business travelers need to combine work and play.
New Zealand, New Pleasures
For closer proximity to Fiji and the chance to discover a vibe that is completely different from its northern neighbor, a focus on Auckland juxtaposes the hustle and bustle of city life with the awe-striking landscape of volcanoes, marinas and parks.
A stay at The Hotel Britomart, the country’s first five-Green Star hotel, is a must with its commitment to sustainability that extends from the paint on its ceiling to the fibers of its rugs. The calm and cozy atmosphere, anchored by cream fabrics and wooden decor, is always a welcome respite from an active day of shopping and strolling.
Those seeking something more grandiose will admire the Cordis, the largest hotel in New Zealand, with its award-winning Chuan Spa and its treatments that range from full-body oil massages to gua sha facials.
But perhaps Auckland’s most jaw-dropping accommodation is Omana on Waiheke Island. The five-star villas, built into the Napa-esque destination’s serrated cliffs, provide panoramic views of the ocean, hills and countryside, all while in complete isolation. Rooms are also fitted with state-of-the-art electronics and an oversized tub to take in the surroundings with bubbles, both in the water and an accompanying Champagne glass.
Waiheke Island is a trove of wineries, olive groves, specialty shops and beaches and is best experienced through a tour from Ananda Tours. The company can curate an entire schedule around personal interests and preferences while transporting visitors from place to place in its fleet of fancy vehicles.
Back in the city, there is no shortage of activities, both touristy and off the beaten path, though any traveler would be remiss to not experience adventures rooted in Māori culture. Like the villages of Fiji, it’s essential to acknowledge and understand the past, how indigenous practices are preserved and celebrated in modern life, and plans to maintain these cultural touchpoints in the future. Enjoy a private fishing charter with a family-owned business, a stop at an authentic bakery and a haka tutorial through TIME Unlimited Tours or schedule a historical hīkoi (walk) up Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Auckland’s tallest volcano, with guide and “edutainer” Dane Tumahai, a descendant of Chief Apihai Te Kawau.
Foodies should also take part in a gastronomic voyage through The Big Foody Food Tours, which includes stops at David Nash’s famed Wine Room, as well as delicious haunts along lively K-Road and beyond. A special meal at Ahi will memorialize the trip with Chef Ben Bayly at the helm through a flavor-punched tasting menu that highlights New Zealand’s diverse cuisine, from lamb loin and red deer to long-finned eel and Te Matuku oysters.
The Best Things Come in Pairs
If you’ve carved out the days and money to jet across the Pacific, get the most out of your trip by combining Fiji and New Zealand. It’s not about picking favorites or even comparing the two but rather taking advantage of the unique opportunity to relish two completely different lifestyles and landscapes in a single visit. After all, two is always better than one when it comes to most of life’s little luxuries.
