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Four of the best things to do in the Pacific
From fresh produce to regional history, bike rides to beers, there are no end of ways to amuse yourself and your family in the Pacific.
April 6, 2023
Pacific Island Living
April 6, 2023- Adventures on the river
Rivers Fiji remains one of Fjij’s favourite tours, go beyond the beaches to the cultural and adventurous heartland of Pacific Harbour, this unique river and sea kayaking tour is famed for being one of the best days out in the country.
The company offers a good range of options for all capabilities, whether you are a first time novice or a veteran, the range of tours and activities will allow visitors to experience the remote highland villages, tropical rain forests or the exquisite ocean aboard the sea kayak adventure.
Rivers Fiji have scheduled daily trips or are more than happy to cater to individual needs, they can customise packages to suit all individuals and groups, it’s a fantastic way to spend the day, off the beaten track and exploring Fiji’s natural beauty.
Embracing ecotourism, Rivers Fiji adhere to the principles that assist in promoting sustainable tourism, protecting the natural environment to ensure that future generations will always continue to enjoy what many refer to as the ‘Nature Capital’ of the country. The raw beauty that surrounds the river really is breathtaking, it’s a must-do when in the country, check out their website at www.riversfiji.com its full of info, pricing and options, make sure you book in advance. - Get electric at Cardo’s!
Touted as Fiji’s best publican, Richard ‘Cardo’ Slatter is also an entrepreneur. From farming his own pigs and cattle to his always-popular steak house at Port Denarau, he also has one of the best ways to get out and about around the island.
Grab yourself a fresh juice and a tasty breakfast in the morning and set off for the day on an electric bike; they are super easy to operate and you’ll have a blast touring the island at your own pace.
Bikes are available hourly or for the whole day or just as long as you like. We also think the way to go is to return at the end of the day and cool off with an icy cold beer to rest your legs and have a regroup. - Markets galore!
The capital of Fiji, up until recently, had not been known as a tourist town. Home to embassies and NGOs, regional headquarters and Fiji’s biggest population, Suva was all about business travel.
The adventure capital of the Coral Coast is only an hour and a half away from Nadi, so even if you’re not staying in Suva, you can organise a driver for a day trip.
On Saturday mornings Suva’s central market is full of fresh fish and seafood. It’s an explosion for the senses, both sight and smell, and a must-visit for an authentic Fijian experience.
Across the road is the fruit and vegetable market and upstairs is the spice market where everything from fresh chillies to tumeric to kava is for sale.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to sample all this fabulous local food in Suva, we recommend Eden restaurant. Located up near the American and Australian embassies, Eden is about a 10-minute drive from central Suva and has a huge local and expat following. The food and service is exceptional.
Vanuatu’s open-air markets are everywhere, but the main ones are in Port Vila (pictured left), Luganville (Santo) and Lenekal (Tanna).
Usually opened at least four days a week, including Saturday mornings, the markets offer fresh local fruit and vegetables, sometimes live chickens and crabs, flowers and home-cooked island style food.
Take your own basket (Vanuatu banned the use of plastic bags a few years ago) and get in early to see the markets brimming with colourful, fresh, organic food.
In Samoa, the Fugalei Fresh Produce Market in Apia offers a dazzling array of fresh local produce as well as some cooked Samoan favourites to nibble on.
Walk along the aisles of family-owned and operated stalls and marvel at the sheer number of bananas, coconuts and taro in all shapes, colours and sizes, as well as a plethora of other exotic tropical fruits and vegetables.
Pick up an icy cold Niu (drinking coconut), and sample some of the produce and Samoan food available. - Explore a museum
The EFKS Museum (pictured above left) is situated approximately twelve miles west of the capital of Apia in Samoa and about the same distance east of Faleolo International Airport. It is a very attractive piece of architecture located within the vicinity of Malua, consisting of a large, high ceiling glass-walled Samoan Fale, with office rooms in the front and the back.
The front section entry to the main building and to the hall have open-air walkways on both sides decorated with beautiful carvings and statues which tell their own unique stories or tales from Samoan ancestors’ myths.
Solomon Islands National Museum in Honiara was officially established as a cultural institution in 1969, although its history and development can be traced back to the early 1950s. It is one of the oldest Government institutions in the country.
Its mission as a culture and heritage institution is to collect, preserve, protect, safeguard, record, develop and promote the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Solomon Islands.
Visitors can view cultural and historical artefacts and pop in to the gift shop next door which sells authentic souvenirs from shell money to woven baskets, cloth paintings, wood carvings and sculptures.
Tucked away in a quiet spot and overlooking Suva’s Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum houses a remarkable collection including archaeological finds dating back over 3,700 years and indigenous, South Pacific and Fijian artefacts from the 1800s. The museum is housed in a 70’s era building and sits on top of a small rise at the back of the Gardens. Here you will discover fascinating relics and artefacts from Fiji’s pre-history to when Fiji was first settled. There is also a large collection of indigenous South Pacific and Fijian artefacts.
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