merge from a rich shade of jade all the way through to a bright flash of blue. “Breath
taking” doesn’t seem to do any of it justice. Take flight with Pacific Island Air and
we’ll let you coin your own adjective to describe Fiji from above. Opt for a helicop-
ter or seaplane and swoop over some of the amazing 300 (plus) isles that make up
Fiji and the Mamanuca group of islands. Better still, pick the ‘Mystery Tour’ option.
The mystery being, you won’t know where you’re going until you board.
Flavours of Fiji cooking classes
Imagine swapping your weekly spaghetti bolognaise for a big bowl of Kokoda. Or
a spicy Okra Curry served with Ota Vaka Miti. These classic Fijian dishes are better
described as ceviche (Fijian style, with white fish marinated in lime onion, tomato,
chilli and coconut milk), an Indian curry and a Fijian varietal of spinach. Partake
in a half day cooking class at Flavours of Fiji in Denarau and you’ll walk away with
all the know-how to prepare your very own authentic Fijian dishes. Native Fijians
are Melanesians, and Indo-Fijians have descendants from India, so your 7-8 course
class will cover Fijian feasts, Indian thali and tropical desserts, with plenty of clever
cooking tips revealed as you learn. Run by two bubbly friends in a purpose built
(and air conditioned) warehouse, you’ll enjoy a three hour introduction into Fijian
cuisine, complete with plenty of entertainment and laughter, and culminating in a
delicious sit down dinner finale.
Snorkel with sharks
If you and your partner share an affinity for an adrenaline thrill, forgo snorkelling
with starfish and head straight for the sharks. Forget cages and aquariums, this
one’s about ducking your head beneath the water and coming face to face with a
reef shark. Led by expert guides from South Sea Cruises, you’ll embrace the tropi-
cal waters of the South Pacific and join these magnificent creatures in their natural
environment. Picked up from Nadi or Denarau, those with a daring nature can sail
to Kuata Island on-board Fiji’s Yasawa Flyer. Having completed a beachfront brief-
ing, you’ll board a second boat and travel to the shark site. With congregations of
up to six sharks, including both White Tip Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks,
it’s a bucket list achievement you’ll be telling the grandchildren about in decades
to come. As graceful as they are striking, these beautiful predators will beguile you
with their elegance, rather than their ‘menacing’ reputation. Which we should add,
they are anything but.
KEEN TO FI R E UP T HE ROMA N C E IN B EAU T I F U L F I J I ? G RE AT D E A L S A RE A LWAYS AVA I L A BL E AT YOU R LOCAL HOUSE OF TR AVEL STOR E.
P OP I N, CA L L U S O N 08 00 7 1 3 7 1 5 O R V I S I T W W W. H OT.CO. NZ .
H OUS E OF T R AVE L
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