Sunday Star-Times

Fiji is open for happiness

Kiwis can book and travel to Fiji with peace of mind Only three to four hours away from Aotearoa, Fiji’s 333 islands are an enchanting world of sun, sand and soul rejuvenati­on

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Fiji is once again open for happiness to Kiwi travellers. The Care Fiji Commitment ensures a seamless trip once you land on Fijian soil.

The wait is over, as from March 5, fully vaccinated Kiwis can now travel to Fiji without the need for home isolation on return. Relax on a tropical beach, indulge in a traditiona­l Fijian massage and immerse yourself in a totally different way of life, all the while knowing you can kick back and relax, and the Care Fiji Commitment has taken care of the rest.

Only three-four hours away from Aotearoa, Fiji's 333 islands are an enchanting world of sun, sand and soul rejuvenati­on. From the trip planning phase to the moment you arrive at your resort, you can holiday in confidence knowing that the tourism industry is committed to keeping travellers and locals safe.

The Care Fiji Commitment: Keeping travellers safe

The Care Fiji Commitment is a two-way partnershi­p between Fiji's tourism industry and travellers to this island paradise.

The Commitment includes a raft of best-practice health and safety measures for travel in this new world. It has been approved by the World Health Organisati­on, World Travel and Tourism Council, accredited by Aspen Medical. and developed in consultati­on with Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce, the Fijian Government and tourism industry stakeholde­rs.

These protocols - which include having 100 per cent of staff fully vaccinated and a dedicated Wellness Ambassador at every CFC resort ensuring all practices are implemente­d - are designed to manage and mitigate the risks to internatio­nal travellers and Fiji's locals. In other words, that are easier to understand, it ensures Kiwis can enjoy the magic of Fiji while knowing all the right steps and processes have been thought of.

What does the Care Fiji Commitment mean for you?

The Care Fiji Commitment ensures you can experience your dream holiday with peace of mind that you are protecting yourself, other visitors and the people of Fiji too.

Before your trip:

• Ensure you have been fully vaccinated with a Fiji recognised jab (AstraZenec­a, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Coronavac (Sinovac), Covishield, BBIBP-CorV)

• Everyone over the age of 12 must return a negative RT-PCR 2 calendar days before your departure date or a negative RAT no more than 24 hours before your flight to Fiji. If you are feeling unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms, postpone your trip, Fiji's 333 islands aren't going anywhere and will be ready to welcome you back when you're feeling better.

• Have proof of stay for a minimum of 3-nights at Care Fiji Commitment accommodat­ion and CFC transfers to the hotel. Throughout these 3 nights,

you can move around Fiji as you wish, as long as you stick to Care Fiji Committed businesses. Once you've returned a negative rapid test after 48 hours, you will be able to move around Fiji however you wish (it is recommende­d to avoid low vaccinatio­n areas).

Bula!

Once you land, it's holiday time! Fiji tourism businesses who are part of the Care Fiji Commitment have implemente­d and are upholding the highest level of health and safety, under the Covid safe guidelines. If you've booked your trip with operators that have made the Care Fiji Commitment, you can rest assured that everything is taken care of.

Settle into your home away from home and get going…

Whether you fancy flopping on the beach and working your way down the cocktail list, checking in to your resort's spa, venturing out to the islands for a day trip or heading to check out the local shops and diners, there is so much fun to be had within the first three days of your trip while sticking to CFC-approved organisati­ons. Need some inspiratio­n? Here's five things to do as soon as you land on Fijian soil.

Hit up a day club

Live out all your A-lister fantasies with a full day booking at one of Fiji's day clubs. At Waitui Beach Club, an adults only oasis in the newly refurbishe­d Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, where you will want to be for the compliment­ary cocktail hour, while Cloud 9 a two-level floating platform - teams chill-house DJs with water sport options.

Cruise the Mamanuca Islands

If there's one thing better than spending a day sailing around the Mamanuca Islands aboard a luxury catamaran it's telling everyone about the experience. South Sea Cruises Fiji's latest boat, Sabre will take you around the island as you perch up on their beanbags or lounge back on their day bed while taking in the endless postcard views. Finish off with a buffet lunch, a fully stocked bar and diving into the crystal-clear waters and checking out the real-life aquarium.

Live it up with a day on the river

Give rapid testing a whole new meaning by tubing down the Upper Navua River. The activities run by Rivers Fiji take place in the pristine tropical wilderness, a route taking you through a protected slot canyon with countless waterfalls around every corner. If you're looking for something a little more tranquil, opt for a smooth glide through with their raft.

Rev up with a quad bike

Unleash the beast within while sitting atop your own beast - in this case, a two-seater quad bike, courtesy of Go Dirty Tours Fiji. You're not just sitting on the quad of course, you're throttling around Fiji's diverse terrain, taking in everything from remote forests, villages, and local beaches.

Seaplane Scenic and sand cay picnic

Seaplane transfers in Fiji are what Uber is to us here in New Zealand, and why not? Book the transfer but don't miss locking in something a little extra special: a scenic 30-minute flight to the Yasawa Islands where a romantic picnic lunch can be enjoyed on a sand cay, a deserted powdery white beach. What more could you want?

Fiji is open for happiness. The 333 islands are ready and waiting to welcome you back... what are you waiting for? Book your island adventure today, fiji.travel

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 ?? ?? Have a dream holiday with peace of mind that you are protecting yourself.
Have a dream holiday with peace of mind that you are protecting yourself.
 ?? Credit: Brooke and Radha Sabin. ?? Marriott Resort, Momi Bay.
Credit: Brooke and Radha Sabin. Marriott Resort, Momi Bay.
 ?? Vomo Island, Fiji. ??
Vomo Island, Fiji.

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