Transit time in NAN and exiting

[Isochronous]

As I've mentioned in a few other threads I'm doing a NAN-LAX J run on FJ in January. I arrive from my QF MEL-SYD-NAN flight at 1845, and the FJ NAN-LAX flight departs at 2250.

From what I understand QF at MEL should have checked my bags through, so how long is the customs queue at NAN normally? I was hoping to take a cab (or even a free hotel shuttle if it exists) to the nearby Sheraton Denarau or Westin Denarau to have a proper dinner (I'm not expecting anything from Tabua Lounge) and take advantage of the SPG discount before coming back for my flight. How long does that trip to Denarau take in cab? Has anyone tried this? Or would I be better/it be quicker to go to Nadi township itself, and if so, what restaurants should I consider there?

Similarly on the way back I have a 515am arrival and don't depart until 1340, so was going to exit the airport for breakfast and look around. Any breakfast tips in Nadi apart from the two resorts aforementioned and is there much to see/walk around in Nadi township?

 

[samh004]

Priority baggage at NAN is pretty good, someone waits at the start of the baggage carousel, removing priority tagged luggage for you. Customs is fairly quick, though they get suspicious when you stay for just a couple nights

It's been a while but it's not a short ride to Denarau, I think about 20 minutes, and I didn't find the Tabua lounge that bad last time I was there, so perhaps it's not the worst option.

I had a good restaurant the first time I visited, but 3 months later it had closed so can't help you there, but you can pick up 2 kilos of Kava in town for FJD$50 and safely bring it back to Australia for later use

 

[Isochronous]

Priority baggage at NAN is pretty good, someone waits at the start of the baggage carousel, removing priority tagged luggage for you. Customs is fairly quick, though they get suspicious when you stay for just a couple nights

It's been a while but it's not a short ride to Denarau, I think about 20 minutes, and I didn't find the Tabua lounge that bad last time I was there, so perhaps it's not the worst option.

I had a good restaurant the first time I visited, but 3 months later it had closed so can't help you there, but you can pick up 2 kilos of Kava in town for FJD$50 and safely bring it back to Australia for later use

What do you mean by priority tagged luggage? I thought it'd be checked all the way through and I need not do anything. Or do I need to do some sort of bag drop again?

 

[QF WP]

So long as QF interline your bags to FJ (which you'll know at MEL upon check-in), it should be seamless. There's no reason they shouldn't as both are in OW.

You should be through Immigration in 45 mins at worst - there are at max ~ 5 counters. If you are first off or walk quickly to beat the crowds, then you'll get to the head of the queue. Locals go to the 2 counters on the LHS, foreigners to the right. They did open up the "local" counters When we went through (a 738 plane full of Aussie tourists).

Should take 20-30 mins (Fiji time ) to get to Denarau. I don't recall anything decent in Nadi township and would either go to Port Denarau (I remember straitman mentioning a steak restaurant there, but I didn't get to dine at it), or Sheraton/Hilton for a decent meal.

In Nadi, I'd recommend the tour of the Temple (on the main road) or the markets.

 

[Simo]

So long as QF interline your bags to FJ (which you'll know at MEL upon check-in), it should be seamless. There's no reason they shouldn't as both are in OW.

You should be through Immigration in 45 mins at worst - there are at max ~ 5 counters. If you are first off or walk quickly to beat the crowds, then you'll get to the head of the queue. Locals go to the 2 counters on the LHS, foreigners to the right. They did open up the "local" counters When we went through (a 738 plane full of Aussie tourists).

Should take 20-30 mins (Fiji time ) to get to Denarau. I don't recall anything decent in Nadi township and would either go to Port Denarau (I remember straitman mentioning a steak restaurant there, but I didn't get to dine at it), or Sheraton/Hilton for a decent meal.

In Nadi, I'd recommend the tour of the Temple (on the main road) or the markets.

The steak resturant is Candoo if that is the place you are thinking of.

Depending on which night but IMHO Sheraton has better nightly food options that Westin.

But if you don't feel like a big meal you can also go to the Golf and Racquet club which is just opposite The Sheraton.

It is all really painless doing the customs thing in NAN just remember FIJI Time and you will be fine.

 

[QF WP]

Cardo's is the name of the restaurant: http://www.cardos.com.fj/Contact Us.html

 

[Simo]

Cardo's is the name of the restaurant: Welcome to Cardo's Steak House&coughtail Bar : Port Denarau, Fiji Islands - Restaurant | coughtail Bar | Fiji Nightlife | Port Denarau | Fiji Living

Yep that is the name.

Not sure why I thought Candoo.

Cardo has free Wi Fi as well. and just around the corner from there you have a Hard Rock Cafe

 

[cmon0005]

So long as QF interline your bags to FJ (which you'll know at MEL upon check-in), it should be seamless. There's no reason they shouldn't as both are in OW.

FJ is not in OW..?

 

[QF WP]

cmon005, you are indeed correct - don't know what I was smoking/inhaling/drinking when I wrote that comment . To quote oneworld:

Code-share partners
Qantas code-shares with oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Japan Airlines and LAN, and has additional commercial agreements with Aircalin, Air France, Air Niugini, Air North, Air Pacific,

 

[sampa]

In Nadi, I'd recommend the tour of the Temple (on the main road) or the markets.

I'm pretty sure that Hindu temple at the end of the main street in nadi is closed to non hindus.

 

[Simo]

Becareful of the markets in central Nadi.

They are a haven for pick pockets and also they(store keepers) can be very tricky in the fact you can buy stuff as they will put your name on things just by asking your name and you will have something with your name on it and they expect you to pay for it. Prices always double for tourists.

 

[QF WP]

I'm pretty sure that Hindu temple at the end of the main street in nadi is closed to non hindus.

Not according to our Fijian driver in late September. Yes, one must be aware of the religious customs.

Trip Advisor reviews here:

 

[samh004]

What do you mean by priority tagged luggage? I thought it'd be checked all the way through and I need not do anything. Or do I need to do some sort of bag drop again?

You're probably right, not interlined like that before so was just saying if you were due to pick it up, it's better than in Australia...

 

[Isochronous]

Going to try a taxi trip to Denarau tomorrow - have 4 hours to get it done including immigration so hopefully it all works out.

 

[YNWA]

Probably a little late, but you could also take a taxi to First Landing resort (about 15 minutes from the airport towards Lautoka). They have decent food or you could try the marina next to it and you may have time to visit veiseisei village or have a quick dip in the ocean. Much nicer way to spend a couple of hours compared to trawling Nadi town IMO.