Day Trip to Lautoka

Stepup, step out and engage in a pretty mild adventure and take a trip to Lautoka, Fiji’s ‘Sugar City.’ When compared to any city overseas, it is no more than a quaint village. For those who have a less arduous adventurous side, it can be the focus of a pleasant day trip as a “self-drive” or taxi or bus exploration adventure. The highlights are definitely the Local Market, and relaxing in the sea breeze with some takeaways for lunch.

Lautoka owes its existence to its deepwater port and to its sugar mill, which has the distinction of being the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The mill dominates the town.

The town owes its life to the growing and processing of sugar cane.

Fiji became a British Crown Colony in 1874 and by the early 1880s it was clear, the growing and processing of sugar cane was the most promising economic activity. This was to have far-reaching consequences for the young nation.

Should you choose the self-drive option; there is no drama about finding your way. There is always Google Maps, of course, but if not – just follow the road to Nadi and turn left at the roundabout at Nadi. Allow 15-20 minutes for travel from Denarau to the Nadi Airport.

It is approximately 30 minutes from the airport to Lautoka. Along the way there are a couple of options. The first is a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which has a bewildering display of orchids. It is 5km from the Airport to the Wailoku Road turn off which leads to the garden. Allow an hour to absorb the beauty and tranquillity of this “Garden of Eden”.

On the way to Lautoka the Vuda Marina is nearby. It can be an interesting place to break for lunch either on the way to Lautoka or on the way back. From the marina it is only a short distance to Lautoka. Take a left at the roundabout as you enter the city and this will bring you to the sugar mill. You should now be running alongside the waterfront with the Fisherman’s Wharf on your left and a huge stockpile of wood-chips awaiting export. The main wharf is just ahead. From June to November is the season for harvesting and processing of sugar cane and at this time there will be many trucks fully loaded with cane, waiting to enter the mill.

Carrying on straight ahead you approach Vitogo Parade, Lautoka’s main street. The city’s “downtown” consists of two streets running parallel to each other in a one-way system. These are Vitogo Parade and Naviti streets. Swing into Naviti Street at the start of the one-way system. As you do so mark the open park space on your left, it’s a great spot by the sea to have a take-away lunch. There is an extra bonus if you are visiting on a Saturday morning as the park turns into a mini flower market. Mark the park to which you can return, find a parking place and explore the shopping options.

Alternatively go right at the roundabout as you are about to enter town, just past McDonald’s and go straight ahead. You will come to another roundabout where you go straight ahead. A few hundred meters ahead on the left, just before the turnoff to the hospital, is a children’s park where you can let the family have an outdoor break. Perhaps pick up some McDonald’s, which is on your route, or other take-aways on the way for lunch at the park. There are good Chinese restaurants, which provide take-away options on Naviti Street and Vitogo Parade.

Because Lautoka is off the main beaten tourist track you are bound to find some bargains in town. Also situated in the middle of town is the municipal market. If you’re not sure where to find it just ask someone – anyone. The market is always an interesting place to soak up local atmosphere and to get fresh pineapple juice; Pro tip – it’s best to take your own bottles; while there, check out the fresh fruit and veggies and seafood on offer, that’s what the market is for. Perhaps you will have a chance to try some Nama Seaweed. Saturday mornings are the busiest day but the best market day. Perhaps try some fresh seaweed-delicious, again just ask.

There are movie theatres in town including one in the Tappoo mall, where there is also a very good Extra Supermarket and an excellent food court and shops galore. The Tappoo Store, ground floor, right hand side as you enter the mall, usually stocks Fiji’s Local Bula Coffee as well as a vast array of other top brands and products as befits one of Fiji’s top Retailers. You will probably find some cheaper shopping options here and of course they stock the full range of Fijian Drua Merchandise!

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