Stop-over Option for Travel to New Zealand

I have researched both Tahiti and Fiji.  I finally selected Fiji as my preferred option due to resort locations and pricing.  Fiji Airways offers a good flight selection at a good price.  Fiji Airways pricing at around $1300-$1400 pp  multi city trip provides cost benefit when compared to United, AA, Quantas, etc. (@$1900-$2400) so that airfare difference (savings) allows for a stopover for those who might be interested!

I have found the Coral Coast offers good resorts and beautiful beaches.  Although farther from the airport than Denarau area, Coral Coast has better beaches.  So below see details and find several options...

The Radisson Blu is located on Denerau - a reclaimed mangrove swamp - so the "Beach" is not the beautiful white sandy beaches you imagine in your mind. If you google images of the Radisson blue Fiji you will see there is a custom built pool nearby to a black sand "beach". 

 Coral Coast Accommodations:

1.  The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is a luxury,  5 star resort in the heart of Fiji's Coral Coast, set on a white sand beach, amongst 40 acres of tall palms and lush tropical landscaped gardens. The accommodation is comprised of 207 rooms and suites, and 47 bures.  In the heart of the Coral Coast on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, 80kms (@50 Miles) along the Queen’s Road from Nadi airport, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort embodies the Fijian traditions of friendliness and hospitality. The resort’s 207 rooms and suites and 47 bures are set amidst 16 hectares of manicured gardens which stretch along the shores of a reef-fringed lagoon. 

Modeled on a traditional Fijian village, the resort is a five minute drive from Sigatoka Town’s riverside shopping centre, the main township on the Coral Coast, and midway between Nadi and Suva.   Amenities in the guestrooms and thatched bungalows, the latter featuring vaulted ceilings lined with hand painted masi bark cloth, include balconies, refrigerators, safes, hammocks, Wi-Fi Internet access and satellite television.

2.  The Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa is set in a stunning tropical oasis on its very own 109 acre island, connected to the mainland of Viti Levu by a causeway. This Fiji accommodation features a lush lagoon with abundant coral and marine life, green tropical gardens, pristine beaches and spectacular ocean views making it a true Fiji holiday favourite.

Just 45 minutes from Nadi's International Airport, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa is off the main island of Fiji's Coral Coast. With a layout influenced by traditional Fijian villages, the resort reflects an authentic Fiji island experience. Each room either faces the sheltered lagoon or open ocean with garden or water views.

There is so much to see and do with a range of activities on offer including jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkelling and kayaking. Even the kids will be kept busy with the complementary Little Chief's Kids Club, a children's pool and kids play areas and waterpark. The adults will also enjoy the onsite day spa with the biggest and most luxurious spa suites found in Fiji. The Chi Spa has two rainforest bures and four ocean treatment bures to relax and pamper you while staying at Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa.

3.  The Warwick Fiji is set on the pristine beaches and crystal waters of Fiji's gorgeous Coral Coast, only 90 minutes from Nadi's International Airport. Secluded in 28 acres of tropical gardens, the resort enjoys panoramic views out over the soft sand beaches and azure water of Korolevu Bay and surrounding islands.

Offering a stylish range of guest rooms and suites, The Warwick Fiji's 248 rooms and suites are air conditioned and feature quality decor that only adds to the feeling of tropical tranquillity. The warm friendly staff offer the best in famous Fiji hospitality, always ready with a smile and ready to help you make your Fiji holiday experience unforgettable.

The Warwick Fiji has a range of superior facilities and you'll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your time in the resort. Take a refreshing dip or work on your tan lazing around one of two lush pools and either end of the resort, indulge at one of ten onsite dining options or let the kids have some fun at the Lase Kids Club while you spoil yourself with some well-deserved pampering at the onsite health spa.

4.  Set amongst 38 acres of lush tropical gardens, Naviti Resort Fiji lies on Fiji's stunning Coral Coast between Nadi and Suva. Overlooking its own private island, this Fiji accommodation is flanked by a magnificent lagoon and rolling green hills. Discover the warm Fijian welcome and gorgeous tropical ambience as you holiday with family, friends or the one you love at Naviti Resort..

 Naviti Resort Fiji offers am array of accommodation, including the popular all-inclusive option encompassing meals and drinks. The 214 rooms are air conditioned and include hotel rooms, suites & beachfront villas. All rooms are well-appointed and offer a comfortable yet sophisticated setting to relax on your Fiji holiday. The suites and villas are ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Fiji, whilst the interconnecting and adjoining Garden View or Ocean View rooms are a fantastic option for families, not to mention Naviti Resort's Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free policy (conditions apply).

Naviti Resort Fiji has a number of onsite facilities and the stunning natural environment will keep you busy as you explore Fiji and it's culture. Enjoy the fresh cuisine at the many dining outlets, treat yourself to a spa treatment while the kids are supervised in the free kids club or venture outside the resort to discover the local Sigatoka area. Whether you're kayaking or snorkelling among the abundant marine life or lazing on the sun drenched beach beneath the coconut palms, Naviti Resort aims to provide a relaxing holiday environment and give you the freedom to spend your Fiji holiday as you wish.

5.  Intercontinental Resort.  Inspired by a traditional Fijian village, the InterContinental® Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has superb facilities set among coconut palms and 35 acres of native flora. Make your family holiday, wedding or business event memorable with warm Fijian hospitality beside world-class Natadola Beach. Enjoy non-motorised watersports, dive among brilliant coral, relax in our pool or sophisticated spa, or enjoy 18 holes on our PGA-endorsed golf course. All rooms offer Cleopatra baths for a true luxury retreat.

Natadola Beach, located on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, is the most beautiful white-sand beach in Fiji. Natadola's lush beauty and variety of recreational activities, from snorkeling to horseback riding, draws vacationers from around the world.

Getting There
Nearest major international airport: Fiji's International Airport at Nadi. Travel time to Fiji from Los Angeles is about 9.5 hours.  Airport transportation:  Upon arrival in Fiji, getting to Natadola Beach is easy! It is conveniently located just 45 minutes from the airport.

So, I have found a reasonable transport to any of the above hotels....

Jim and I are thinking about departing from LAX early enough to plan a 3-4 night stopover in Fiji.  LAX Departure date would be 1/9/19 or 1/10/19. (due to date and time changes- arriving Fiji 1/11/19 or 1/12/19)

If anyone is interested in joining us, please let me know.  At this point our preference is the Intercontinental Resort, followed by Shangri La.  (check reviews!).  If flight times coincide, I will arrange transport...Fiji Airways arrives in Nadi at 6:00am.