By Andhy Blake
Tucked along the mighty Rewa River, just 19 km north-east of Suva, the township of Nausori pulses with a vibrant energy. Once modest in stature, this delta town is fast establishing itself as Fiji’s food capital — a distinction solidified when world-renowned food vlogger Mark Wiens made it the centerpiece of his culinary journey during his trip to Fiji in 2023.
Where the border begins — and why it matters
Many locals may not realise that the Nausori “border” begins at the Rups Complex in Nakasi, where the bridge over a tiny river marks its edge. From that bridge, Nausori’s influence stretches all the way along the Kings Highway — a corridor that quietly tells the story of a town growing in both size and ambition.
A boom in hospitality & new attractions
If you were to visit Nausori today, you’d find it transformed: hotels and guesthouses are springing up across the town, from the Nausori Plaza Hotel to Oasis Hotel, Tuivonovono Homestay, the Nausori Airport Hotel, and even the stylish Bula VIP Lounge. Beyond lodging, the town now boasts surprising modern comforts — its own cinema complex, fast-food favorites like McDonald’s and Burger King, and shopping outlets including DMC, Grace Road, and IGA-standard supermarkets. The Nausori Plaza, the longest shopping complex in Fiji, sits a stone’s throw away from the Nausori market, widely regarded as the largest in the Pacific.
All of this growth is underpinned by renewed connectivity: Nausori Airport has once again become an international port, with Air Nauru flights to Nauru and Vanuatu resuming, alongside Fiji Airways’ domestic services.
A gastronomic paradise
Nausori’s culinary credentials are deeply rooted, real and ready for any food enthusiast: Babasiga Halal Bites is a beloved local gem, especially for its fragrant chicken and lamb curries served with rice, roti, and dhal. Pacific Haven Bistro brings a seafood lover’s dream to life, with divine platters that celebrate the Pacific’s bounty.
And every Sunday at the Nausori Market, from 8 a.m., the Sunday Lovo Stalls serve up takeaway containers of chicken, dalo, palusami, and an array of fresh seafood.
More than just food: Culture, nature & history
While Nausori’s gastronomy may win hearts first, its stories, landscapes, and heritage are what linger. This is a town where culture breathes through every village, and where history is woven into the very tides of the Rewa River.
Kiuva Beach remains one of Fiji’s most understated coastal treasures — calm, unspoiled, and steeped in history. It was here in 1928 that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s aircraft, Southern Cross, was painstakingly floated on bamboo rafts and prepared for takeoff, marking a remarkable chapter in early Pacific aviation. A short journey away lies the majestic Naililili Catholic Parish, one of the largest Catholic Churches in Fiji. Its quiet grounds carry the legacy of the French missionaries whose early-20th-century influence helped shape both faith and sport in the delta, including the introduction and spread of rugby across Rewa.
The mighty Rewa River defines Nausori’s character — wide, powerful, and endlessly photogenic. Few towns in Fiji can claim two bridges that cross the same river, but Nausori’s iconic old and new Rewa bridges stand as twin symbols of its evolution. Across the wai siliva, the chiefly island of Bau offers a rare glimpse into Fiji’s aristocratic history. The island still houses the residence built in 1982 for the visit of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II — a reminder of Bau’s enduring cultural and political significance.
In Daku Village, craftsmanship is a birthright. Here, the famed ‘Iri ni Daku’ fans — woven only by the women of the village — are treasured heirlooms of Fijian artistry. Their intricate tiri (mangrove) salusalu are equally iconic, embodying the pride and heritage of Tailevu’s women.
A Local Legend: Hungry bird at Nakelo landing
No visit to Nausori is complete without stopping by the humble Hungry Bird, a tiny but beloved fish-and-chips joint nestled at the Nakelo Landing. The land on which it sits was purchased more than a century ago by Ram Singh, and today his great-grandson, Thakur Prashil Singh, runs the place with heart and history.
Here, the fish is fresh — caught daily by local fishermen at the neighboring jetty — and the chips are crisp. The menu also features kokoda, giving you that perfect mix of sea breeze and soul. And towering above it all is the Digicel tower, a local landmark at 45 meters high.
Why Nausori belongs on every traveller’s map
Nausori is no longer the town you simply pass through — it’s the town that pulls you in. A place where flavors tell stories, rivers carry legends, and people welcome you with genuine warmth. From tracing Mark Wiens’ food trail to drifting along shark nurseries in the Rewa Delta, every experience feels personal, textured, and deeply Fijian. Nausori does more than surprise and delight; it invites you to stay, savour, and return
