NZ BOARDSTORE AND FIJI 2012

BULA -  It's off to Fiji we go!

SAFARI LODGE is where NZ Boardstore goes to miss these cold winter months .

I used to take windsurfing tours here for many years and managed to get back 2 years ago to check out what Warren Francis, the creator of 'Safari Lodge', had achieved. I was astonished to find a fantastic purpose built lodge with landscaped grounds and many accomodation options  ,based around a communal lounge and eating area, where not long ago it was only jungle. There is now a water bore, for great showers and 24hr power thanks to the wind that plagues this part of Fiji. - And the wind is of course why we go!!!!!

 During our winter months Fiji is blessed by a SE trade wind, and Nananu-I-Ra is positioned in a unique geographic location which gets a funnel and slingshot effect making it by far the windiest place in Fiji.

So, the -kiting and windsurfing is magic. Typically it blows 12-25knots 7 out of 10 days. The island itself is truly beautiful and a great base for snorkelling and diving on the world famous RA Reef, fishing, and just chilling - there are no roads, no shopping and none of the normal cheesy tourism.

 NZ Boardstore is utilising the Safari Lodges resources, in association with Auckland Windsurfing Ltd and offering one or two week packages including accomodation, transfers and all meals along with morning instruction for windsurfing from Pete Smith,or kiting expeditions using the boats at our disposal.

How it works is you get yourself to and from Nadi airport, so find the cheapest deal or use airpoints - and you and your gear are picked up and driven to the northern most point of Viti Levu (the main Island) - even this is an experience! - From Ellington wharf it is a 15min boat ride to the Island and a short walk to the lodge, and a  week or two of bliss.

 Prices are from $1149/wk for windsurfing, and $1749 for kiting (kite pricing includes daily use of boat to unreal kiting venues, or fishing, snorkelling if not windy)  - PLEASE NOTE all prices include all meals but not you flights. There are a heaps of different accomodation options from dorms to upmarket beachfront bures. If staying two weeks you save approximately $200, even more if you stay longer.

 Safari Lodge offers more advanced private windsurfing and kite lessons as well as windsurf gear hireage on a weekly rate which can be arranged direct with Warren. We have negotiated a deal for windsurfers of $499 NZD weekly for all gear rental, lessons, Sup, snorkel and fishing gear hire and even boat support for some adventures. Considering it is normally $600 Oz $$/wk just for gear rental, this is a bargain and a really simple way to go.

I have heaps of photos of the island in the shop if you want to come and have a chat ,or check out www.safarilodge.com.fj  and their facebook page

Otherwise email me at info@nzboardstore.co.nz

 Do it, you'll never regret it.