FIJI

It’s 9 o’clock on a miserably wet, Sunday night. Fortysomething weary travellers are parked up on the tarmac at Auckland International Airport, restlessly waiting for a flight that’s now delayed six hours. Crammed on a muggy shuttle with a handful of equally disgruntled, pint-sized passengers – a tropical-strength cocktail, white sandy beaches and tepid, turquoise waters couldn’t feel further away. Fast-forward to Fiji, the glittering crossroads of the South Pacific – a mere three hours by plane from Auckland. The island paradise draws hordes of travellers every year and enjoys an influx of sun-seeking families come school holiday season, thanks not only to its proximity but also to its kid-friendly reputation, endless activities and balmy temperatures.

DESTINATION DINING

It’s no secret that Fiji