Budget Lodging Is Available in Fiji. : Several private hotels offer low-cost beds through auspices of New Zealand hostel group.

Many travelers heading to Australia and New Zealand make stopovers in tropical Fiji. Budget travelers won’t find any official international youth hostels there, but the Youth Hostel Assn. of New Zealand (YHANZ) can assist in finding low-cost lodgings. This organization regularly scouts facilities suitable for travelers on tight budgets.

Fiji, with its 300 islands, is an ideal spot to take a break from a hectic travel schedule. The pace is mellow, the native Fijians friendly and travelers feel welcome. This hasn’t always been the case: Little more than 100 years ago, some Fijians still practiced cannibalism.

International travelers begin their visit by flying into the main island of Viti Levu. On behalf of the International Youth Hostel Federation, YHANZ has negotiated agreements here with several privately owned hotels that, in addition to their regular guest rooms, have added several multi-bed rooms to accommodate budget travelers. The average rate for a bed in one of the approved bunkrooms is $3.75-$6 U.S. per night. Members of the IYHF are eligible for 20% discounts.

A list of Fijian budget accommodations is included in the annual YHANZ guide to hostels in New Zealand. They include:

* Nadi Bay Motel, located midway between the Nadi (pronounced “nandi”) Airport and Nadi Town. A courtesy bus provides transportation from the airport. It’s a 10-minute walk from a beach, and has a licensed restaurant, bar, tour desk and large pool. There are 22 budget-priced rooms and a dormitory room with 10 beds. Credit cards are accepted. Nadi Bay Motel, Private Bag, Nadi Airport, Fiji, call 011-679-723-599.

* Sunny Holiday Motel, also midway between Nadi Airport and Nadi Town. It offers 28 beds in twin and family bunkrooms, as well as campsites. Continental breakfast is included. Guests can cook their own meals or buy economical ones. There is a daily connection from the motel to Nananu-i-Ra Island Resort. Sunny Holiday Motel, 67 Northern Press Road, P.O. Box 9335, Nadi Airport, Fiji, 011-679-722-844.

* Hideaway Resort, 12 miles east of Sigatoka, 50 miles by bus southeast of Nandi and 71 miles west of the Fijian capital city of Suva. It has 80 beds in a new two-story bunkhouse, a swimming pool, beach, bar, disco and restaurant with modest prices. Hideaway Resort, Queen’s Road, Coral Coast, P.O. Box 233, Sigatoka, Fiji, 011-679-500-177.

* Seashell Cove Resort, 23 miles south of Nadi and easily reached by local bus. The resort has six bunk rooms with 24 beds, plus camping facilities. It has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop; facilities for tennis, surfing and diving, and Fijian entertainment Wednesday nights. Seashell Cove Resort, Momi Bay, P.O. Box 9530, Nadi Airport, Fiji, 011-679-790-100. A Fiji Visitor’s Bureau at Nadi International Airport can provide assistance.

For more information before you go,, contact the Fiji Visitors Bureau, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90045, (310) 568-1616.