About
Navua is a river town on the southern coast of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. It sits at the mouth of the Navua River and serves as a gateway to the island's interior highlands, where the land rises steeply into forested ridges and deep valleys.
For most visitors, the town is a starting point rather than a destination in itself. Its appeal lies in the river that runs beside it and in the landscape beyond. The Navua River is known for its dramatic gorges and lush rainforest, and trips upstream open up a side of Fiji that is far from the resort coastline.
What a visit offers
- White-water rafting through gorges and rainforest, leaving from the town.
- A chance to experience authentic Fijian culture and everyday village life.
- Visits to traditional villages in the surrounding area.
- The traditional bilibili, a bamboo raft, which is still part of local river travel.
Planning your trip
Navua suits travellers who want more than beaches and who are happy with a slower, more local pace. Because the river trips leave from the town, it works well as a half-day or full-day outing from the main tourist areas of Viti Levu. Those who enjoy scenery, water and conversation with local communities are likely to find the visit rewarding.
Wear shoes and clothing suited to wet conditions, and check the details of any tour before you go, as departure arrangements and trip lengths vary between operators.