Luva White Water Rafting

White water rafting in Fiji

Our ‘Luva River trip combines 4 unique Fijian experiences into the perfect one-day adventure. The first leg of the journey is an overland truck ride into the rugged, rainforested highlands of Viti Levu. We’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding coastlines and on a clear day, the island of Kadavu in the distance. From a high mountain pass, we’ll cast one last glance toward the ocean before beginning our descent into the Namosi Valley. We pass a number of picturesque villages as we make our way between the sheer cliffs of this tropical valley to the village of Nakavika. Upon arrival in the village, we’ll begin a unique and unforgettable cultural visit that will include the presentation of a sevusevu to the village chief during a traditional kava ceremony. Our Fijian guides were born and raised in this village and they will speak for us, thanking the village residents for permission to float the waters of the Wainikoroiluva (‘Luva).

Soon, we’ll take our leave from the village and descend a steep path to the river. Here we’ll begin the next segment in our journey by taking charge of our own inflatable kayaks. After a brief training session, we’ll set off downriver to play in the class II whitewater and rock mazes of the ‘Luva. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a suitably scenic location, and later, take a short hike to a spectacular waterfall. In the early afternoon, we’ll reach the confluence of the ‘Luva and Upper Navua Rivers where we’ll roll up our kayaks and board a motorized canoe. As we wind our way through the Lower Navua Canyon on this final leg of our highland adventure, we pass a number of towering waterfalls before meeting our truck for the transfer back to Pacific Harbour

Rivers Fiji
In 1997 O.A.R.S. President, George Wendt and longtime O.A.R.S. friends, Nate and Kelly Bricker founded Rivers Fiji as the first whitewater rafting company in Fiji. Since then, Rivers Fiji has employed local residents to manage day-to-day rafting & sea kayaking operations and help guide adventurous travelers from around the globe down the Upper Navua and the ‘Luva River – two of the most beautiful tropical rivers on the planet. Historically Fiji's tourism development has been focused primarily on the coastal communities, with Fiji's interior populations receiving little benefit. Rivers Fiji, however, provides economic alternatives to people whose previous development options were limited to logging and resource extraction. Friendly, knowledgeable and hospitable Fijian guides also make the Highlands to Islands Ultimate Fiji Explorer unlike any other experience O.A.R.S. offers.

Why the ‘Luva?

The ‘Luva River is becoming known as a “must do” activity for any visitor to Fiji. The fantastic scenery and whitewater excitement is the perfect pursuit after a few days lounging on the beach. This trip also happens to be more fun and more beautiful when it’s raining, so wet weather blues are washed away by the rainfed waters of the ‘Luva.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves on running a relaxed and always flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending on the group and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like.

Our day will begin with an 8:00 AM meeting time at the Rivers Fiji office in Pacific Harbour. We'll climb aboard our highland carrier and head east along the coast toward Suva. After about 30 minutes on the smooth sealed highway, we'll take a left turn and begin our bumpy, but scenic ascent into the highlands.

This breathtaking overland journey takes us along a winding logging road leading to a ridge with incredible views of the ocean and nearby islands. After stopping to stretch and enjoy a homemade snack, we'll begin our descent in to the stunning Namosi Valley. Here, we're surrounded by sheer, neck-craning cliffs that soar towards the sky, forming a valley that some call a tropical Yosemite. As we continue, we'll pass a number of picturesque villages before reaching Nakavika.

We will thank the village for allowing us to visit by presenting a sevusevu to the chief during a traditional kava ceremony. We will also seek permission to make our kayaking descent of the Wainikoroiluva River—or ‘Luva River, for short. We will bid farewell to our new friends and follow a steep trail to the bank of the river. The rapids start right away and fantastic discoveries await us downstream: cascading waterfalls, a hot water spring and perhaps a glimpse of a resident parrot, whose electric blue, red and yellow feathers catch your eye from the branches above.

We'll have lunch on a beach beside the river and your guides will present a delicious spread of meats, cheeses, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with cookies and juice. A bit further downstream, we'll come to a verdant grotto where twisting vines and lush ferns soften the black volcanic cliffs. Once we leave this magical canyon behind, it's not long before we'll discover another enchanting site & an 80-foot waterfall plummeting down the face of a sheer cliff. A short walk from the river brings us to the base of the falls, where a crystalline pool forms a delightful swimming hole.

In the early afternoon we'll reach the village of Namuamua and the confluence of the 'Luva and Upper Navua rivers. We'll roll up the kayaks and board a motorized longboat for the remainder of the journey, winding through another breathtaking canyon with many waterfalls, exotic birds and giant fruit bats. We'll meet our truck near the village of Nakavu and make the 30-minute drive back to Pacific Harbour.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

MEETING PLACE: Rivers Fiji Office at the Pearl South Pacific Resort, Pacific Harbour
MEETING TIME: 8:00 AM - Please call the Rivers Fiji office (345-0147) a day or two before your trip for updates on water level and pickup times.
RETURN TIME: Approximately 4:30 PM to Pacific Harbour
RIVER RATING: Class II
RIVER MILES: 4 miles by inflatable kayak, 12 miles by motorized punt
PUT-IN: Near the village of Nakavika in Namosi Province
TAKE-OUT: Near the village of Nakavu

Reservations and Deposits
Full payment is due at the time of reservation.

Cancellations and Refunds
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, notify us as soon as possible. All payments are nonrefundable and we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge our participants to investigate trip cancellation insurance (see Insurance).

Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying a Travel Outdoors trip. People with heart trouble and pregnant women should have their physician´s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Insurance
Although every effort is made to insure a safe trip for all, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler´s policy. A trip cancellation policy covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury. Trip participants should realize that in the event of illness or injury on an adventure travel trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner´s risk, and Travel accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property.

Liability Waiver (OR Acknowledgement of Risk)
Everyone is required to sign a standard release (Acknowledgement of Risk) form before the trip, acknowledging awareness that some risks are associated with the trip. Safety is of the utmost concern on our trips. However, due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with Travel Outdoors cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.