"Here life is still simple - people find time to enjoy the wonders of nature."
Tonga is distinctly different to its neighbourhood island nations. It is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Pacific nation never brought under foreign rule. Made up of four main island groups, Tongatapu in the south, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and the Niuas in the far north, the kingdom's 170 islands are sprinkled over 700,000 sq kms of ocean.
Fewer than 50 of the islands are inhabited and Tonga's total population numbers less than 100,000. Nudging the International Dateline the kingdom is the first country in the world to welcome the dawn of each new day.
Vava'u and the other 40 odd islands that make up this stunningly beautiful group, in the north of the Kingdom of Tonga archipelago, is a very special piece of paradise. Now easily accessible from Tongatapu, Fiji and Samoa, Vava'u, to its advantage, still remains off the beaten track of mass tourism. This is a place where you can be free to yourself. Where pressures are washed way by the gentle lapping of the sea on stunningly beautiful white coral sand beaches and the whisper of the trade winds through lush green coconut plantations.
On the main island of Vava'u is located the group's tiny capital Neiafu perched above Port of Refuge Harbour, unquestionably one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world.
Neiafu and its surrounding villages are home to about a third of Vava'u Islands overall population of about 20,000. The majority of the Vava'u people live in small villages dotted on the islands throughout the group. Situated at Neiafu are all the government agencies, including the hospital, customs and immigration departments, police headquarters, the post office and a variety of small shops, two supermarkets and the region's fresh produce market. Neiafu is the official port of entry for ships and yachts seeking clearance to or from Vava'u.
The climate in Vava'u is very pleasant being year round slightly cooler and less humid than most neighbouring countries in similar subtropical latitudes. The temperatures range between 18-25 degrees C during April through October and 24-32 degrees C between November and March. Trade winds blow at a fairly constant 13-18 knots during winter months with the breeze being more light and variable during the summer. At times the lush verdant islands attract passing rain clouds and on such occasions the skies open up with breathtaking tropical downpours giving everyone an enjoyable cooling rain-bath. Here life is still simple - people find time to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Vava'u offer accommodation to suite all tastes from international standards to clean and basic guest houses. The Paradise International Hotel sited on lush green slopes overlooking Port of Refuge harbour offers 45 spacious deluxe as well as economy rooms for the cost conscious. The Tongan Beach Resort provides 12 double rooms all only a few steps from a white sand beach and crystal clear turquoise waters.
In addition to the Paradise Hotel and the Tongan Beach Resort restaurants there is a choice of dining at several independently owned restaurants, cafes and snack bars in and around Neiafu. On most days somewhere throughout the Vava'u group there is usually a family run authentic feast. A visit wouldn't be complete without attending at least one feast where you sit on mats and tuck into roast suckling pig, octopus, clams, fish, lobster, papaya and watermelon while enjoying traditional dancing and song.
"...the beaches on the islands throughout Vava'u are simply fabulous..."
To experience the real beauty, charm and exhilaration offered by the Vava'u Islands you really need to get out on the water to discover Nature's Marineland.
A string of islands and reefs along the the eastern edge of of Vava'u's waters shelters this group of islands from the strong winds and ocean swells making for excellent cruising and sailing conditions. There is a good choice of day cruises through the winding waterways to either nearby or outer islands for snorkelling, beachcombing or island feasts.
Sailing...Vava'u is one of the most popular yacht cruising areas of the South Pacific. There is a choice of bare boat charters with or without provisioning packages, or fully provisioned services with skipper and a cook. Short or long duration charters can be arranged - the choice is yours.
Scuba Diving ...visibility in the turquoise crystal waters of Vava'u generally extend 20 to 35 metres and the diving is magic. There is a wide range of dive sites, offering virgin hard corals, brightly coloured soft corals, life size sea fan grottos, wall diving and magnificent caves. All equipment can be hired, spectacular diving tours arranged and if required diving instruction and full diver courses provided by PADI qualified dive instructors such as Dolphin Pacific Diving.
Sea Kayaking ...has become a popular activity in Vava'u. Guided tours of six and eight days sea kayaking to remote islands in the group are available between May and December. Guided tours are operated by the Friendly Islands Kayak Company .
Whale Watching ... from June to November visitors have the opportunity to take part in whale watching tours. In late May each year the magnificent humpback whales arrive in Tonga to calve and mate in the calm warm Vava'u waters. Whale watching excursions are available.
Sport and Big Game Fishing ...Vava'u is fast gaining a reputation in the South Pacific as a mecca for sport fishing and big game fishing. Kiwi Magic and Hook Up Vava'u based in Neiafu offer day fishing charters year round. Extended charters can be arranged with and Delray. Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, barracuda and wahoo as well as tuna and giant trevally all provide plenty of action for both novice and experienced anglers.
Beaches ... the beaches on the islands throughout Vava'u are simply fabulous. The swimming snorkelling, reef viewing and the colourful shell gathering opportunities are superb.
The annual Vava'u Festival marks the Crown Prince's birthday on the 4th May and is a time of feasts, sports, events, displays of handicrafts and abundant fun, song and dance.
Shopping ... Renown for the high quality of its exquisite basketware, woven from coconut ribs and pandanas leaves, Vava'u is also home to some of Tonga's best bone carvers and jewellery makers. A large selection of handicrafts is available for purchase and the opportunity to make direct personal contact with local artists, weavers and carvers.
Sightseeing ... on Vava'u Island itself the elevated areas offer some enjoyable walking opportunities to historical sites and magnificent scenic vistas. Mt Talau, the highest point of Vava'u, provides the energetic traveller with a breathtaking view of the many islands of the group. Wherever you stroll the air is filled with the fragrance of rich vanilla pods that are important to the local economy. For those wishing to move further afield a limited number of local rental cars, taxis/mopeds and push bikes are available for hire to journey across the causeways to selected beaches on nearby islands or to view the rugged northern coastline of Vava'u.
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