Vava'u is one of the most idyllic destinations in the South Pacific for adventurers. The islands attract not just sailors and kayakers to its shores in the winter sailing season between June and October, but also humpback whales come to the protected waters to give birth to their calves. This high season for tourism is in stark contrast to the summer months between December and April when few visitors visit and many tour companies and restaurants close down for the season. But if you are not too interested in sailing or whale watching, this can be the best time to visit with no crowds.
Neiafu Town & The Main Island Neiafu Town is the centre of all activity in Vava'u. Sitting on the southern prominence of the main island, the ramshackle town has an attractive harbour setting alongside the Port of Refuge. This is the administration centre of the group with banks, schools, tour companies and lots of good restaurants, cafes and bars by the waterfront. Neiafu doesn't have a beach and there are only a couple of nice beaches on the main island with most of the coast being limestone cliffs. However, the town makes an affordable base to explore the islands on a day tour and there are several good places to stay including Paradise Hotel overlooking the Port of Refuge.
Paradise Hotel offers affordable rooms on the outskirts of Neiafu Town. The hotel is perched on a hill with stunning views overlooking the harbour and makes a convenient base for exploring the islands on day tours and cruises whilst having easy access to the restaurants and bars of Neiafu. Pool and 24-hr reception.
There are some great walks around Neiafu with attractive coastal scenery, notably the hike to Mt. Talau (131m) with its excellent views over the Port of Refuge. Another good hike from Neiafu is to Toafa Church on Vava'u's west point with its splendid views of the Hunga Cliffs and offshore islands. For the most spectacular views on Vava'u, visit Utu'alina Point on north Vava'u.
Vavau is the best place in the South Pacific to watch humpback whales. The whales visit every year between June and October, resting in the deep protected bays to give birth to their calves and to mate. It is not uncommon for up to twenty whales to be playing in and around the bay at any one time. Whale watching tours by boat are available during this time and any charter must follow strict guidelines set out by the Ministry of Fisheries and include a 100m exclusion zone and no direct or rear approach. Diving is banned around whales, although it is possible to swim or snorkel within 30 metres and listen to their unusual eerie songs.
Pangaimotu Island The second largest island in Vava'u is Pangaimotu, seen across the water from Neiafu Harbour and connected by land bridge at Vavau's southern point. The beaches on Pangaimotu are much nicer and there a small resort at the Tongan Beach Resort, overlooking the passage to Port of Refuge.
Tongan Beach Resort is a small boutique resort with just six duplex bungalows alongside a sandy beach overlooking the Port of Refuge Harbour, roughly 10-minutes drive from Neiafu Town. There's a lovely restaurant and sunset sand bar with local entertainment once a week, plus game fishing and scuba diving.
Mystic Sands is located on a small narrow beach with a safe swimming lagoon on the main island of Vavau. The self contained bungalows are located next door to the Tongan Beach Resort, about 10-minutes from Neiafu Town. This affordable accommodation makes a good base for both couples and families.
Surrounding Islands The surrounding islands (over 50 in all), are a mix of limestone uplifts and flat coral atolls. The many channels and bays make this the ideal place for sailing and there are hundreds of protected anchorages. If you are not on a yacht, the best way to see the islands is either by sea-kayak or by joining an overnight sailing trip or small boat day cruise. Small boat tours cost from just T$60 for a day of cruising, lunch, snorkel gear and towels included, while a sailing tour can cost from T$120 per person depending on the number of passengers. Highlights of these tours include a visit to Swallows Cave, snorkelling in the Coral Gardens and anchoring at one of the many secluded beaches.
The islands in the south of Vava'u are much flatter and here you'll find several gorgeous uninhabited coral atolls surrounded by reefs, many of which are home to thousands of nesting sea birds including frigates, and boobies.
Mounu Island Resort, Vavau T$ 470 - 560 per couple
Mounu Island Resort is the archetypal dream escape, a gorgeous secluded uninhabited coral island in the stunning Vavau Group. With a white sandy beach backed by coconut palms and with just a handful of traditionally styled bungalows on the beach edge, this is the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic holiday.
Blue Lagoon Resort is a secluded retreat alongside a gorgeous beach on a small uninhabited island. There are just five bungalows, all hand crafted using natural materials, each with its own unique character. Ideal for those looking for a laid back holiday experience, whether for couples or families.
