Vavau

Ships anchor offshore, then ferry passengers to port. As the island is compact, guests can walk easily to most attractions.

One of the most beautiful sights is entering the harbor, as the ship makes her way along the shipping channel between small islands on both sides. This is among the South Pacific's largest natural harbors and hosts many hundreds of visiting yachts during the winter months.

Take along a printable map.

In the south Pacific Ocean, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tongan for "south", is an archipelago of 169 islands, 36 inhabited. It stretches about 800 kilometers (500 miles) north to south, south of Samoa and around a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii.

Among Pacific Ocean island nations, Tonga alone is both a surviving monarchy and the only island nation never to have been formally colonized.

Vava'u is an idyllic South Pacific destination for adventurers. Between June and October, its winter sailing season brings sailors, kayakers and humpback whales to the protected waters, where whales give birth to their calves. Tourism's high season contrasts sharply with December to April, when few visitors come and many tour companies and restaurants shut for the season. Yet for those not especially interested in sailing or whale watching, this crowd-free period can be the best time to visit.

A lookout in the island's north sits on 500 meter high sheer cliffs, offering views of whales swimming below and access to Keitahi surf beach. Eastern beaches are excellent for swimming & snorkelling. To the west are Tu'anuku fresh water lake and villages with great views over the outer island and open sea. The south has several very sheltered beaches, including Ene'io & hinakauea beach, good for swimming. Many taro, vanilla, kava and avocado plantations lie in the south west.

Whale watching is Vava’u's most popular activity because humpback whales gather around the island to give birth each year. Visitors readily find boat tours and can even swim with the whales.

Next to the farmer's produce market is the tender pier; high quality local crafts are sold at the Friendly Islands Marketing Cooperative.

Tonga's national currency is the Pa'anga, also called the Tongan dollar.

The official languages are Tongan and English.

Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1200.