Vava'u

THE scenic island group of Vava'u is located in the central region of Tonga and is one of the top tourist destinations in the Kingdom. Its protected harbours and bays around the main town of Neiafu attract international yachts, with many sailing regattas throughout the year.

Vava'u offers one of the widest ranges of holiday accommodation in Tonga. In and around Neiafu this comprises mostly lodges and apartments (usually self-catering). The only true beach accommodation accessible by road is found at 'Utungake a short ride away (such as Mystic Sands and The Tongan). The offshore islands offer a number of beach resorts, with boat transfers ranging from 5 minutes to around 35 minutes.

Featured Property Mystic Sands Contact them Direct! Vava'u - Tonga View rates and specials for Mystic Sands

Vava'u Accommodation:

• Mystic Sands Beachfront Cottages ('Utungake)
• Island Explorer (Neiafu - Old Harbour)

Things to see and do in Vava'u: The protected bays and inlets of Vava'u make this one of the top South Pacific destinations for yachts and sailboats. Large cruise ships also regularly visit the islands allowing passengers to enjoy a day out in Neiafu for souvenirs and sightseeing. Between June and November is the best time to see the humpback whales that migrate through Tonga for mating and calving. There are a number of whalewatching charters, some offer 'swimming with the whales'. Sport and game fishing is another hugely popular activity, with excellent marlin, trevally and other species. There are good dive sites for scuba diving enthusiasts, while island trips give the opportunity of a beautiful day out, as Vava'u is a cluster of many islands, often uninhabited. Neiafu is a small town with its main road running alongside the harbour. Lots of cafes, restaurants, bakeries and produce market, plus a selection of handicraft shops, duty free and supermarket. Nearby Mount Talau is a great little hike and offers photo opportunities over Neiafu and the islands. Take a guided tour of the main island; it has some interesting sightseeing spots and fantastic lookouts over the west, north and east coasts. (They are a little hard to find if you try to hire a vehicle and go it alone as they are not all signposted).

It is hoped that the airport can be upgraded to allow for direct International flights to Vava'u as this is one of the top tourist destinations in Tonga.