Eco Tours in Vava’u Island Group, Tonga
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Tonga - Paradise!
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TONGA - PARADISE FOUND!
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.
James MichenerHow to get here | Handy Information | To learn more
If you want white, sandy beaches you can go anywhere… if you want a real cultural experience in one of the most beautiful climates the world has to offer all year round, and make lifelong friends in just a few days, come to Tonga.
The Kingdom of Tonga is not one of those places you fly through on your way to somewhere else. Tonga IS the destination. And it is probably for this reason it has remained relatively untouched.
Tonga is the oldest and only remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Pacific nation never to be brought under foreign rule. With a culture that can be traced back 3000 years and which archaeologists believe were the forefathers of most South Pacific nations, Tonga is one of the most fascinating countries you will ever visit in the 21st Century.
The Kingdom consists of over 170 islands (at last count), more than 120 of them uninhabited. Some islands are huge and lushly vegetated while others are just a spot on the map - but most are surrounded by white sandy beaches, stunning reefs, or both!
Although Captain Cook christened Tonga "The Friendly Islands" over 200 years ago, today's Tongans are doing a fantastic job of holding that mantle. They are a shy, quiet people with big hearts. They are inquisitive and very bright but be warned, never underestimate their sense of humour - it's great!!
The Tongan's culture and religious beliefs are the cornerstone of their existence - be prepared to completely stop on Sundays because everyone else does. Although many leave home for a taste of the Western world, most return because they know how good they've got it here.
Vava'u - a very special place
We chose the northern group of islands called Vava'u (vah-VAH-oo) to launch our canoe tours because as soon as we arrived we knew we'd found a very special place.Spend a day in Nuku'alofa to acclimatise and then jump on a plane for a short flight to Vava'u - you will really slow down. Your flight will give a bird's eye view of the hundreds of islands and the reefs below crystal clear waters. This will prepare you for your friendly islands canoe adventure with us.
We promise that once you've experienced Vava'u, you will never be the same again!
How to get here
The beauty of Tonga is its isolation, so when you plan a holiday in Vava'u, getting here is part of the adventure! For details on how to get to Vava'u, click here or contact a local travel agent (highly recommended) here.
Handy information
Tourist Information
The Tonga Visitors Bureau, Neiafu, Vava'u
Phone (676) 70 115 or VHF 16
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
E-mail tvbvv@kalianet.to
Website www.tongaholiday.comClimate
Vavau' enjoys a tropical climate with average daily temperatures of 29ºC in January and 24ºC in June. The weather is warm and generally sunny throughout the year. Rainy season is usually November to April, when the weather is more humid and thunderstorms and cyclones are more frequent. During the winter months, the weather is a little more settled with temperatures ranging from 23-27ºC.From May to September, southeast trade winds range from 15-25 knots. During the summer months, northeast winds of 10-20 knots are normal.
Clothing
Summer clothing is suitable during most of the year, however a light jacket or wrap is recommended for evenings. Casual attire is suitable for most occasions, however Tongans are conservative so moderate dress is expected. It is against the law to appear in a public place without a shirt. Women should not wear swimsuits, low-cut tops, or very short skirts away from resorts and beaches.Currency and Banks
The national currency of Tonga is the Pa'anga (TOP), divided into 100 seniti. Banks are open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Westpac and ANZ have ATMs. Please be aware that most businesses do not take credit cards, so carry sufficient cash.Duty Free Allowance
Travellers from overseas board have a duty free allowance of 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages.Electricity
Electricity in Tonga is 240 volts
110 voltage is used at Mala Island Resort (converters are available)Emergencies
Police 922 or Phone (676) 70 234
Fire 999 or Phone (676) 70 089
Hospital 933
Any Emergency Assistance 911Language
English is widely spoken in Tonga. It is taught at schools and most Tongans will immediately speak English to tourists. It's always nice to try, so here are some basic words in Tongan for you to take with you. By the way… the "G" in Tonga is silent - just like "singer" in English.Liquor Laws
The legal drinking age is 18. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, with the exception of licensed hotels.Medical Services - Vava'u
Ngu Hospital, Talau (676) 70 201
Senior Medical Officer (676) 70 304
Sister-in-Charge and Nurses (676) 70 203
Dental Services (676) 70 202Post Office
Opposite the wharf. Open Monday - Friday
9:00am-4:30pm
Phone (676) 70 141Telephone
The international country code is 676.
Emergency number is 911.Tonga Communications Corporation is located next to the Post Office, open all the time for domestic and long-distance calls. Fax service also available during office hours.
Time
Tonga is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and the first to see the light of each day.Tourist Season
The peak season in Vava'u is May to November. It is the low season for tourism during the summer months of December to April.Visas
To extend your length of stay, contact the Immigration Department office in Neiafu - Tonga Development Bank building. Phone (676) 71142 or (676) 71149To learn more…
We recommend you learn a little more about Tonga before you arrive. For more information visit www.vavau.to, www.tongaholiday.com or log onto www.amazon.com for a range of great books.
This is the best place for your next holiday or adventure - click here to book your Outriggers in Paradise tour!
We create opportunities for adventure and fun that
respect the environment,
culture and lives of the
people of Tonga.
Outriggers in Paradise
Neiafu, Vava'u,
Kingdom of Tonga
Phone: (676) 70858
Email Us Here
Post: Private Bag 32,
Neiafu, Vava'u,
Kingdom of Tonga,
South Pacific
Welcome to Paradise!
