Vavau, TONGA
Airing Date: Nov 1st, 2004
Located some 1500 miles north east of New Zealand, Tonga is just below the Tropic of Capricorn. The Vava'u Archipelago is situated at the northern end of the Tongan Islands.
The Vava'u Archipelago, with its safe anchorages, secluded coves and near-perfect climate, offers one of the world's finest cruising areas for year-round sailing. This group of islands is a place of brilliant colours, blue lagoons, fine white coral sand beaches and lush green coconut plantations.
The Vava'u group has a population of about 20,000 spread over most of the 50 islands. About a third live in or around Neiafu (and the harbour) where there are four nearby villages: Makava, Taoa, Toula and Vaimalo.
To see these amazing islands, take a yacht charter with Sunsail. Yachts can be charted with a skipper or without. Sunsail's base is in the heart of Neiafu in the Vava'u group of islands. Neiafu is a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque in the pacific.
A great place to stop is Kapa Island, where you can view the beautiful Swallows' Cave, which is inhabited by hundreds of swiftlets nesting in its dim upper reaches. The cave's underwater floor is an impressive 50m.
The diving and snorkelling is amazing, with crystal clear water and brilliantly coloured coral and reef fish. During the period from July to November, the area is home to huge pods of Humpback Whales which often swim with the yachts, accompanied by their newly born offspring.
For those who enjoy dining out, Tongan beach feasts are regular functions at the local resorts. There are also a number of island beach bars and restaurants set in magical anchorages, ideal for watching the famous Tongan sunsets.
The facts
Air New Zealand will fly you to Nuku' Alofa in Tonga. Prices start from $874 ex Melbourne, $876 ex Brisbane, $888 ex Sydney and $1410 ex Perth. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand
Ph) 13 24 76
Take a Charter Flight from Nuku' Alofa to Vava'u from $264 a person return.
Peau Vava'u Airlines
Tel: 0011 676 28 304
Sunsail offer a seven night cruise with a skipper from $640 a day. Bare boat hire costs from $480 a day.
Sunsail
Tel: 1800 803 988
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 01/11/04
