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The wonderful Ha'apai Group is Tonga's
best kept secret. There are 60 small islands and only 17 of
which are inhabited. Easily accessible by air or ferry and yet
with virtually no tourism, these small islands with traditional
fishing villages, living culture and fantastic beaches are truly
enchanting. Here you can explore at will, meet the friendly
locals and experience life of the old South Seas. Lifuka is
a flat island, barely 11 sq. km in size with the group's main
village and airport, Pangai. |
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This charming village set mid way on the protected
west coast has almost 3,000 inhabitants, a bank, post office,
a few small stores and couple of restaurants, Otherwise it's
a normal Tongan village with pigs wandering about the streets,
small plantations at the back of the house and fishing boats
in the lagoon. Spend some time here and you'll doubtless be
invited to a local feast or dance at the town hall. There are
no scheduled buses on Lifuka and the easiest way to get about
is by push bike. |
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A sealed road extends right along
the west coast of Lifuka with lots of dirt tracks and bush trails
meandering throughout the island. There is no natural forest
here, instead the land is cultivated with taro (the staple root
crop) and dotted with fruit trees, coconut plantations and grazing
fields. North of Pangai is a string of small fishing villages
along the west coast and lots of attractive beaches. At the
northern point, beyond the airport, is a causeway to adjoining
Foa Island. Again, the sealed road extends only up its west
coast.  Foa
Island has the groups only up-market place to stay, The
Sandy Beach Resort, Horse riding tours of the island are
one of its attractions and there is a scuba diving operator,
Happy Ha'api Divers based here. The
coast to the south and east of Pangai is virtually empty of
settlement and offers the best beaches, although those on the
more exposed east coast do not offer good snorkelling. At the
southern point you can wade across to Uoleva Island at low tide
to explore the uninhabited island and its white sand beaches.The
best way to explore the other islands is by boat. There are
always boats to hire at Pangai Village,
or you could join one of the local village boats which come
to Pangai for shopping trips. Uiha Island, a short boat ride
to the south of Lifuka, is probably the most interesting island
to visit. Uiha has a rich history. This was once the royal burial
grounds and there are some interesting archaeological sites
to see including an ancient star mound and burial pyramids.For
avid explorers, you might be tempted to visit the large volcanic
islands of Tofua and adjacent Kao in the west part of the group.
It was off these islands that the Mutiny of the Bounty actually
occurred. Tofua is the most active volcano in Tonga and often
bellows smoke. The island has virgin rain forest, lots of plumice,
is rich in bird life and has a stunning lake in its crater.
It's possible to walk to the summit in under 2 hours from landing
on the coast and it's much faster coming back down. Kao is considerably
smaller in size but its towering perfectly cylindrical peak
is the highest point in Tonga at 1109 metres. On a clear day,
you can see Kao on the horizon from Lifuka. Note:Camping is
prohibited in Ha'apai. |
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click
on the lense to enlarge the map
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| ACCOMMODATION
PACKAGES
Packages include round trip fare by air or ferry,
accommodation and outer island transfers. |
| Air Schedules-Airlines
Tonga |
| Tongatapu
to Ha'apai |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Mon |
10:15am
2:15pm |
11:00am
3:00pm |
| Tues |
12:15pm |
1:00pm |
| Wed |
9:15am
2:45pm |
10:05am
3:30pm |
| Thu |
9:15am
12:30pm |
10:05am
12:45pm |
| Fri |
9:15am
2:45pm |
10:00am
3:30pm |
| Sat |
9:15am
12:45pm |
10:00am
1:30pm |
|
| Ha'apai
to Tongatapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Mon |
11:15am
3:15pm |
12:01pm
4:00pm |
| Tues |
1:15pm |
2:00pm |
| Wed |
10:15am
3:45pm |
11:00am
4:30pm |
| Thu |
10:15am
1:00pm |
11:00am
3:15pm |
| Fri |
10:15am
3:45pm |
11:00am
4:30pm |
| Sat |
10:15am
1:45pm |
11:00am
2:30pm |
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| Air Schedules-Air
Peau Vava'u |
| Tongatapu to Ha'apai |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
Mon-Sat
(via Vava'u
|
2:00pm |
3:45pm |
| Tue |
8:00am |
8:35am |
| Fri |
8:00am |
8:35am |
|
| Ha'apai to
Tongatapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
Mon-Sat
|
4:05pm |
4:40pm |
| Tue |
8:55am |
9:30am |
| Fri |
8:55am |
9:30am |
|
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| Ferry Schedules-Olahana |
| Tongatapu to Vava'u |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
Tue*
|
5:00pm
|
3:00am (Wed) |
| *Note: Ferry Schedule
is subject to frequent changes |
|
| Vava'u to Tongatapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Fri* |
8:00pm |
7:00am (Sat) |
| *Note: Ferry Schedule
is subject to frequent changes |
|
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(Open 1 February to 30 November each year) |
12 Beach Bungalows located
on one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific excellent
for snorkelling, swimming and Kayaking. Situated on Foa Island
which is connected to Lifuka Island by causeway and approximately
10 km north of Lifuka Airport. Bungalows feature queen size
bed or 2 single beds, refrigerator, tea & coffee making
facilities, ceiling fans, insect screens, clock radio and private
shower and toilet. Each bungalow has a private veranda facing
the lagoon with table and chairs. There is a restaurant, bar
and library. Ha'apai Divers are located at the resort and operate
from April thru November.
(see section on Diving) Optional Activities: Horse
Riding, Scuba Diving and day trips by boat.
Complimentary for guests are: bicycles, kayaks, canoes, guided
bush and reef walks, guided kayak tours to nearby islands, cultural
show, shuttle to Pangai for church, laundry services, snorkelling
equipment. Note: No Children under 16 years. |
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| Restaurant and Bar |
Interior Beach Bungalow |
Beach Bungalows-Sandy
Beach Resort |
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| Dive Boat at Sandy
Beach |
Excellent snorkelling
and swimming |
Package
Inclusions:
The first night includes round trip airfare or ferry
from Tongatapu, accommodation and island transfers. Your extra
night includes accommodation and tax only.
Single (1 person) Twin (2 persons sharing a room)
Triple (3 persons sharing a room)
All prices are listed in US Dollars
and are per person
Rates valid thru 31 March 2007 |
Sandy Beach Resort (Packages
by Air)
|
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Beachfront Bungalow |
$259 |
$155 |
$180 |
$78 |
$165 |
$62 |
n/a |
n/a |
Sandy
Beach Resort
 (Packages
by Ferry) |
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Beachfront Bungalow |
$198 |
$155 |
$125 |
$78 |
$105 |
$62 |
n/a |
n/a |
| Meals |
Breakfast |
$11 |
Dinner |
$35 |
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| Diving |
1 Dive |
$95 |
2 Dives |
$155 |
Dive Course |
$495 |
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| 4 budget bungalows located in a garden
setting of coconut and papaya trees on a white sandy beach on
the Island of Lifuka approximately 1km from Pangai Towne. There
are 2 ocean view bungalows and 2 garden bungalows. They feature
double bed or 2 single beds, ceiling fans and small wardrobe.
Bungalows also have insect screens and small verandas with table
and chairs. There are communal shower and toilet facilities.
Rates include a full breakfast, snorkelling equipment and bicycle
hire. There is a garden restaurant and bar. Note: No Children
under 12 years. |
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| Restaurant - Billy's
Place |
Standard Bungalow-Billy's
Place |
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| Standard Bungalow |
The Beach at Billy's Place |
Package
Inclusions:
The first night includes round trip airfare or ferry
from Tongatapu, accommodation, and island transfers. Your extra
night includes accommodation and tax only.
Single (1 person) Twin (2 persons sharing a room)
Triple (3 persons sharing a room)
All prices are listed in US Dollars
and are per person
Rates valid thru 31 March 2007 |
Billy's
Place
(Packages by Air) |
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Small Budget Bungalow(share facilities)
|
$135 |
$32 |
$127 |
$23 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Standard Bungalow(share facilities) |
$145 |
$39 |
$130 |
$27 |
$126 |
$23 |
n/a |
n/a |
Billy's
Place
(Packages
by Ferry) |
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Small Budget Bungalow(share facilities)
|
$79 |
$32 |
$68 |
$23 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Standard Bungalow(share facilities) |
$85 |
$39 |
$70 |
$27 |
$67 |
$23 |
n/a |
n/a |
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| 8 Rooms with shared bathroom and
4 rooms with private shower and toilet located in Pangai Towne.
There is a small grocery store and bakery on the premises if
you want to cook yourself, or meals can be provided. Guesthouse
is clean and friendly and features a comfortable shared sitting
room, dining room and kitchen and has hot water. |
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| Lindsay's Guesthouse |
Lindsay's Cafe |
Standard Room |
Package
Inclusions:
The first night includes round trip airfare or ferry
from Tongatapu, accommodation and island transfers. Your extra
night includes accommodation and tax only.
Single (1 person) Twin (2 persons sharing a room)
Triple (3 persons sharing a room)
All prices are listed in US Dollars
and are per person
Rates valid thru 31 March 2007 |
Lindsay's Guesthouse
(Packages by Air)
|
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Room in the House (share facilities)
|
$125 |
$15 |
$121 |
$11 |
$121 |
$11 |
$66 |
$8 |
| Room in the House (private facilities) |
$145 |
$35 |
$130 |
$20 |
$129 |
$19 |
$66 |
$8 |
Lindsay's
Guesthouse
(Packages
by Ferry) |
Single
(1st Nt) |
Single
(Ex Nt) |
Twin
(1st Nt) |
Twin
(Ex Nt) |
Triple
(1st Nt) |
Triple
(Ex Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(1st Nt) |
Child (2-11)
(Ex Nt) |
| Room in the House(share facilities)
|
$65 |
$15 |
$62 |
$11 |
$62 |
$11 |
$35 |
$8 |
| Room in the House (private facilities) |
$85 |
$35 |
$75 |
$20 |
$70 |
$19 |
$35 |
$8 |
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