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| Accommodation,
Sightseeing
Tours, Tafahi
Island |
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NIUATOPUTAPU
ISLAND
located 516 km north of Tongatapu and approximately 18 sq km
in size and has a population of 1,283. It takes about 8 hours
to walk around the island. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches,
small coastal fishing villages with elaborate churches. The
island is ideal for walking and wherever you wander on the island
you will be greeted with a smile and all the children will want
to know your name. There is good diving outside the reef, however,
there is no diving equipment on the island. The island is very
conservative and even thou much warmer than the Southern Group
Islands,you should not appear in swimming suits, short shorts,
or without a shirt while visiting the local villages. |
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There are 3 main villages on Niuatoputapu,
the capital Hihifo village, Vaipoa and Falehau Villages. In
Hihifo you can visit the local churches, the school, hospital,
post office and local cooperative store. There weekly air service
provided by Arilines Tonga and Peau Vava'u. There is also ferry
service which operates approximately 6 times per year. |
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click here to
enlarge the map |
There is a fresh water Niutoua Spring
which flows through a crack in the rock just west of Hihifo.
You will find the locals swimming here on a hot day for the
water is cool and crystal clear. It is full of fresh water black
fish although there is a ban on fishing in the spring. Near
Hihifo, a maze of shallow waterways winds between the islets
of Nukuseilala, Tafuna, Tavili and Hunganga. At low tide, they
form vast expanses of sand and leaning palms and you can walk
anywhere in the area by wading through a few centimeters of
water. At high tide the passages are excellent for swimming.
 The
central ridge, which comprises three smaller ridges, affords
a grand view of the coastal plain and the reefs of the lagoon.
It is a moderately difficult climb to the ridge, but worth
the view once you have reached the top. You can then follow
the ridge in either direction. There are no restaurants, bars
or nightlife on the island, however, there are socials held
in the church hall where everyone is invited. There will be
combination of tongan, pop songs and rock amplified from one
corner of the room and everyone dances to the beat. |
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| Note: no beverages or food are available
at these functions, however, this does not affect the fun time
had by all. Don't miss a village social if there should be one
held during your visit. |
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| Greeting Tourists with a smile |
Traditional Kava bowl |
Wearing traditional mats |
| Niuatoputapu is surrounded by magnificent
white beaches. The most beautiful beaches are on the north-west
side of the main island and on Hunganga at the Palm Tree Resort.
You can walk for hours on sandy, deserted beaches. Swimming
is best at high tide in most areas. There are several excellent
snorkelling areas near the Palm Beach Resort. At low tide you
can explore the reefs full of marine life including sea cucumbers
and crabs and hunt for colorful shells. |
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| The beach at Palm Tree Resort |
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 Tafahi
Island looks much like Bali Hai when viewed from Niuatoputapu.
It lies 9km off the north coast of Niuatoputapu and is an extinct
volcanic cone 656m high, with a base area of 3.42 sq km. You
can climb the volcanic cone in a day and hike around the barren
lava flows. The hike is a difficult one and strictly for the
adventurer. There is a small village with approximately 100
inhabitants.
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| The men either fish
or tend plantations and the women will spend their day weaving.
It is over 100 steps to reach the village from the beach and
you will need sturdy walking shoes. It is a steep climb to the
top of the volcano. You will pass several plantations during
your climb which harvest watermelons, oranges, limes, corn,
kava, taro, pawpaw,and bananas. You can also enjoy the magnificent
views of the sea and surrounding islands. There are several
rest stops during your climb where you can enjoy fresh "Nu"
(the juice of the coconut). There is no accommodation available
on Tafahi, however it is only a 45 minute boat journey from
Falehau Village on Niuatoputapu. When you reach the top of the
volcano you are rewarded with a spectacular view of Niuatoputapu
Island. |
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Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection
lotion, mosquito repellant and sun hat. Also long pants are
a good protection
from scratches from the foliage during your hike. For more information
see Tafahi Tour. |
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| ACCOMMODATION
PACKAGES
Packages include round trip fare by air or ferry,
accommodation and outer island transfers.
Rates valid thru 31 March 2007 |
| Air Schedules-Airlines
Tonga |
| Tongatapu to Niuatoputapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Tue (via Vava'u) |
8:30am |
11:25am |
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| Niuatoputapu to
Tongatapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Tue (via Vava'u) |
11:35am |
2:30pm |
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| Ferry
Schedules-MV Olovaha |
| Tongatapu to Vava'u |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Tue* |
8:00am
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7:00am (Fri) |
| *Note: Ferry Schedule operates
every 6 weeks only |
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| Vava'u to Tongatapu |
| Day |
Depart |
Arrive |
| Thu* |
2:00pm |
7:00am (Sat) |
| *Note: Ferry Schedule
operates every 6 weeks only |
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| The Resort is located on the islet of Hunganga
which can be reached from Niuatoputapu by dinghy shuttle across
a shallow lagoon which is excellent for swimming and being uninhabited
is a great place for exploring as well. There are 4 beachfront
bungalows which feature double bed or 2 single beds, private
shower and toilet, with hot water. The bungalows open on to
a screened veranda with views of Tafahi Island and the volcano.
There is solar power for hot water. with electrical outlet for
use during most of the day. Note: The Resort features a restaurant
specializing in fresh fish. Complimentary snorkelling gear,
snorkelling excursions and use of bicycles. Rates include all
meals. Note: due to irregular supply shipments you should bring
any snacks, fresh fruit, vegetables and also any liquor or wines
or special food requirements with you. The resort will provide
torches for you to navigate to the restaurant during the evening.
The optional activities are Tafahi Day Tour, Whale Watching
Tour, Fishing, Village Tour and Ridge Tour. Please
see the sightseeing section.This is a special magical
island and your hosts, Elena and Lawrence will ensure your stay
is a memorable one. |
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| Transiting across
lagoon with luggage |
Beach Bungalows |
View from your bungalow |
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| Elena with the Resort's
Fishing Boat |
Interior Beach Bungalow |
Restaurant with fabulous
view of Tafahi |
| Package
Inclusions:
The first night includes round trip airfare or ferry from Tongatapu,
accommodation, all meals and island transfers by taxi and boat.
Your extra night includes accommodation and meals 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 |
Palm Tree 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 |
$545 |
$89 |
$525 |
$70 |
$515 |
$60 |
$259 |
$35 |
Palm Tree
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 |
$205 |
$89 |
$185 |
$70 |
$175 |
$60 |
$115 |
$35 |
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| Kaloline Guesthouse (formerly Niuatoputapu Guesthouse)
is located in the village of Hihifo. There are 3 double rooms
and 1 single room sharing shower & toilet facilities. The
facilities are basic, however, the hospitality warm and friendly.
There are kitchen facilities available, however no refrigerator.
You are welcome to cook your own food or you may choose to have
your meals prepared by the guesthouse. Note: due to irregular
supply shipments you should bring any snacks, fresh fruit, vegetables
and also any liquor or wines or special food requirements with
you. |
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| Your Hosts Kaloline
& Vea |
Kaloline Guesthouse |
Double Room |
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| Kitchen Kaloline Guesthouse |
Communal Lounge |
Staff of Kaloline
Guesthouse |
| 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 |
Kaloline 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) |
$489 |
$25 |
$480 |
$15 |
$480 |
$15 |
$235 |
Foc |
| Meals |
Breakfast |
$9 |
Dinner |
$19 |
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Kaloline 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) |
$145 |
$25 |
$140 |
$15 |
$140 |
$15 |
$135 |
Foc |
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Whale Watching -
(Available July-October)
Daily except Sunday: Time depending on tides (3 hrs)
The Humpback whales can be viewed by motorboat
off the shores of Niuatoputapu. Watching the whales and dolphins
in the wild is an experience of a lifetime. Whales sometimes
launch themselves into the air like torpedo's. They jump right
out of the water and then fall back in with a tremendous splash.
This strange form of behaviour is known as "breaching".
In order to leave the water completely, the whale must reach
an exit speed of more than 35kph (22mph). Baby whales often
begin to learn this spectacular "trick" when they
are only a few weeks old. When one whale breaches, its neighbours
cannot resist joining in. |
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| Adult: US $75.00 (per person)-Child
(2-11) US $40.00 |
Whale Watching by motor boat |
Village Tour
Daily except Sunday: Depart 9am - Return 12pm
Visit Hihifo Village and see the natural Spring and towne area.
Your guide will show you the hospital, the palace, the local
churches and schools. View the weaving huts where the women
spend most of the day and view the pandanus drying in the yards.
This is a walking tour so be sure and wear sturdy shoes. Reef
shoes are handy if crossing the lagoon at low tide. |
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| Adult: US $15.00--------------Child
(2-11) US $7.50 |
Village of Hihifo |
Fishing
Tour
Daily except Sunday: Time depending on tides (3hrs)
Fishing is a unique experience in Niuatoputapu as you have the
volcano of Tafahi in the background of your fishing day. During
the day the volcano changes color from black, to gray to green.
Travel by Palm Tree Resort Motor Boat and fish for Mahimahi,
tuna, trevali, Baracuda, wahoo and snapper. |
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| Adult: US $125.00 (per person) |
Fishing-Palm Tree Resort |
Ridge Tour
Daily except Sunday: Depart 9am - Return 12pm
We first walk through Hihifo Village and then to the
plantations for a gentle climb to the ridge. You will marvel
at the lovely green vegetation of the plantations. We then walk
along the ridge to the other side of the island and return through
Vaipoa Village. Note: this is a gentle trek. Be sure to bring
your sun protection lotion, mosquito repellent and sun hat.
Sturdy shoes are recommended. |
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| Adult: US $15.00--------------Child
(2-11) US $7.50 |
South side of Island |
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