Neiafu Harbour, Vava'uSee our photo album for more pictures taken around the Vava'u islands of Tonga.
May thru October
Vava'u Islands, Kingdom of Tonga
When winter arrives in New Zealand (May thru October) Takapu2 departs for the tropical waters of Vava'u in the Kingdom of Tonga.
The islands of the Tonga group lie generally in a long north-south chain about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. There are more than 170 islands in the group — many uninhabited — spread along about 480 kilometres (about 300 miles).
Vava'u, at the northern end of the group, is one of the Pacific's few undiscovered gems; and one of the loveliest. Here, more than forty islands provide many safe and secluded anchorages, while the crystal-clear water, numerous coral reefs, palm-fringed turquoise lagoons and lush scenery are just the beginning. You can dive the unspoiled waters — with extraordinary visibility — with caves, tunnels, drop-offs, coral and a harbour wreck. Tonga also has a reputation of being 'a fisherman's kingdom'; tuna, marlin, sailfish, wahoo and mahi mahi abound. And Vava'u is one of the few places in the world where you can legally swim with the humpback whales that calve and mate in the sheltered waters from June to November.
- Read what The New Zealand Herald wrote about swimming with whales in Tonga.
Discover more about Tonga
Unique amongst its Pacific island neighbours, Tonga was never colonised by a European power and is still ruled by a king who is head of an ancient royal line.
Tongans are a friendly, generous and easy-going people. Christianity features strongly in their lives, and the Sabbath is strictly observed by law. On Sunday everything closes to ensure that the day is completely free for church. You can't even catch a plane or a taxi. But going to church in Tonga is a real delight if only to hear the wonderful singing. Tongans have wonderful singing voices and their natural harmony — applied to their sacred hymns — is especially moving.
Tongans are also very conservative in their dress. It is unlawful for men to be seen in public without a shirt and women are always fully clothed even when swimming.
The 'winter' weather in Tonga is pleasant, with temperatures generally between 25 -27°C (78-80°F), May to October, with less humidity than many other tropical areas. And for swimming and diving, the average sea temperature is a warm and comfortable 25°C (78°F).
- Affordable overnight charters are limited to four adult guests for a minimum of three nights. No timetables, agendas or schedules are imposed. Rather, the crew will tailor your cruise to your desires. Contact Bill and Mandy now — without obligation — to see if your preferred dates are available.
- More information about Tonga — including travel information — is available from the Tonga Visitors Bureau and from Frommers.
- You can escape the northern hemisphere winter by chartering Takapu2 for southern summer cruising (November thru April) in the sheltered waters of the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, and for Special events day/evening charters (November thru April) on the Waitemata Harbour.