The Kingdom of Tonga
General Info
A constitutional monarchy located east of Fiji, this
nation includes 170 tropical islands with a population of just 100,000.
The currency is the Tongan pa'anga (T$) which is approximately 0.55 US$.
Situated just west of the International Date Line and
east of Fiji, Tonga is unique in that it is the only Polynesian country
never to have been colonized, and the only monarchy in the Pacific. A
proud, independent nation with a rich cultural history, the Kingdom of
Tonga offers visitors a sense of discovery and adventure. It has many
sought-after attributes including a pristine natural environment;
beautiful reefs and beaches; a warm tropical climate; friendly dignified
people; cultural traditions; and few tourists. In this age of political
volatility, international travellers, particularly families, increasingly
perceive Tonga as a safe haven. Like Fletcher Christian and the crew of
the Bounty, today's visitors are reluctant to leave this charming South
Pacific island paradise; many more yearn to return!
The Vava'u Islands
Situated approximately 240 kilometres north of
Tongatapu, the Vava'u Island Group is a smattering of 50-odd islands, in
an area 23 by 25 kilometres, protected by a semi-circular reef. The
islands are separated by reefs or open water, but are not great paddling
distances apart. In his book, The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the
Pacific, author Paul Theroux describes sea kayaking in Vava'u thus: "It
was a perfect area for paddling a kayak - perhaps the best in the Pacific.
There was a surfy side and a safe side to each island - the lee shores
usually had the beaches - all were secluded, all were lovely."
On our Tonga sea kayaking expeditions we strive for a
healthy balance between relaxation and adventure. We generally paddle in
the mornings, leaving the afternoons free for snorkelling amidst colourful
coral and inside legendary marine caves; exploring lush tropical bush; and
observing the traditional village lifestyle. The pace of life in Vava'u is
slow and relaxed - much like it was a century ago. We spend our evenings
on deserted beaches beneath waving palms and the Southern Cross bathed by
warm South Pacific breezes.
The Ha'apai Islands
Situated approximately halfway between Vava'u and
Tongatapu, the Ha'apai Islands are everything you might imagine of a
tropical island paradise: friendly people; an uncanny sense of
timelessness; remote, uninhabited atolls; lush, tropical bush; expansive,
white sand beaches; balmy breezes; warm waters teeming with tropical fish.
All the ingredients of a memorable escape! In Ha'apai you will find not
only exceptional natural beauty, but also the friendliest folk in the
Kingdom. Because papalangis or foreigners are rare in Ha'apai they are
welcomed with open arms by the locals.
It was in Ha'apai that Captain Cook and his crew were
invited ashore by the village chiefs for a feast. Unbeknownst to Cook the
chiefs' intention was to take over his ship and include some of his crew
in the feast menu! Fortunately the chiefs could not agree on the timing of
their gruesome plan and Cook sailed out of the Ha'apai's naming them the
Friendly Isles. Ha'apai is also where the Mutiny on the Bounty took place.
Captain Bligh and a few of his crew were forced to set off from Tofua
Island in a rowboat on what was to become an epic journey.
Due to its pristine natural environment and fascinating
history the Ha'apai Group has been designated a Conservation Area. We feel
privileged, therefore, to be granted a license to offer kayak tours in
this beautiful archipelago, the heart of Polynesia. The 45 kilometre-long
Lifuka archipelago comprises low lying coral islands, expansive white sand
beaches, towering volcanoes and colourful lagoons. We paddle along the lee
side of the archipelago, occasionally venturing offshore into more exposed
waters to access remote islands. We strive for a healthy balance between
relaxation and adventure, generally paddling in the mornings, leaving the
afternoons free for snorkelling amidst colourful coral; exploring lush
tropical bush; and observing the traditional village lifestyle.
Vava'u vs. Ha'apai: How they Differ
Unlike the Vava'u Islands, which are hilly and
relatively populated (population 20,000), the Ha'apai's are low-lying
coral atolls with fewer villages (population 10,000) and even less
evidence of western culture. Tongans in general are a friendly folk, and
you would encounter this friendliness in both island groups. Vava'u's
hilly terrain is perhaps more interesting and scenic, however if you
especially appreciate expansive white sand beaches there's no shortage of
these in Ha'apai.
In the Lifuka Group of Ha'apai, we paddle along the lee
side of the forty kilometer-long archipelago, occasionally venturing
offshore into more exposed waters to access remoter islands. In contrast,
the Vava'u Group is a cluster of fifty odd islands, most of which are
protected from the ocean swells by a semi-circular fringing reef on the
eastern side of the group. The paddling in Ha'apai is slightly more
challenging (longer legs, stronger currents), though with our stable
double kayaks and experienced guides even novice paddlers manage well.
Snorkeling is superb in both island groups, but soft
corals and sizeable fish are more abundant in Ha'apai waters owing to the
swifter currents. On the other hand, Vava'u's relatively sheltered waters
are conducive to more reliable whale sightings between June and November.
It's a difficult choice, but if a feeling of remoteness
and unparalleled snorkeling are what you're seeking then Ha'apai is
definitely the place for both experiences. In contrast, if you're wanting
a few comforts (e.g. cafes, restaurants, a cold beer along the way, and
handicraft shops) and or to participate in a variety of water sports (e.g.
our Adventure Week) then Vava'u is for you.
If you're still undecided and you've got time up your
sleeve, consider taking advantage of our 20% discount on back-to-back
trips in both island groups.
The Tongan People
Entering an outer island village in the ancient Polynesian Kingdom of
Tonga is like walking back in time. Here, the people are doing as they
have done for centuries: living off the sea and the land. The villages are
tidy, simple, and traditional; the villagers exceptionally friendly and
generous. Our indigenous guides are an important link to this fascinating
culture.
Flora and Fauna
Vava'u's hilly terrain is blanketed by lush tropical
vegetation. Among its diverse lofty trees are the fragrant pandanus or
screw pine, the elegant casuarina, and the esteemed mulberry tree, the
bark of which is used by the natives to make fine quality tapa cloth. The
islands also abound in fruit and nut trees such as the broad-leaved
banana, the breadfruit tree, the telie or tropical almond, and the
graceful coconut whose plume-like heads provide welcome shade. Kayakers
may encounter sea-turtles, porpoises, humpback whales, flying foxes and
numerous seabirds such as the white-tailed tropic bird, lesser frigate,
brown boobie, and a variety of terns to name a few. Vava'u is renowned for
its unique shells and underwater world where dazzlingly beautiful coral
gardens and reef fish offer snorkellers endless hours of delight. The
waters teem with myriad fish, such as the tiny iridescent blue damsel and
the gaily coloured clown and parrot fish, that dart amongst multi-hued
coral pinnacles.
Climate
The climate of Tonga is very pleasant, being slightly
cooler and less humid than most tropical areas. May through December (our
season) temperatures range from approximately 22-32C (72-90F), the mean
humidity hovers around 74% and the trade winds blow an average of 13-18
knots - often perfect weather for paddling and adventuring.
Map of Tonga
|
