Multi-day Trips
Vava'u 7-Day Tropical Escape
This 7-day package with 4 days of kayaking and 4 nights camping has a similar itinerary as the Vava'u 5-Day Special plus includes transfers, 2 nights pre-/post-tour accommodation, a Polynesian feast in an outer island village and a farewell dinner.
Package Components
- Return airport transfers between Lupepau'u Airport (Vava'u) and accommodation property. A transfer surcharge applies to Tongan Beach Resort or Mystic Sands Resort upgrades.
- 2 nights' pre-/post-tour accommodation (double occupancy) at the Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability). Optional upgrade to Tongan Beach Resort or Mystic Sands Resort.
- A 45-minute orientation briefing.
- 4 days kayaking.
- 4 nights camping (tents and mattresses included).
- Snacks and 3 meals per day on the kayaking portion of the tour.
- A traditional Polynesian feast in an island village.
- A farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Itinerary Overview
Note that the following itinerary is subject to alterations and delays owing to weather, sea conditions and/or logistical considerations.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Arrival / Orientation
Meals: On own.
Accommodation: Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability).
Accommodation: Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability).
A driver awaits your arrival at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u and transfers you to your accommodation. Shortly after check-in, your guide welcomes you and confirms the time (normally 4:00pm) and venue for this afternoon's 45-minute orientation briefing. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk.
Day 2: Kayaking
Meals: L, D (B on own).
Destination: Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
Destination: Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at Kayak Base, 2.2 kms east of Neiafu township, before departing for 4 nights of camping in the Vava'u Archipelago. Our journey begins at the entrance to the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbour in the Pacific. Inside renowned Swallows Cave, don your mask and snorkel, slip over the edge of the kayak and marvel at the schools of tiny zebra fish and iridescent neon fish. Paddling southeast across a large bay, we reach our lunch stop on the southern side of Kapa Island where snorkellers can enjoy vibrant coral and fish life in the channel. We finish off the day skirting several small islands on the western side of the island group eventually reaching a large lagoon. Tonight's camp is on Vaka'eitu Island facing Nuapapu Island.
Day 3: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Nuapapu Island / Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.
Destination: Nuapapu Island / Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.
Following a leisurely hot breakfast, we paddle across the lagoon to the village of Matamaka on nearby Nuapapu Island for a glimpse of village life in Tonga's outer islands. Visit the primary school and watch the women weaving mats in the village hall. Back at camp we snorkel amidst stag horn coral gardens teeming with reef fish. A short hike before dinner to the island's summit may be rewarded by a view of the setting sun and possibly humpback whales (July-October) in Pulepulekai channel.
Day 4: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
After breaking camp and re-provisioning with water at nearby Lape village, we paddle northeast bound for Taunga Island. En route we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins or humpback whales. The latter migrate annually to Tonga's warm sheltered waters (July-October) to breed and calve. Following a picnic and snorkelling at Sisia Island we carry on to inhabited Taunga Island. This evening, the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or 'umu. Tasting kava, Tonga's traditional ceremonial drink, and stories around the kava bowl provide an insight into the local culture.
Day 5: Lay Day
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp).
Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp).
Today, Sunday, is by Tongan law a day of rest and worship. Those who choose to attend the morning church service in Taunga village will be impressed by the splendor of the Tongan people's elaborate attire and harmonized singing. Tour operators are not permitted to offer guided physical activities anywhere within the Kingdom on a Sunday. Exploring on foot the inter-tidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, interconnected by a sand bar at low tide, is a must. Bathing in the warm sea, reading, eating and socializing are also pleasant diversions on this enforced lay day.
Day 6: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Kayak Base
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.
Accommodation: Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability).
Destination: Kayak Base
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.
Accommodation: Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability).
On this final day of paddling, our journey back to the Port of Refuge is broken with a picnic lunch and snorkel at Mala Island. Once the home of a cannibal demi-god who ate passing outrigger canoeists, Mala is now home to a friendly tourist resort! From the beach or kayaks we snorkel at the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to Kayak Base. Transfer to your accommodation for a hot shower in preparation for your farewell dinner at a restaurant in Neiafu.
Day 7: Departure
Meals: On own
The trip concludes today with a transfer to Lupepau'u Airport.
At a Glance
- Vava'u Islands, Tonga
- 7 Day Package
- 4 Days Kayaking
- 4 Nights Camping
- 2 Nights Pre-/Post-Tour Accommodation
- Snorkelling
- Grade: Moderate