Neiafu (Vava’u) - Transport & Travel
See the Main Transport Section for Tonga
The island is small enough that a bike (or walking) is a good way to get around.
Flights
International flights operate direct to Nadi, Fiji one to four times a week depending on the season. (Normally closed February). Airport transfers through Ana Tevunga Taxi opposite Cafe Tropicana.
Ferries
There is a ferry service once a week. Its route is Tongatapu-Ha’apai-Vava’u and then back to Tongatapu. See tongaholiday.com for timetables.
Car Hire
If hiring a car, drivers require a Tongan license which is obtainable from the Ministry of Infrastructure which is a 5 minute walk from town. Most of the roads are sealed but take care when traveling in outer areas as these roads are not sealed. Most Tongan drivers do not have licences or know the law: drive defensively!! Available at Jetsafe Travel.
Car hire per day costs about 100TOP. Greg from Cafe Tropicana will also hire out his car for a small fee.
Taxis
There are two taxi ranks located in the area around the ANZ bank and opposite the Police station. Be aware that Taxis on Sundays may be harder to come by without an advance arrangement.
Tours around the Main Island will vary a lot depending on the distance covered, as fuel prices are very expensive.
Last updated: August 2023
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Related to following destinations: Neiafu (Vava'u), Tonga
Port Navigation
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Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Tonga
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Comms in Tonga update post-earthquakes:
Two earthquakes during August (6.9 and a 6.6) have caused no serious damage on land, although unfortunately have affected the undersea fibre cable which had just been repaired. The Boatyard Vava’u report “It has affected the local network providers, however Digicel have switched over to their backup systems so the phones are working and internet is ok, not 100% though. We still have several restaurants in town that have Starlink and offer use of their internet as well.”
Cruisers should be aware. On September 10th, 2019, the co-owner of the hideaway bar in neiafu physically attacked a customer at their establishment. During a conversation, she choked and tackled my wife. My wife now has bruises all over and is suffering neck and back pain from being tackled to the deck. We have reported the incident to the police, but thought the cruising community should know.
This was not a Tongan, but an expat who owns a business. This should not be a reflection of neiafu or the people here. The community is wonderful and this is an incident not at all to do with the people of neiafu
Brief updates from Royce Reid:
Wanted to briefly update a couple of things regarding Tonga.
The check-in in Vava’u was fast and simple. They told us how to extend our boat permit from 4 months to 12. the Customs guy also said there is a proposal under consideration to extend the cruising permit from 12 months to at least 18 months.
The immigration people were friendly and fast and told us where to go to extend our 30-day entry visas. We hauled out in Vava’u at the boatyard there and it was fast efficient and friendly.
We also got a quote for the bottom job and it was almost half price VS. New Zealand. they have also opened a chandlery there. If they don’t have it on hand they can order it tax-free from NZ and it arrives fast with fed ex ( within 7 days we were told ) or cheap by boat.
But takes three weeks. We replaced flares and brought interior paint and some nuts and bolts. Not a huge shop but it has the necessities and arranges for specifics! All in all, it was an awesome easy experience and that’s not even commenting on how amazing the cruising there is!
Royce Reid.
I had arrived Saturday (the 3rd of Nov.) at 1530 local time and managed to get cleared. I was told by the Customs agent that they stay on a stand-by basis every Saturday till 1600.
I managed to call when we were 30 miles away raising awareness of our arrival, and also contacted Vava’u Radio on VHF Ch 26 twice before arriving.
Posted on behalf of Clare Sudlow:
Vava’u Bluewater Festival
Calling all South Pacific Cruisers! – Don’t miss the 2016 Vava’u Blue Water Festival! A fun-filled week in Vava’u, Tonga from October 1st- 8th.
Enjoy the friendliest of welcomes & a week of local festivities, parades, informative talks & parties centered around a mid-week fun cruisers race day.
For full info visit: http://www.vavau.to/bluewaterfestival