Everything You Need to Know About Transport in Vava’u
Vava’u is a group of 61 islands in the north of the Tonga archipelago (but not as far north as the far-flung Niuas). Vava’u is well connected to the rest of Tonga, as well as a couple of international locations with flights to some of the other South Pacific nations. Most visitors to Vava’u travel to the islands via Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island and home to the main international airport of Tonga. However, it isn’t all about the flights to get to Vava’u, as the island and its main town, Neiafu, are connected to the rest of Tonga by ferry, while visitors with their own yacht will find safe anchorage among its islands and winding inlets. Learn more about the transport in Vava’u in this list of ways to get to Vava’u!
1. Vava’u by Plane – How to Get to Vava’u
The most popular way for travellers to get to Vava’u is by taking a flight from Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu. Daily flights to Lupepau’u Airport on Vava’u are available from Fua’amotu Airport, except on Sundays. Tongatapu has connecting flights to Auckland (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia) and Nadi (Fiji). Flights between Tongatapu and Vava’u are approximately one hour. Be aware that flights are often cancelled in bad weather, so try to organise a flexible first day in Vava’u. Learn more about flights between the islands of Tonga in The Guide to Domestic Flights in Tonga.
Alternatively, direct international flights arrive at Lupepau’u Airport from Apia (Samoa), Pago Pago (American Samoa) and Nadi (Fiji), which provides a convenient alternative for travellers exploring other South Pacific nations. For more information about flying to Vava’u from overseas, check out Where Can You Fly to in Tonga? as well as How to Get to Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Vava’u by Ferry – How to Get to Vava’u
A cheaper but more time-consuming way to get from Tongatapu or Ha’apai to Vava’u is by taking one of the ferries. There are two ferry companies operating vessels, the Friendly Island Shipping Agency and Tofa Ramsay Shipping. Ferries depart from Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf in Nuku’alofa, stopping at various locations in the Ha’apai islands before arriving at Halaevalu Wharf in Neiafu (and vice versa).
Ferries operate from Monday to Saturday and take approximately 16 to 23 hours to travel between Tongatapu and Vava’u. Be sure to recheck ferry schedules the day before departure as schedules are often changing and can be cancelled due to bad weather. Learn more about taking the ferry in The Guide to Interisland Ferry Travel in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Car Rental – How to Get Around Vava’u
A popular and convenient way to travel around Vava’u at your own pace is by renting a car. Most car rentals are available in Neiafu, but some car rental companies offer airport/wharf drop-offs for a fee or operate out of the odd out-of-town accommodation. It’s best to book car rentals early, as each car rental company on Vava’u only has a small fleet. Cars come in various states, typically from rough to really rough, so it’s best to do your research first – see The Best Car Rentals in Vava’u. See The Guide Car Rental in Tonga for more tips.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Taxi Services – How to Get Around Vava’u
Taxis are fairly numerous on Vava’u, offering transport around ‘Utu Vava’u and its connecting islands by causeways. Taxis usually have set prices to go between destinations, of which most are rates recommended by the Labour and Commerce Department (see Taxi Prices in Tonga: The Costs You Need to Know). Taxis are readily available in Neiafu but are not always waiting at the airport, so you might want to call ahead if you want to use a taxi for airport transfer. Learn more about taxis in The Guide to Taxis in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Bicycle Hire – How to Get Around Vava’u
It is possible to explore the area around Neiafu by bicycle with bicycle and helmet hire available from Cafe Tropicana. Unlike other islands in Tonga, Vava’u is quite hilly so you will need to be fit to enjoy cycling around the greater area of ‘Utu Vava’u. At very reasonable daily rates, however, mountain bike hire is well worth considering if you’re on a budget and want to experience Vava’u at a more natural pace. Learn more about bicycle hire in Where to Rent Bicycles in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Airport/Accommodation Transfers – How to Get Around Vava’u
Almost all accommodations in Vava’u offer airport/accommodation transfers for a fee. This might just include road transport if staying on the main island, ‘Utu Vava’u, or both road and boat transport if staying on one of the outer islands. Be sure to organise this service with your accommodation prior to arrival. A representative/driver will be waiting for you on arrival at Halaevalu Wharf or Lupepau’u Airport, usually holding a sign with the accommodation name on it.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Guided Land Tours – How to Get Around Vava’u
Another way to get around Vava’u is by embarking on a guided land tour. Guided sightseeing tours are available in Vava’u to see some of the major highlights, such as lookout outs, beaches, caves and historical sites. Many of Vava’u’s taxi companies offer guided tour services around ‘Utu Vava’u, as listed in The 5 Best Guided Tours of Vava’u. Tours are typically paid per trip, rather than per person. They are very casually guided, so we recommend asking lots of questions to make the most of these trips.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Boat Tours and Transfers – How to Get Around Vava’u
Meanwhile, on the water, boat tours are likely to include visits to Swallows’ Cave, Coral Gardens, various islands and snorkelling spots. These can be day-long motorboat tours to multi-day yacht excursions. Compare the offerings of tours in The 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours of Vava’u. Some of these tours couple up as an island resort transfer if the resort’s boats are not available (usually organised through your resort). Boats are also available to charter for island transfers or island-hopping, which is best booked through the Vava’u Visitor Information Fale in Neiafu – see A Guide to Boat Transfers & Water Taxis in Tonga to learn more.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Cruises to Vava’u – How to Get to Vava’u
Vava’u is on the itinerary of several cruise ships sailing the South Pacific islands from around the Pacific Rim. Cruise ships anchor offshore of Neiafu, where tenders provide regular services between the ship and Neiafu throughout the one-day stay. Shore excursion activities are available to make the most of your visit to Vava’u. Find out more about how to get to Vava’u via cruise ship in the 10 Cruises That Visit Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.com10. Sailing to Vava’u – How to Get to Vava’u
With the exception of the cyclone season (November to April), Neiafu in Vava’u is the official port of entry for Tonga. For those who arrive in Vava’u by private yacht, you will need to go through the entry customs at the Ports Authority. Find out more about visiting Tonga via yacht and the protocols involved in our Sailing Guide to Tonga: Tips for Yachting in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com[BONUS] Kayak Tours – How to Get Around Vava’u
Finally, for a unique adventure around the islands of Vava’u, Friendly Islands Kayaking Co. (FIKCO) offers multi-day kayaking holidays. Paddle from island to island, either staying in resorts or camping on secluded island beaches, on one of FIKCO’s 3- to 9-day packages. As epic as it might sound, these trips are still family-friendly offering a soft adventure experience – so why not give it a go?! Learn more about these tours in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.
© Friendly Islands Kayak CompanyMore About Transport in Vava’u
That’s it for our guide to Vava’u transport with the ways to get around Vava’u, as well as how to get to Vava’u. If you have more questions about travelling around Vava’u, check out the following guides:
- The Driving Times in Tonga You Need to Know
- The Complete Travel Guide to Vava’u
- Tonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get Around Tonga
Finally, see where your transport can take you with our itineraries: The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Tonga Itineraries for 3 Days.
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