Camping and other budget accommodation in Tonga

Anyone know about camping options in Tonga, particularly Vava'u and Ha'apai? I read that Kenutu Island is a nice place to camp, but do you need to ask permission from someone? And do any of you know anything about the Mafana Island Beach campsite?

Other suggestions for accommodation on Vavau's outer islands would be helpful. We might spring for a couple of nights in a top-end resort, but apart from that we'd like to keep it cheap (and we like camping). Oh, and we're thinking of renting kayaks to get from place to place, if that makes a difference. Will be in August, probably. Thanks!

Hi there,

camping is not allowed by law in all of Tonga. If you ask some land owner, they might give you permission, but strictly speaking it is a crime. There´s some budget guesthouses on Ha'apai´s main island Lifuka, all quite close to town and nice deserted beaches alike.

In Vava'u I can really recommend the Portwine Guesthouse in Neiafu. It is the cheapest palce to stay with only four, very clean and comfy rooms and clean shared bathroom. It is run by a lovely old Tongan lady and her son and daughter-in-law, who speak very good English and are very friendly and helpful. It´s just a two minute walk from the center.

Mafana has got tipis for accommodation, I am not sure if you can camp there. I know the owner Behan and his friends and can find out their email address if you like.

"we're thinking of renting kayaks to get from place to place....."

Think again-no one rents Kayaks without a guide and tours aren't cheap.Check with the yacht charter places maybe they have a few spare units they can let you have-expect to pay one arm and one leg for the privilege

The old Coco-net Cafe used to rent power boats no idea who owns the place now or if they're still running it the same.

You're going to have a tough time of it on the cheap apart from a few places in Neiafu, getting around the smaller islands is impossible without a boat.

Thanks a lot for your replies! Sounds like maybe Ha'apai is the place to go, then, for budget guesthouses and kayak rental. I did a bit of googling and the Happy Ha'apai Divers website says they rent kayaks without a guide, so that would work nicely.

I also found contact details for the Mafana Island place on their website, so maybe I'll get in touch with them to see if they do kayak rentals too. The Port Wine place sounds lovely - thanks finsnflukes, that was helpful.

You will certainly enjoy Ha'apai and there are a few nice budget guesthouses. Just to give you another option: The Fins 'n' Flukes dive base is located on Ha'apai´s main island Lifuka, close to all the budget accommodation. We also rent kayaks without a guide that you could take out for a few nice day trips. I am not sure what your plans are and if you intend to take camping gear with you on them etc. On our kayaks you can take a small daypack, snorkeling gear etc.; however, they are not suitable for taking camping gear or big backpacks.

Good luck with planning your trip and maybe see you around.

Good to know - thanks for the information!

Two friends of mine have started a project called Barefoot Tonga on Fofoa, part of the Vava'u group. It would definitely appeal to adventurous types who might be considering backpacker and camping style travel. They are running month-long experiences where you live on the island in basic fales, help construct some sustainable dwellings, get involved with the permaculture garden and help out at the local village school.

The project also includes diving and whale swimming in season. I haven't been out there myself but I'm desperate to! I'm the contact point in Australia/NZ for them instead. So if anyone is heading that way and thinks it sounds like something they'd be interested in, the website address is www.barefoot-tonga.com. Hope this doesn't sound too much like an ad!

cheers,

Gemma