Group going to tonga

woodley04:16 UTC07 Oct 2007

Hi there!
I am going to tonga at the start of november with 3 other friends and i was wondering if anyone had some ideas of fun things to do cheap places for a small group to stay? Will we need to book in advance because we were hoping to just go and see what happens? Also what is the story with camping any good spots people want to let us in on??
Any input appreciated
Cheers

wmd04:54 UTC07 Oct 2007

Tonga Tips

Depends how big your group is???

Most places only cater for small groups. If it is a large one then you may have to go up market slightly to a mid range hotel.

You could enquire aT aLI BAH BAHS OR nermima lodge.

If possible would spend a few days on the main island and spend most time on Vavua and Hapia. Aua is awesome if you stay at the hideawy lodge and do the 4*4 trip, especially with Peter. It is only a 7 minute flight and you need two days there.

Must do Vavua is a dive in the underwater cave and the zigalo water boats at Alistair's Dive centre.

Hapai must do is kayaking from matafona lodge around the crystsal clear wateers with the awesome coral reefs.

If time permits a day trip to Pangai Island for a relaxing beer on the jetty. Also an island tour with Tony an English chap that runs a gusthouse. Very good value if you ask me, albeit Tony seems a bit of a rough diamond.

raro09:33 UTC07 Oct 2007

I don't think I saw any campsites on Tongatapu or Vavau.

marinerstonga01:52 UTC08 Oct 2007

Hi there

Captain Cook's on Uoleva Island, Ha'apai is a great spot to stay for a few days and good value for money. A great spot to chill out, snorkel and hang on the beach.

Cheers

tomm12308:52 UTC28 Oct 2007

you can go snorkeling/diving with the humpback whales. im looking into now myself. enjoy!

api10:47 UTC28 Oct 2007

No campsites, and if you did camp you really should ask permission of the person who "owns" the site (particularly if you are a large group). Saying that a few years ago people were taking to camping on Foelifuka Island in the Vava'u group, and someone would come across from Holonga and collect a small fee for this. Foelifuka is gorgeous, but you have to be completely self sufficient (i.e., water, food, something to cook on).

Group going to tonga Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
woodley04:16 UTC07 Oct 2007	Hi there! I am going to tonga at the start of november with 3 other friends and i was wondering if anyone had some ideas of fun things to do cheap places for a small group to stay? Will we need to book in advance because we were hoping to just go and see what happens? Also what is the story with camping any good spots people want to let us in on?? Any input appreciated Cheers
wmd04:54 UTC07 Oct 2007	Tonga Tips Depends how big your group is??? Most places only cater for small groups. If it is a large one then you may have to go up market slightly to a mid range hotel. You could enquire aT aLI BAH BAHS OR nermima lodge. If possible would spend a few days on the main island and spend most time on Vavua and Hapia. Aua is awesome if you stay at the hideawy lodge and do the 4*4 trip, especially with Peter. It is only a 7 minute flight and you need two days there. Must do Vavua is a dive in the underwater cave and the zigalo water boats at Alistair's Dive centre. Hapai must do is kayaking from matafona lodge around the crystsal clear wateers with the awesome coral reefs. If time permits a day trip to Pangai Island for a relaxing beer on the jetty. Also an island tour with Tony an English chap that runs a gusthouse. Very good value if you ask me, albeit Tony seems a bit of a rough diamond.	1
raro09:33 UTC07 Oct 2007	I don't think I saw any campsites on Tongatapu or Vavau.	2
marinerstonga01:52 UTC08 Oct 2007	Hi there Captain Cook's on Uoleva Island, Ha'apai is a great spot to stay for a few days and good value for money. A great spot to chill out, snorkel and hang on the beach. Cheers	3
tomm12308:52 UTC28 Oct 2007	you can go snorkeling/diving with the humpback whales. im looking into now myself. enjoy!	4
api10:47 UTC28 Oct 2007	No campsites, and if you did camp you really should ask permission of the person who "owns" the site (particularly if you are a large group). Saying that a few years ago people were taking to camping on Foelifuka Island in the Vava'u group, and someone would come across from Holonga and collect a small fee for this. Foelifuka is gorgeous, but you have to be completely self sufficient (i.e., water, food, something to cook on).	5