When your cruise from Auckland docks at the Tongan island port on Vava'u, (Neiafu) shore excursions are designed to show off the island as a laid-back Polynesian paradise replete with spectacular golden sand beaches, abundant marine wildlife, and welcoming people who are eager to share their distinct cultural traditions.
Neiafu, the island’s largest town, is the starting point for Vava'u (Neiafu) shore excursions to the Ene’io Botanical Garden, Tonga’s only botanical garden. Enjoy a guided stroll around the 22-acre park that’s home to over 500 species of native, rare, and exotic plants. Islanders offer demonstrations on jewelry and cloth making, as well as pandanus leaf weaving.
As your Vava'u (Neiafu) shore excursions continue, you’ll take a scenic drive to see the birthplace of modern Tonga, the Pouono Park’s cemetery, where the Vava'u code was first adopted as law and where many important locals have been laid to rest. Stop to admire the awesome views from the towering, flat-topped Mount Talau that rises above the Port of Refuge, and hear about its rich Samoan folklore.
To see the island’s abundant natural wonders, sign on for a Vava'u cruise excursion to sail to the nearby island of Kapa. Here, you can explore Swallows Cave, so named for the swiftlets that breed and inhabit the deep recesses of the cave, then relax on the tranquil white-sand shores of Muihouma Beach.
For a true island escape, take Vava'u (Neiafu) shore excursions to the Tongan Beach Resort. The first stop is a vanilla plantation, where you’ll learn about the history and harvesting of the vanilla bean. Next, get ready to enjoy the hospitality of the Tongan Beach Resort while stopped on your cruise to Neiafu. Sunbathe on a lounge chair set on the sand while sipping a tropical drink and enjoying the ocean breezes, or swim, snorkel, kitesurf, or kayak as you wish.
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