A new port for us—hooray!
Neiafu is the main town in the Vava’u island group, located in the northern part of the Kingdom of Tonga. With a population of around 5,000 residents, it’s the second-largest town in the country after Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu. The town sits at the head of the beautiful Port of Refuge harbor—often called one of the most picturesque natural harbors in the South Pacific.
A Bit of History
Vava’u has long been an important center of Tongan culture and maritime activity. Early European explorers, including Captain James Cook in the late 1700s, noted the group’s fertile land and safe anchorage. Neiafu became a vital port for traders, whalers, and missionaries during the 19th century. Today, it serves as Tonga’s hub for sailing tourism and inter-island commerce.
Fishing, vanilla farming, and tourism are the main industries here. The harbor attracts yachts from around the world, especially between May and October when the weather is perfect for cruising.
Shore Excursions and First Impressions
There are several shore excursions offered here, both from the ship and through local vendors waiting on shore. A word of caution when booking with local operators—make sure the vehicle they plan to use meets your expectations. We chatted with some fellow guests who booked a tour for eight people, expecting a van, but were greeted instead by a pickup truck with wooden slats for benches in the bed! They wisely declined and found another vendor.
We decided to simply explore on foot around town. A local taxi driver offered a ride to a nearby resort for $40 USD each way—just a ten-minute drive—and you were also required to buy lunch for access to the beach. That might make sense if you’re splitting costs with others, so it’s worth chatting with fellow travelers ahead of time to organize shared transport.
Around Town
After disembarking the tender, we were greeted by a local performance group at the pier—a lovely, warm welcome. From there, turn right and head up the main street toward St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which stands proudly at the end of the road. The street is lined with small shops, cafés, and restaurants, many offering great harbor views and free Wi-Fi.
We wandered over to the old port area, where wild pigs graze freely in the fields—quite a sight! The atmosphere in Neiafu is relaxed and friendly. We noticed several schools nearby, with students smartly dressed in uniforms—some in blue and white, others in green and white.
The students were eager to have their photos taken, and we enjoyed chatting with them and soaking in the local vibe.
A Note on the Wild Side
One small word of caution: there are wild dogs roaming the streets. Most are harmless and keep to themselves, but when we wandered a bit beyond the main area, a few dogs packed together and bared their teeth, giving us quite a scare. Best to stay in the central parts of town if you’re exploring on foot.
Final Thoughts
Neiafu offers a wonderful glimpse into authentic island life—colorful, welcoming, and unhurried. The sail-in and sail-away are absolutely stunning, with emerald islands dotting the horizon and turquoise water all around. Be sure to grab a deck chair for the departure and enjoy the views for a good hour and a half as you slowly cruise out of one of the prettiest harbors in the South Pacific.
Mālō ‘aupito, Neiafu! Until next time. 🌴
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