Niuatoputapu

The Sacred Island

Niuatoputapu is a flat coral island situated furthest north within the Kingdom of Tonga. Located between Vava’u and Samoa, this ‘sacred island’ is mostly remote and underdeveloped with a noticeably warmer temperature than the other parts of the Kingdom, especially in the southern end.

Commonly referred to as the NIUAS (including the islands of Tafahi & Niuafo’ou), the island is situated near Tonga’s border with Samoa. It is also known as Keppler Island or the Traitors Island, and was referred to this by Dutch explorers; Willie Schouten & Jacob Le Maire, who discovered the island and placed it on the European map during their voyages in the Pacific in 1616.

Niuatoputao consists of three main villages, Hihifo (which means ‘west’ in Tonga), Vaipoa and Falehau. Beautiful beaches and traditional communities surround, with many of its inhabits speaking the Niuatoputapu language. With a volcanic peak (which erupted 3000 years ago) reaching 157 metres high, this island is a great place to explore.

Its remote location benefits the island, making it a truly rare find. It is the one place that still showcases the Tongan traditional communities, ways of living and natural untouched beauty.

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Niuatoputapu to Vava’u Flights

Vava’u to Niuatoputapu

Tongatapu

Tongatapu, known as the ‘Sacred South’, is the main island of Tonga and the launch pad for exploring many of the other islands that surround the Kingdom. Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tongaputa, and the hub for international arrivals, is located on the north coast, and is filled with long stretches of white beaches, charming cafes, and ancient churches. You may even see a few pigs roaming around if you’re lucky.

‘Eua

Hilly and covered in lush rainforest, ‘Eua’s combination of breathtaking beauty and rugged, idiosyncratic landscapes is the perfect destination for travelers. A concise seven-minute flight links Tongatapu to the island of ‘Eua on its southeastern tip, world’s shortest commercial airline flight.

Ha’apai

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, then look no further then Ha’apai, a central island group consisting of 62 islands. Isolated, uninhabited and undiscovered, this tropical paradise is filled with shallow lagoons, deserted beaches, vibrant reefs, giant volcanoes and breaching whales. Travellers can fill in their day with endless activities such as hiking, snorkelling, kayaking or even horseriding along the white sandy beaches.

Vava’u

Truly unspoiled, this remote group of islands are dotted along the Kingdom of Tonga, and offer year-round climate suitable for snorkelling, swimming, sailing and diving. Surrounded by crystal clear water, these 61 islands offer an abundance of activities in and out of the water. For those sailing around the South Pacific, Neiafu, is a popular spot to dock your yacht, allowing you to explore more of Vava’u Islands natural beauty.

Niuatoputapu

Niuatoputao is a flat coral island situated furthest north within the Kingdom of Tonga. Located between Vava’u and Samoa, this ‘sacred island’ is mostly remote and underdeveloped with a noticeably warmer temperature than the other parts of the Kingdom, especially in the southern end.

Niuafo’ou

Niufo’ou, located about 100km west of Niuatoputapu, is one of the world’s most remote islands. From a birds-eye view, this volcanic rimmed island could be compared to a floating donut. The coastline is rocky and steep, with few black sandy beaches. Niuafo’ou, together with Tafahi & Niuatoputapu island are referred to as the Niuas.