The Niuas Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Any trip to the Niuas should be approached with flexibility, as weather conditions often cause delays and cancellations of services. Airlines Tonga Air Fiji (Airlines Tonga; 23690; fax 23238; www.airlinestonga.com) flies from Tongatapu via Vava'u for Niutoputapu's Mata'aho Airport (one-way fare from Tongatapu/Vava'u T$390/245) and Niuafo'ou's Queen Lavinia Airport (T$430/285).

The MV 'Olovaha travels the 240km distance north from Vava'u to Niuatoputapu roughly once every six weeks (depending on government subsidies). It continues to Niuafo'ou (640km north and slightly west of Tongatapu), returning a couple of days later on the long (2½-day) return journey to Tongatapu. Getting to Niuafo'ou by boat is a fraught business as the island lacks a decent anchorage or landing site, leaving access to the mercy of wind and waves. And if the weather isn't at its best, the boat must turn around and leave without stopping. Always check the 'Olovaha's schedule in Nuku'alofa before you make any plans to visit the Niuas by sea.

Most visitors to the Niuas arrive on the 100-odd cruisers that pass through en route to Samoa, Fiji and Tonga's Vava'u Group, generally between the months of June and September. During this season you may be able to join a crew on a yacht deapting from 'Apia (Samoa) or from Pago Pago (American Samoa) for Niuatoputapu.