Mt Talau National Park

Introducing Mt Talau National Park

Mt Talau (131m), the flat-topped mountain dominating the Port of Refuge, is protected in the Mt Talau National Park. The marked trail through the park (45-minute circuit) leads steeply over slippery rocks to the summit, linking four viewpoints from which you can get your bearings while scanning stunning views of Neiafu, the Port of Refuge, the Vaipua causeway and the 128m-high Sia Ko Kafoa across Vaipua Inlet. The truncated mountain off in the distance is 186m-high Mo'ungalafa, rising above the freshwater Lake 'Ano at the west end of Vava'u Island. Mt Talau is a good place for contemplative sundowners, though pack a torch.

To get to the trailhead, head west along Tapueluelu Rd for about 2km from the centre of Neiafu until you reach a small car park.

Walking here you may see the rare fokai (banded lizard); hengehenga (Tongan whistler), a rare and distinctive bird - males have bright yellow chests; and, at dusk, peka (flying fox). Pick up the map and guide to the park from the TVB for details of other flora and fauna in the park.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009