Horseback riding in South Pacific, Tonga

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- Adventure Week in Vava'u
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Equestrian tours in Tonga, South Pacific
Adventure Week in Vava


Itinerary for Adventure Week in Vava'u



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note that the following itinerary is a sample only and is subject to alterations.
It is possible that route or itinerary changes and/or delays may become necessary for reasons of safety or enhancing the quality of the trip. These disruptions could be due to inclement weather, acts of God, delayed transport, political or cultural considerations, government restrictions, participants’ limitations, or any other cause. If we are unable to paddle, we will endeavor to offer alternate activities (e.g. snorkeling, bush walks, land tours, village tours).
The trip participant shall be responsible for any additional expenses such as accommodation, meals, transport, prepaid airline tickets, fees for visas, etc. in connection with changes and/or delays to a route or itinerary.
If possible, ensure some degree of flexibility in your travel plans. A sense of adventure and tolerance for the unexpected are essential attributes when visiting developing nations such as Tonga where “Tonga Time” is synonymous with delays and waiting.


Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
A driver awaits your arrival at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u and transfers you to your accommodation. Shortly after check-in, your guide welcomes you and confirms the time (normally 4:00pm) and venue for this afternoon's 45-minute orientation talk. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk.
Meals: Not included.
Accommodation in Neiafu


Day 2: Kayaking
A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at The Adventure Centre before departing for 3 nights of camping in the Vava'u Archipelago. Our journey begins at the entrance to the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbor in the Pacific. Inside renowned Swallows Cave, don your mask and snorkel, slip over the edge of the kayak and marvel at the schools of tiny zebra fish and iridescent neon fish. Paddling southeast across a large bay, we reach our lunch stop on the southern side of Kapa Island where snorkelers can enjoy vibrant coral and fish life in the channel. After lunch our Tongan guide navigates our group of paddlers through reef-strewn turquoise waters and across a wide deep channel towards the distinctive tabletop island of 'Euakafa - our campsite tonight.
Meals: L, D (B on own).
Camping: 'Euakafa Island.
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.


Day 3: Kayaking
In the cool hours of the morning, our local guide leads us through lush bush up the mount, explaining traditional Polynesian culinary and medicinal applications of diverse plants along the way. Reaching the site of a royal tomb within the fortress of a Tu'i Tonga king we hear the legend of how the queen met her fate. This afternoon, we paddle to nearby 'Eueiki Island where we can snorkel and, at low tide, explore an immense cave with Tarzan-like vines cascading down through a hole in the cave ceiling. A short paddle across the channel, and we reach tonight's camp on the scenic isthmus of Taunga Island. This evening, the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of roast suckling pork complemented by fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or 'umu. Tasting kava, Tonga's traditional ceremonial drink, and stories around the kava bowl provide an insight into the local culture.
Paddling Time: 2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D.
Camping: Taunga Island (Base Camp).


Day 4: Lay Day
Today, Sunday, is by Tongan law a day of rest and worship. Those who choose to attend the morning church service in Taunga village are impressed by the splendor of the Tongans' elaborate attire and harmonized singing. On Sunday tour operators are not permitted to offer guided physical activities anywhere within the Kingdom. However, as with guests staying at resorts, you may use the kayaks as transport to access recreational areas such as beaches and bays. Exploring on foot the inter-tidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, interconnected by a sand bar at low tide, is a must. Bathing in the warm sea, reading, eating and socializing are also pleasant diversions on this enforced lay day.
Meals: B, L, D.
Camping: Taunga Island (Base Camp).

Day 5: Kayaking to The Adventure Centre
On our paddle westward back to the Port of Refuge we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins or humpback whales. The latter migrate annually to Tonga's warm sheltered waters (July-October) to breed and calve. En route we stop for a picnic lunch and snorkel at Mala Island. Once the home of a cannibal demi-god who ate passing outrigger canoeists, Mala is now home to a friendly tourist resort! From the beach confident swimmers can snorkel across a channel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens. Back at The Adventure Centre, transfer by taxi to your accommodation property and hot showers.
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
Meals: B, L (D on own).
Accommodation: Boathouse Apartments or Pulekoleva Guesthouse (subject to availability).

Day 6: Diving or Sailing
Join our preferred water sport operators for an active morning of scuba diving (two tanks) or a more leisurely day sailing and snorkeling. Vava'u is a marine playground for both activities.
Meals: L provided (B, D on own).
Accommodation in Neiafu
Excursion Time: Diving 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Sailing 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Day 7: Whale Watching / Snorkelling / Sightseeing
A team of whale educators discusses humpback whale migration, mating, surface activity and song. From July through October you can observe the impressive acrobatic displays of these magnificent mammals who migrate from Antarctica annually to breed, give birth and nurse their new-born calves in Tonga's sheltered, warm waters. Outside the whale watch season, enjoy a day of snorkeling, picnicking and sightseeing in the scenic Vava'u Islands.
Meals: L provided (B, D on own).
Accommodation in Neiafu
Excursion Time: 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Day 8: Departure
The trip concludes today with a transfer to Lupepau'u Airport.
Meals: Not included.
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Adventure Week in Vava'u
Tour Code: ZZ-SKEC-11
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : June to October

Level : Fitness Level
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. Easy
Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
2. Easy to Moderate
An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured activity is recommended.
3. Moderate
Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
4. Demanding
You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain.
5. Strenuous
Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc..

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Pace: A moderate level of physical fitness a...

Airport: Tonga’s international airport
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