Niuafoou
Niuafoou
Niuafo'ou Island lies 640km north of Tongatapu and is the most remote island in Tonga with a population of 735. This island also known as Tin Can Island because of its unusual postal service. Since there was no anchorage or landing site on the island, mail and supplies for residents were sealed up in a biscuit tin and tossed overboard from a passing supply ship. Strong swimmers would retrieve the packages. Outbound mail was tied to the end of long sticks and swimmers would carry them, balanced overhead, out to the waiting ship.Today the harbour still has no anchorage and no wharf. Ships stop about 150m offshore and the crew drops two lines into the water, which are retrieved by swimmers and carried to the cement platform that serves as the landing site.
Attractions
Niuafo'ouis a perfect getaway for those who like exploring, meeting the local people and who can live without the usual tourist amenities such as bars, restaurants, shopping and the like. There is a track leading right around the island, which may be walked in about 6 hours. A visit to Vai Lahi Lake is a must see for all visitors. All around the crater, small trails lead to interesting sites and splendid views of the lake. There are bubbling sulphur springs, lava vents, mounds of volcanic slag and lava tubes. You can spend many happy hours exploring all the interesting trails.
Currency
Pa'anga (TOP)
