About Vava'u

Tonga Guide

Mount Talau National Park

MOUNT TALAU is a prominent geographical landmark in Vava'u just two kilometres from the main town of Neiafu. 131 metres high, it is a limestone plateau that overlooks Neiafu, the Port of Refuge and the Vava'u archipelago. To preserve the natural and cultural heritage, it has been classified as a National Park and is one of the top sightseeing tours on the main island. There is a road to the trailhead and from there it is an energetic but not difficult hike to the top. Once at the top, there are a number of lookouts, all of which offer the visitor beautiful views and photo opportunities. The park is open 24 hours a day and from the trailhead you would need to allow 45 minutes, though you will probably wish to linger and enjoy the views! Note: there are no toilet facilities. Wear sturdy shoes (sports shoes ok), take water, mosquito repellent maybe, and a torch (flashlight) depending on time of day. Do NOT litter. Trails (especially the ascent) can be slippery when wet.

1. Trailhead: The Mt Talau trail starts steeply but the route is clear and there are ropes in place to help with the ascent. In wet weather the path can be a bit slippery and so care should be taken. The path immediately enters into forest much of it dominated by tropical hardwood trees which once flourished throughout the islands. An abundant canopy tree is the Motou whose young leaves emerge as a group from a leaf sheath and are originally bright red or pink but later turn dark green.
2. Neiafu Lookout: Upon reaching the top of Mt Talau, follow the trail east (to the right) to the Neiafu Lookout. Several young Ahi (sandalwood) trees can be found growing along this portion of the trail. Ahi is prized for its pleasantly scented wood and was commonly used for carvings and to make scented oil. It is now extremely endangered. From this vantage point is a perfect view of the world-famous Port of Refuge harbour and of Neiafu, along with the eastern outer islands.
3. Vaipua Lookout: Continuing northeast along the trail brings you to the Vaipua Lookout. Exposed coral rock lies along this trail, the result of periods of plate tectonic uplift. Pressure from the Pacific plate being forced under the Indo-Australian plate has, over many years, pushed coral capped seamounts above the ocean surface creating the unique terraced shape of the hills and islands of Vava'u, including Mt Talau. The view looks over the Vaipua Inlet and the Vaipua Causeway. The bridge portion of the causeway is the only bridge found in the predominantly flat and riverless Kingdom of Tonga. (2009 note: this bridge is currently damaged and impassable).
4. 'Utulei Lookout: The trail takes you past a Longolongo (cycad) tree. Longolongo are ancient plants and many fossilised imprints of their palm-like leaves have been found all over the world. They are slow growing and mature trees are hundreds of years old. This lookout is just by the path on the left about 100 metres from the Vaipua Lookout.
5. 'Alo-'i-Talau Lookout: The access path to the 'Alo-'I-Talau (literally 'birth of Talau') Lookout is downhill and leads towards a small rock outcropping. This part of the trail is not suitable for young children. Climb up the rock outcropping to see the dramatic westward view of the route into the Port of Refuge. Spectacular sunsets may be seen from this lookout during the summer months. There is a good view of the small round island of Lotuma, which is the fabled top of Mt Talau. The beautiful red seeds of the Lopa tree can be seen here. The seeds are edible but the hard red shell is difficult to break. Lopa seeds are used for jewellery making the the hard wood for carvings.