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Ha’apai is the way the South Pacific used to be….

The peace and tranquility of deserted beaches, uninhabited islands to explore, whale encounters, world-class snorkeling, incredible diving and some of the best swimming beaches in the South Pacific. These two resorts are located next to each other on the quiet northern tip of Foa Island, only a short flight from the mainland.
 
With its white sand beaches, warm climate, and picture perfect lagoon, choice of two levels of Accommodation, and 2 great restaurants to choose from, this is the ultimate Pacific holiday destination.
Sandy Beach Resort & Matafonua Lodge are situated 400 meters apart on one of the South Pacific's most beautiful beaches on the northern tip of Foa Island. It is 12 km to the airport and 14 km to Pangai, the capital of the Ha'apai island group, which are both located on Lifuka Island. Foa & Lifuka are linked by a causeway.
 
Juergen Stavenow originally moved to Tonga in 1987 and lived with his family in Tongatapu where they owned and operated the Seaview Restaurant. In January 1994 Juergen and his wife left Tongatapu, relocated to Ha’apai and broke ground on the Sandy Beach location. The entire resort was built by villagers from Faleoa using axes, shovels and spades. The largest tool was a 2kva hand generator for the drill and circular saw. During the two-year construction period, 15 villagers were employed full-time. The resort was officially opened on the 15th May 1995.
 
In 2004 Juergen realised that there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled to attract families and younger travellers to Ha’apai and so came about the building of Matafonua Lodge. Matafonua was opened in June 2006.
 
Since 2010 Darren and Nina Rice have run Matafonua Lodge and as of the 1st July 2017 will also be running Sandy Beach Resort as after years of hard work and dedication Juergen will finally be retiring and doing some traveling.
 
Darren & Nina have a long history in tourism having started working in the dive industry in 1990. Their work has taken them all over the world working at some of the finest resorts and on live aboard dive boats until they finally came to rest in Tonga with their 3 young children.
Since the resorts opened they have always employed the majority of their staff from the local village supporting the local community wherever possible. In a further effort to support the local economy we also source and buy local fish, seafood and vegetables.
Sustainability is a concept we don’t take lightly. The resort is built to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Getting Here

 
Three International Airlines fly to the capital, Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu Island: Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways. There are direct flights from Auckland, Sydney and Fiji.
 
After arriving in our capital it is a short hop on our domestic airline, Real Tonga. It would be advisable to have some local currency on hand for the short taxi ride from the international to the domestic terminal, alternatively we can arrange the taxi for you. We would also be happy to book your domestic and/or international flights for you. We can organise local hotels in Nuku’alofa should you want to stay before or after traveling to Ha’apai.
If you have plenty of time and are flexible there is also the option to take the local ferry to Ha’apai, which visits once a week, usually departing Nuku’alofa on a Monday night and arriving here the following morning. There is no fixed schedule though so leave yourself plenty of scope to meet International flights.

Visa

Visitors from most countries, including New Zealand, UK, USA and Australia, may enter Tonga without a visa for a period no longer than 30 days. Travelers from some countries do require a visa. Check with your travel agent, contact your local consulate or contact the immigration department here in Tonga directly via visatonga@gmail.com or phone (676) 26969 or (676) 26970
 
**** MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS LEFT ON YOUR PASSPORT OR YOU MAY BE DENIED ENTRY****
 

Climate

Overall, Tonga is said to have one of the best climates in the South Pacific. The average annual daytime temperature is a comfortable 75F/23C. In the summer, from December to April, the temperatures can be warmer and from May to November the days are cooler and dryer. Anytime of the year is a perfect time to visit.

Dress

Light summer clothing is suitable year round although the evenings may be cool in winter. You can wear your bathing suits or bikini at the resorts and nearby beaches. We kindly ask that when in villages and town you dress modestly. If you wish to visit a church service while you are here (the singing is phenomenal) then you should plan to dress conservatively for that.

Electricity

The electricity is 240 volts and 50HZ, which is the same as Australia and New Zealand. Sockets are three pronged, the upper two prongs being angled and flat the same as New Zealand and Australia. All fales have power 24 hours a day.

Water

The resorts use only rain water. We provide water for drinking in your fale each day, have a constant supply of free cold water in the restaurant and provide water if you are taking one of our boat excursions. It is clean and probably the sweetest water you will come across. We discourage the use of plastic water bottles and if you like to take water to the beach we suggest that you bring a reusable water bottle for that.


Internet

Wi-Fi is available and is free in common areas.


Sunday

Sunday is, by law, a day of rest. There are no flights or ferries and all shops are closed. The resort is allowed to operate as usual with the exception of diving and whale watching, which is not allowed.


History

Traces of settlements of Lapita culture from around 1500 BC have been found in Ha'apai as well as ancient rock carvings (Petroglyohs).
 
The first European to visit Haʻapai was Abel Tasman in 1643. Captain James Cook made several stops on the islands in 1774 and 1777 and gave them the name of Friendly Islands . Fletcher Christian arrived on 28 April 1789 and Captain William Bligh of the Bounty visited the volcanic island of Tofua.
 
In 1806 William Mariner arrived on the ship Port-au-Prince. While they were anchored off  Lufuka island they were attacked by  by Tongan warriors and most of the crew were killed. Mariner was captured and lived for four years in Tonga before he was found by a passing English ship and returned to England.


Geography

Ha’apai is made up of 51 islands, only 17 of which are inhabited, and is considered the heart of Tonga. The Tongan royal family has its roots here and everyday life is still rich in tradition.
 
Lying directly west of the Tonga Trench, it is a chain of volcanic islands including Kao, the highest point in the kingdom standing at 1,046 metres (3,432 ft). The archipelago lies 204 kilometers (127 mi) north of Tongatapu and 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Vava’u.
 

Accommodation

The 12 fales at Sandy Beach Resort are situated in a beachfront tropical garden setting. The comfortably furnished rooms have tiled floors and each fale has a private terrace with a view of the crystal clear Pacific Ocean. Fales may be configured with two twin beds or one king-sized bed and each has it’s own table and chairs, fan, wardrobe and tea and coffee making facilities.Spacious ensuite bathrooms have a large washbasin, WC and a large, fully tiled shower.  There is plenty of solar-powered hot water with good water pressure.
 
The main building incorporates the reception, office, restaurant and bar.
 
We have an extensive library with books in several languages and a giftshop where you can purchase T-Shirts and locally made handicraft items.
 
If we dont have what you are looking for please check out our sister property Matafonua Lodge, which shares all the activities with us and is only 400 meters along the western beach.
 
The large dining terrace invites you to rest and relax at any time of day. The bar and restaurant are open from early until late offering a selection of food, beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. We also have a continuous supply of chilled green coconut water, which is renowned for its health properties and is a refreshing drink. For something with more punch, try Juergi’s special coconut cocktail!
 
Tonga is famous for its abundance of excellent fish and lobster and these are showcased daily in our fine dining restaurant. Our chef prepares fresh specialties which change daily and can cater for most dietary needs (please just let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements).

For a more casual dining experience you are welcome to book into the restaurant at Matafonua Lodge (space permitting).

 

ACTIVITIES

SCUBA DIVING

Boardthe dive boat just metres from your Fale. From there depart for one of the dozens of nearby reef systems and coral bombies, which offer some of the South Pacific’s most unspoiled and rarely visited dive experiences. From soft coral gardens to hard coral bombies, swim throughs and tunnel systems and offshore pinnacles this truly is a diverse marine environment. With regular sightings of the big stuff like sharks, tuna and manta rays, to colourful nudibranchs and shrimps plus everything in between. Visibility averages 100ft /30m but can often exceed that, water temps range from 24C to 28C. This year with the remodeled dive boat, new engines and larger fuel tanks we will have access to some rarely visited pinnacles at the northern end of Ha’apai which will offer some very exciting diving! Beach Diving is available from TOP$100 We also offer a full range of dive courses from a one day dive experience for the non qualified diver to a full open water course and beyond.
 

KITEBOARDING

Unspoiled beaches, endless shallow lagoons, and consistent trade winds are the recipe for a great kiteboarding spot, and here we have them all. Being on the northern tip of the island, we have over 300 degrees of exposure to the wind, so if its blowing you can kite from here on our beach. Work your way a little upwind to the reef edge of the lagoon and you have clean undisturbed wind from the Pacific allowing you to cruise for miles.
 
IKO certified Kiteboarding instructors are available to hone your skills, learn new tricks or assist you from one of our inflatables

WHALE SWIMMING

Being located in the elbow of Ha’ano and Foa Islands, gives us access to one of the best whale nursery areas in Tonga. With female Humpbacks coming back to the same locations to give birth and nurse their new born calves.
 
Come enjoy the majesty of the mighty Humpback Whale as they migrate to our warm tropical waters for the winter months. We offer daily trips with a maximum of 8 passengers aboard our 2 fully licensed vessels to watch and swim with these gentle giants. Most days from the beach here at the resort you can see them frolic in the shallow water surrounding Foa Island.
 
Trips leave daily and include a delicious lunch, home baked snacks, tea coffee and water. Your day is spent watching, swimming and learning about the whales. We usually anchor at a shallow reef or deserted island for some lunch and snorkeling. Your trip is led by one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides.
 
Our approach here is to be patient, of utmost importance is the well being of the whales. It should be remembered that it is a privilege to swim with the whales and by giving them absolute respect and care we are usually rewarded with a much better in-water experience.

SNORKELING

The lagoon at the end of the island is blessed with some of the best snorkeling in Tonga. Just meters from where you sleep is an amazing coral reef and crystal clear water with pipe fish, anemone fish and white mouth eels to mention just a few.
 
In the channel between our beach and the island of Nuku Namu you will find larger pelagics we also have a family of leopard sharks that live in the channel and numerous rays.
 
Just 500 metres  into the lagoon you will find the  lagoon reef, marked with a buoy for easy discovery, this is the most amazing snorkeling. Just 2 metres deep with clean clear water provided everyday from the Pacific, here you will find the most  bio-diversity offered anywhere in the Tongan Archipelago.
Complimentary snorkel equipment is provided for guests.

STAND UP PADDLE

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is currently one of the fastest growing water sports. We have several options available here starting with the "Red" inflatable boards perfect for beginners extremely large and stable. Then for the more adventurous we have a selection of fiberglass boards in various sizes great for a stroll in the lagoon or hanging ten in the surf.
Daily safaris and sunset trips are available from our water sport guides we even offer a floodlit nighttime paddle over the reef in the shallow lagoon.
Also a great way to keep fit we also offer SUP fitness and SUP yoga classes.

KAYAKS

Double and single Kayaks are available for you to explore the large lagoon, visit the nearby uninhabited island of Nuku Namu.
Have the kitchen make up a picnic lunch, pack snorkeling gear and make a day of it.
 
When the swell is co-operative we have a great little wave at the end of our beach perfect for hours of fun.

BUSH AND REEF WALK

With miles of bush walking trails leading to lookouts and secret beaches there is plenty of exploring to be done by foot. At low tide take a walk out into the lagoon to see the reef edge and our resident colony of Spanish Dancers (nudibranch).
Join one of our guided trips or make your own way.
 
HORSE RIDING

Horses are still used here in Ha'apai as a form of transport and for work.
Horse riding is offered here from our local village, ride through the bush, gallop on the beach and even take your horse for a swim in the ocean, a great way for all to cool off. Please note this is done island style, bare back no saddle !

FREEDIVING

Freediving is one of the earliest forms of diving and has been around for thousands of years. From the Ama pearl divers from Japan 2000 years ago to the Greeks sponge divers.
The history of free diving in Polynesia has always been strong.
We have free diving instructors on staff to teach formal classes or just give you a few tips to improve your underwater swimming ability.
We can arrange half day trips out to some amazing reef and cave structures to test your breath holding ability in the safety of an organized group. 

Yoga

twice daily yoga sessions are available from our on site instructor

BICYCLES

Bicycles are offered complementary to our guests. Ride into Pangai, the main town on the island, only 14 km (8 miles) to the south, ride across the runway and traverse the causeway between the 2 islands.  Visit Mariner's cafe for a refreshing drink and some lunch before setting off back for the northern tip of the island.

FISHING

Half day game fishing trips to troll for blue water fish like Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Wahoo or go to the reef to cast for Giant Trevally, leave from the resort daily weather depending.
 

HOUMALE'EIA PETROGLYPHS

At the southern end of the eastern beach is the archeological site of the petroglyphs. Beach erosion revealed the ancient rock art when an Australian couple noticed man made engravings on the flat rock in 2008. There are over 50 petroglyphs that have remained buried for hundreds of years, the style corresponds to Hawaiian carvings dating from 1200.AD – which raises some interesting questions! 

 

HA'ANO CULTURAL TOUR

We have been working with the womens group from the island of Ha'ano for several years now to provide a cultural experience for our guests
 
You are picked up by local boat at 10am and formally met at the wharf in the village of Ha'ano on the island of Kauvai just a 15 minute ride away. You spend the day with the local villagers being shown around the island. Activities include local handicraft demonstrations, beautiful singing and traditional dancing from the children at the local school and an amazing lunch feast.
A quick snorkel on the beach before arriving back at the resort  mid afternoon.
All proceeds for this trip go to the people of Ha'ano. 
 


 

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WE PAY 50$ PP FOR EVERY BOOKING WITH US. WE DONT CHAGE ANY PAYMENT FOR BOOKINGS WITH TOUR OPERATORS.
TRANSFER FROM/TO AIRPORT IS  5 MINUTES ONLY

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