Mounu Island, Tonga
Previous Page
Mounu is situated to the south of the Vava'u Archipelago. Mounu is the
southern most inhabited island in the Vava'u group; a 6.5 acre coral atoll
fringed with white coral sands surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. We cater
for a maximum of 8 guests.
Mounu is proud to be an eco-resort. We utilise solar power with
12,24,110,240 volts being available. Rain water is collected, stored in
tanks then filtered for use. The resort is connected with the outside
world by VHF radio telephone. We provide and serve local organic foods
and we recycle where possible. Laundry and postal services are
available.
The Kingdom of Tonga is spread over 1000 nautical miles and divided into 3
groups: Tongatapu, the captial in the South; Ha'apai in the middle; and Vava'u
in the North. The Kingdom sits on the International Date Line and is the first
country in the world to see in the sunrise.
Vava'u lies 240km north of Tongatapu and consists of over 50 islands, Mounu
being in the south. Vava'u is a short flight from Nukua'alofa, and about 2 1/2
hours from New Zealand. International Flight services into Nuku'alofa are
provided by Air NZ, Polynesian Airlines. Internal flights are serviced by Peau
Vava'u Airlines which also operates out of Pango Pango, Samoa once a week.
We can recommend a number of gamefishing vessels that you can hire to catch
your dream fish. Small Snapper, Long Toms, Trevely and Coral Trout can be caught
from off the beach and cooked to your liking by the Moby Dicks chef.
Water Sports
The reef around Mounu is bubbling with fish life and there are some
pretty patches of coral. Snorkelling equipment is available in most sizes, free
of charge. Sea Kayaks are also available for use. The closest island to Mounu,
Ovalau, is deserted and an easy 15 minute kayak ride. We will happily pack your
lunch so that you can head off to your own deserted island for the day. Diving
is a must with amazing coral reefs and spectacular drop offs. If you are a first
time diver, we can arrange for you to sit a Resort Divers Course. We use the
Ricki Tiki Tours, a company that is based in Neiafu and knows all the spots!
Vava'u Lahi Land Tours
Join Eva for a magical tour of the main Island. Visit the eastern side
with its stunning cliffs and views, trek the national park with its amazing
lookout over the Neiafu Harbour, trek to the caves, view local woman weaving
baskets and mats and perhaps you will hear the Tongan whistler (native bird).
Half day or full day tours available with Eva. A wonderful and educational look
at the real Tonga.
Fish Feeding
The fish are fed daily in front of the restaurant. Join the feeding or
don a mask and snorkel to get really close.
Bird Watching
The remote uninhabited islands to the south of Mounu are home to
prolific colonies of sea birds. Day trips can be made to these islands where we
will take you ashore to view at close range the habitat and behavior of the
numerous species. For the past couple of years we have invested time into
research, monitoring and preserving these islands for the continuous breeding
and protection of the birds.
Kick Back and Relax
Grab a book from our extensive library, find a hammock, unwind and
relax. Forget the cares of the world, move into Tongan time...
Whale Watching with Whale Watch Vava'u
The warm waters surrounding Vava'u make ideal calving and mating
grounds for the magnificent Humpback Whale.
The Southern Humpback Whale migrates to Tonga from Antarctica, a journey of
6000 miles. From the month of July through to November, the whales can been seen
and heard frolicking.
Whale Watch Vava'u has two capable vessels available for charter, so you can
get up close and personal with them. Phoenix and Lulutahi were purpose built in
New Zealand. Lulutahi has seating for 12 passengers, ladder for easy access to
and from the water, life jackets and safety equipment, toilet and viewing
platform. We have a hydrophone onboard, so listening to the male's song is
possible. Some days the song will ring clearly through the hull of the boat. We
also have a range of snorkelling gear available free of charge. Phoenix has
seating for 8 passengers and all other equipment that is mentioned above for
Lulutahi. Cost per person per day is T$150.
Phoenix, our other whale watching vessel, is used exclusively for Mounu
Island Resort guests. However, when not in charter with guests, she becomes
available to the public.
Code and Conduct:
We were the first licenced operator in Tonga and have been operating
now for over 10 years. We have qualified local guides and experienced crew
aboard who are there to ensure your safety and to find you whales!
We DO NOT harass the whales in anyway.
Conditions permitting, we can take you snorkelling with the whales. This is
done in small guided groups. Come away with the team chosen by Channel 7
Australia, Natural History Unit BBC, French Film, Japanese Underwater Films,
TVNZ, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2001, David Attenborough for BBC1
Humpback Whale Special, Chuck and Flip Nicklin for National Geographic magazine,
as well as numerous other media related people.
Accommodation
Mounu accommodation consists of three superior private fales (fale is
the Tongan word for house) and one honeymoon suite. Each fale is situated on its
own piece of private water's edge providing stunning views of the surrounding
islands and reefs.
The architecture of the fale is a modern version of the traditional Tongan
fale combining coconut pole structure with a shingle roof. Large ceilings for
maximum air flow.
All fales have king size beds. 3 fales can be converted to twin rooms. All
fales have toilets, hot shower (califont operated) and private sun deck. Beach
towels provided.
The fales are linked to the restaurant/bar complex through bush walkways or a
wander along the beach.
Meals
We serve, where possible, locally grown organic produce, a bounty of
fresh fish and NZ imported meats. Bread and buns are baked fresh daily on the
Island.
We operate a table d'hote menu. Please advise us if you have any dietary
requirements prior to your arrival so that we can cater to your needs.
Our bar, Moby Dicks, has a fully stocked bar and comprehensive selection of
NZ and Australian Wines. Dining is alfresco and during the whale season you can
see whales swim by while having your breakfast
Price: From $5800 USD per week
Size: 7 Acres
Location: Tonga
)
)
