Mount Talau National Park

Mount Talau rises just west of Neiafu, a flat-topped hill of around a hundred and thirty metres protected as a small national park, with a short trail up through remnant forest to a viewpoint over the Port of Refuge harbour and the whole Vava'u group. Tongan tradition says the flat top is because a spirit stole the summit. Bats and forest birds live in the trees. At around twenty three hectares it is one of the smallest national parks anywhere, but it protects some of the last original forest left on the island.

What you actually see

• The flat summit - the shape the legend of the stolen peak explains.
• The harbour view - the Port of Refuge and the island group laid out below.
• The remnant forest - the protected trees on the slope.
• The short trail - the walk up from the road to the viewpoint.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Morning is cooler for the climb. Rain makes the path slippery.

Honest expectations

The park is small and two hours covers it. The path is steep in places and muddy after rain. Signage is limited.

Nearby

Neiafu is east, and 'Ene'io is northeast.