Niuafo'ou

Niuafo'ou is a ring of volcanic land in the far north of Tonga enclosing a large crater lake with islands in it, and it has no harbour: for decades mail was sealed in biscuit tins and swum out to passing ships, which earned it the name Tin Can Island. The volcano has erupted repeatedly and the population was evacuated for years in the mid-twentieth century before returning.

What you actually see

• The crater lake - the large water filling the middle of the island.
• The islands in the lake - land within the water within the ring.
• The Tin Can mail - the sealed-tin post that gave the island its name.
• The volcanic rim - the ring of land around the crater.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Flights are small and irregular and cancellations are normal. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Honest expectations

There is no harbour and no reliable transport; getting stranded for weeks is normal. Accommodation is with families. Volcanic activity is monitored and can restrict access.

Nearby

Niuatoputapu is east, and Vava'u is far south.