Niuatoputapu

Niuatoputapu lies in Tonga's far north, closer to Samoa than to Tongatapu, a low island with an old volcanic ridge running down its middle and wide reef flats around it, holding a few hundred people in three villages. It was hit hard by the 2009 tsunami and rebuilt on higher ground. Yachts crossing between Samoa and Vava'u call here, and there is very little else. The name means very sacred coconut, and the island was an important stop on old inter-island voyaging routes.

What you actually see

• The central ridge - the old volcanic spine running through the island.
• The reef flats - the wide shallow shelf around the shore.
• The three villages - the settlements holding the island's population.
• The yacht anchorage - the stop used by boats crossing from Samoa.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Flights are irregular and cancelled often. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Honest expectations

Transport is a small plane running rarely or a supply ship; being stranded is normal. There is no accommodation beyond staying with families. Supplies are limited and should be brought.

Nearby

Tafahi is north, and Niuafo'ou is west.