Tafahi

Tafahi rises steeply out of the sea north of Niuatoputapu, a volcanic cone of around six hundred metres with one village on its lower slope and gardens climbing behind it, and it is known for the vanilla and kava grown on the rich volcanic soil. The climb to the summit takes a few hours through plantation and forest. From the top Niuatoputapu and, on clear days, Samoa are visible.

What you actually see

• The cone - a steep volcanic island rising around six hundred metres.
• The single village - the one settlement on the lower slope.
• The plantations - vanilla and kava grown on the volcanic soil.
• The summit view - Niuatoputapu below and Samoa on clear days.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Boat crossings depend entirely on the sea. Cloud often covers the summit.

Honest expectations

The crossing is an open boat run of about an hour and is cancelled in any swell. The climb is steep and muddy with no maintained path. Getting to Niuatoputapu first is itself difficult.

Nearby

Niuatoputapu is south, and Samoa is northeast.