Experiences at the lodge
Swimming with the Whales
Matafonua Lodge, being located in the elbow of Ha’ano and Foa Islands, gives us access to one of the best whale nursery areas in Tonga. With female Humpbacks coming back to the same locations to give birth and nurse their new born calves. Come enjoy the majesty of the mighty Humpback Whale as they migrate to our warm tropical waters for the winter months. We offer daily trips with a maximum of 8 passengers aboard our 2 fully licensed vessels to watch and swim with these gentle giants. Most days from the beach here at Matafonua you can see them frolic in the shallow water surrounding Foa Island. Your day is spent watching, swimming and learning about the whales. Your trip is led by one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Kiteboarding
Unspoiled beaches, endless shallow lagoons, and consistent trade winds are the recipe for a great kiteboarding spot, and here we have them all. Being on the northern tip of the island, we have over 300 degrees of exposure to the wind, so if its blowing you can kite from here on our beach. Work your way a little upwind to the reef edge of the lagoon and you have clean undisturbed wind from the Pacific allowing you to cruise for miles.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
The lagoon directly in front of your Fale is blessed with some of the best snorkeling in Tonga. Just 20 meters from where you sleep is an amazing coral reef and crystal clear water with pipe fish, anemone fish and white mouth eels to mention just a few. In the channel between our beach and the island of Nuku Namu you will find larger pelagics we also have a family of leopard sharks that live in the channel and numerous rays. Just 500 metres into the lagoon you will find the Matafonua lagoon reef, marked with a buoy for easy discovery, this is the most amazing snorkeling. Just 2 metres deep with clean clear water provided everyday from the Pacific, here you will find the most bio-diversity offered anywhere in the Tongan Archipelago.
Kayaking
Double and single Kayaks are available for you to explore the large lagoon, visit the nearby uninhabited island of Nuku Namu. Have the kitchen make up a picnic lunch, pack snorkeling gear and make a day of it. When the swell is co-operative we have a great little wave at the end of our beach perfect for hours of fun.
Paddleboarding
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is currently one of the fastest growing water sports. We have several options available here starting with the "Red" inflatable boards perfect for beginners extremely large and stable. Then for the more adventurous we have a selection of fiberglass boards in various sizes great for a stroll in the lagoon or hanging ten in the surf.
Beth Taylor
Beautiful property. The fales were exactly what you’d imagine on the paradise beach where it is located, the shared bathrooms were maintained well and the decor was modern and stylish while maintaining the paradise island theme.
Beaches and views were breathtaking and made full use of free activities which include snorkel and fin hire, kayaks and bike hire. On site restaurant provided delicious, albeit slightly overpriced, food all day (we found no other option for food so bought from the restaurant for our entire stay, this is an added expense – higher costs may be due to import costs?).
We did not receive a welcome talk (we arrived at 1am) while other guests did, this would have been helpful to know what was available/best times to do the activities etc. We ended up asking the owner, who was always on site, questions which would have been covered in the welcome talk.
Amazing wildlife to see, leopard (zebra) sharks, eagle rays and a large variety of fish on your doorstep.
Overall a delightful stay and would highly recommend for all groups; couples, friends and families.
Akram Darwazeh
So this is the most unique place I’ve ever visited.
Somehow Darren and Nina have created the perfect communal and social environment to mingle with other guests without “forced fun” like other resorts do. They really do put their hearts into this place and you can tell from the moment you check in.
You’re on a very remote island so definitely be aware you’re not going to get the luxury of some corporate resort but honestly who wants that these days anyway. If you love the ocean and love meeting people get yourselves on the weight list and go here!!
Jessica Terry
Our stay at Matafonua was amazing. The fales were beautiful. Staff were all friendly, helpful and accommodating. We enjoyed spending our time snorkelling at the resort, relaxing, kayaking and exploring.
The meals and drinks served at the restaurant were all amazing also. Dinner with all of the other guests and staff was nice.
Before arriving when we initially contacted the resort the staff helped us arrange transport, accommodation and flights to and from Ha’Apai from Tongatapu. It was so great to have this help.
Could not recommend this place more.
Janick Foden
Dream holiday in a million dollar location with a dedicated crew of staff.
Darren, Nina, Lily and Tim were amazing. The snorkeling was epic, loved the fale with super comfortable beds, great food. Holidays any where else will struggle to compete with this one!
Richard Harris
Breathtakingly beautiful spot. Literally every time you turn you’re gob smacked by the scenery and the colours of the water.
Darren and Nina do an amazing job of providing an affordable retreat experience with the luxury of amazing meals and a beautiful sleep. We snorkelled, experienced whales, kayaked, ate, walked, swam in crystal clear waters and made friends.
The communal dining brings everyone together at the end of a sun soaked day. Travelling in Tonga has its challenges but this place is worth the effort. Not for everyone but we found exactly what we were looking for.