Matafonua Lodge

Intro

Intro (new)
Discover the ultimate escape at Matafouna Lodge, where the South Pacific's beauty and adventure await you. Imagine the peace and tranquility of deserted beaches and uninhabited islands just waiting to be explored.

Here, you can encounter majestic whales, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, and dive into some of the best underwater experiences the region has to offer. With its pristine white sand beaches, warm climate, and picture-perfect lagoon, Matafouna Lodge promises a holiday like no other.

Choose from two levels of accommodation and indulge in delicious offerings at two fantastic restaurants.
At a Glance
  • Season: July to October
  • Activities: Diving, paddling & kite-surfing
  • Wildlife: Humpback whales
  • Great For: Swimming with whales

The Lodge

About the Lodge
Our Pacific style fales are absolute beachfront. Step off the covered terrace onto the sandy beach or meander through our lush tropical gardens to the main house, which contains the 24 hour reception, restaurant and bar.

Double Fales have a king size bed or 2 singles

Family Fales have two rooms and can be made up as a king bed and 2 singles, 2 king beds or 4 singles, we can also add a baby crib or pullout bed

Bathrooms are centrally located in the resort are clean and luxurious with a solar hot water system.

Each fale is equipped with electric lights and power points to charge personal electronic devices. Voltage here is 220V and our outlets are the same as Australia and New Zealand (plug adaptors are available).

Our staff here at Matafonua all come from the local village of Faleloa, we pride ourselves on having the friendliest staff in Tonga

Experiences

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.

Why Choose this Lodge?

Why Choose this Lodge
Matafouna Lodge in Tonga is a must-visit for adventure travelers seeking unique experiences.

Here's why:

1. Swimming with Humpback Whales: Experience the thrill of swimming alongside majestic humpback whales during their migration season, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

2. Stunning Location: Nestled in the Ha'apai group, the lodge offers breathtaking views and access to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

3. Rich Wildlife: Explore diverse marine life, including vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

4. Secluded Paradise: Enjoy the tranquility of a remote island setting, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.

5. Authentic Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Tongan culture through local interactions and traditions, enhancing your adventure.

Location

4.8
5 reviews
  • 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.

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Island Lodges | Tonga

Matafonua Lodge

Listing Image

Season:

July to October

Activities:

Diving, Paddling & Kite-surfing

Great For:

Swimming with Humpback Whales


From $150.00 USD per night