Things to do

What the family can arrange

Village tours, snorkelling, walks, crafts, music and trips to Pele. Each fee is marked with its 2020 price tag.

These prices are from the 2020 listing. Ask for today's prices when you enquire.

  • Introductory village tour

    Ask to be taken on a tour of the village so that you know your way around. In 2020 the tour was complimentary.

    Dress appropriately, in respect of local custom: no extremely short or revealing clothes, and covering knees and shoulders is best. If you are not sure what to wear, just ask Leiman, Lauren or John.

  • Swimming and snorkelling

    It is safe to swim and snorkel from the bungalow. Reef shoes are a good idea.

    Some sets of masks and snorkels are available. Please rinse them with fresh water and dry them after use.

    To swim and snorkel in the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area, or to try your hand at fishing, you will need a guide.

    Mask and snorkel: 100 vatu per day 2020 price

    Marine Protected Area entry: 500 vatu per person 2020 price

  • Sea turtle tagging

    Nguna has worked for years to conserve its marine species, among them green and hawksbill turtles.

    You can snorkel at night with one of the former turtle hunters to catch a turtle on the reef, measure it for conservation and release it. This is a night-time activity only.

    6,000 vatu 2020 price

  • Village food garden tour

    Guided visits to the village food gardens and plantations are available.

    500 vatu per person 2020 price

  • Guided bush walk

    A guided hike into the hills, to the top of the nearby hill or to the Nguna volcano, can be arranged. Hikes run from 1 to 6 hours return, depending on what you would like to see, your walking speed and your stops.

    A picnic lunch can be arranged on longer hikes. You will need good walking shoes or hiking boots.

    500 to 3,000 vatu per person, depending on the hike 2020 price

  • Mat weaving demonstration

    Try your hand at weaving the traditional way, with pandanus and coconut leaves.

    500 vatu per person 2020 price

  • Local cooking demonstration

    Watch and take part in making local food, traditionally prepared and cooked in hot stones. You get to eat it too.

    500 vatu per person 2020 price

  • String band

    The village has the Ruatu String Band. The local players would be glad to come and play for you, and maybe get you to dance.

    1,000 vatu for 30 minutes of music 2020 price

  • Custom dancing

    See how people used to celebrate, in dances performed by the village youth.

    1,000 vatu for approximately 3 dances 2020 price

  • Creation stories

    One of the elders can tell you how the environment and all the living creatures came to be on Nguna.

    500 vatu 2020 price

  • Outrigger canoeing

    Have you tried a traditional outrigger canoe?

    500 vatu for 5 hours of rental 2020 price

  • Local handicrafts

    The women of Nguna weave, and the men carve. Let the family know if you would like to see the local crafts available to buy. Woven sea turtles are one of the crafts, as a memento of your stay.

  • Kava

    Join the family in the nakamal and taste kava. It has a slightly muddy taste.

    A small coconut shell of kava: 50 vatu 2020 price

    For the adventurous, a 150 vatu serving 2020 price

Further afield

  • Boat trip to Pele Island

    A day trip to Pele can be arranged, and a picnic lunch will be provided.

    Return boat trip: 1,000 vatu per boat-load, regardless of the number of passengers 2020 price

    Beach fee: 500 vatu per person, paid to the villagers on Pele 2020 price

  • Coral gardening on Pele Island

    If you are interested in marine conservation, you can take part in the Coral Gardening Project on Pele. It involves collecting broken coral pieces and attaching them to a fixed frame underwater. In time they will grow into coral gardens.

    Return boat trip to Woraisivu: 2,000 vatu flat rate 2020 price

    Planting and sponsoring a coral fragment: 1,000 vatu per person 2020 price

    Snorkelling over the coral farm: 500 vatu per person 2020 price

  • World War II museum

    The museum can be combined with snorkelling over a World War II fighter plane wreck.

    Museum entry: 500 vatu per adult, 100 vatu per child up to 12 years of age, and children under 6 free 2020 price

    Snorkelling and museum, including the wreck: 2,500 vatu per adult, 500 vatu per child 2020 price

    Return boat fee: 6,000 vatu 2020 price

Good to know

  • One day's noticeOne day's notice is needed to arrange any of these activities and demonstrations.
  • SundaysOut of respect for local custom, most activities cannot be done on Sundays, except swimming and snorkelling. You are welcome to attend a church service; just ask.
  • Your own riskThe family does not expect you to be in any danger or difficulty in these activities, but you take part in all of them at your own risk.
  • What to wearCover your knees and shoulders, and avoid extremely short or revealing clothes, in respect of local custom.

For more about the island and its marine reserves, see the Nguna Island guide.

Enquire