GPS: 13 49.800S 171 45.804W
Run: 365nm (660.7km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 72.4nm
The sun set on Tonga and we headed north disillusioned and down in the mouth with our last impressions of Tonga. As you know we have a fantastic time so far. Andrew had ordered a parcel containing boat parts, a gopro and storage for all these photos and video. The parcel arrived Vava’u within a week via FedEx BUT we could not get the parcel until the boat papers and passport were copied and sent to Nuku’alofa to be stamped by the CEO. This took till Friday – 7 days. No, it was emailed not posted. So on Friday we were ready to pick up the parcel and leave for Niuas islands – north Tonga. We had heard quite a bit about these islands, more remote and not as touristy so appealed to us. We were told we could go there so Tony changed some more money to Tongan Pangai and we bought some exercise books and pencils to take for the kids. Then we were told we could only get the boat parts and pick up the rest when we sign out of all of Tonga. This meant sailing 2.5 days to the Niuas, look around there then sail 2.5 days back to pick up the parcel and sign out. Or leave the parcel and sign out of Tonga at the Niuas and carry on up to Samoa.
So we opted to miss the Niuas and sign out at Vava’u. We were told to come back at 12 noon as the person that signed the exit clearance paper was at the airport and wouldn’t be back till then. Back at 12. They were at lunch. Andrew trundled back and was informed that our Visa expired on Thursday. We were unaware of this because when booking in, in Nuku’alofa we were asked and said we would be in Tonga for 1.5 months and received an official receipt stating we paid for 1.5 months and exit date would be 12 July, but the passports were stamped for 1 month (didn’t see this – lesson learnt check ALL the documents).
So a trip to immigration and $250 later we returned to customs, and paid port fees. We finally got signed out. Then we had to pay FedEx $61 for export fee and broker fee. All up Tonga has cost over $600 to get in and out of and we missed the two northern islands. It’s sad that this was last impression we have of our visit to Tonga.
We are now in Samoa ready for our next experience.
