Philip Wheeler, and his family, live in the bush. He is Australian, and has been living in Tonga for 27 years. He repairs sails in Neiafu, Vava’u, and built his home out of native rock. The thick rock walls insulate his home from the heat (so he says).
His home is called Api Oe Hengehengha – the House of Hengehenegha (the Tongan Whistler, a bird on the verge of extinction. 4 pair live in the bush around his home).
He and his wife are self-styled botanists. He has the most amazing flower garden.
They can tell you all about every plant and flower.
One thing Vava’u has over Tongatapu – it is green and lush (but it rains a lot and is very hot and humid.)
Phil and Jan's Adventure in Tonga 