Tonga

Travel guide of Tonga

The last and only monarchy of the South Pacific is the Kingdom of Tonga. An archipelago of more than 170 islands of which the majority is uninhabited is home to the most friendly Polynesian people of the region. For those looking for unspoilt natural beauties, little islands in crystal clear lagoons and eco-friendly accommodations, Tonga is the place to choose. Tonga is also one of the few places on the Earth where it is possible to swim with humpback whales and a paradise for diving with clear waters, variety of fish and coral and a spectacular underwater landscape with caves and tunnels.

Useful information

Land, geography

• Tonga is made up of 176 islands of which only 40 are inhabited
• largely untouched, unspoilt natural beauties, amazing sandy beaches, sheltered uncrowded lagoons and atolls, colorful coral reefs and on the south coast of the main Tongatapu island also spectacular limestone formations and coastal cliffs
• the islands are divided into 4 groups, from the south to the noth: Tongatapu as a cultural hub, with surrounding islands and a nature's paradise island 'Eua; Ha'apai group of low coral islands and volcanoes in the central part of Tonga, divers' and fishermen's paradise; Vava'u Group, Tonga's sailing centre with clear waters attracting whales as well; and the northernmost islands called Niuas, a trio of isolated islands about 600 km / 380 miles north from Tongatapu
• combined land area of just 270 square miles / 700 km²
• the archipelago of Tonga sits on the so-called Tonga Trench in the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', on the eastern edge of the Indo-Australian Plate in the South Pacific; in some parts the ocean is more than 6 miles / 9,5 km deep
• the islands are either of direct volcanic origin or are uplifted coral limestone formations

Climate & Weather

• 'Tonga' means south and the country is further from the equator than the other islands of the South Pacific - so it disposes of slightly cooler but still tropical climate
• Tonga islands get less rain than the other tropical areas
• maximum daily temperatures average 80°F / 26,5°C with only moderate humidity
• the rainy season lasts from December to April

Travel season

• Tonga is a year round travel destination
• summer season in Tonga is from December to April when average temperatures rise up to 95°F / 35 °C with higher humidity
• winter season in Tonga is from May to November when it is dryer with average temperatures not below 64°F / 18°C

Government

• Tonga is the only remaining constitutional monarchy in the South Pacific
• the capital of Tonga is Nuku'alofa

Time zone

• UTC/GMT -13
• no daylight saving time

Currency, payments

• the currency of Tonga is Pa’anga (TOP)
• 1 Pa'anga = 100 seniti
• Tonga is often referred to as a dollar and seniti as cent
• 1 EUR = approx 2,60 TOP and 1 USD = approx 2,30 TOP
• credit cards are accepted by major hotels, car rental companies, local travel agents, and some restaurants
• banks in Tonga: ANZ Bank, Bank of the South Pacific, Tonga Development Bank, MBf Bank (Malaysia, Borneo Bank) with offices in Nuku'alofa and some in Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua
• currency exchange counters at the international airport: Western Union, MBF Bank, E.M.Jones

Fly to Tonga, airlines

• Fua'amotu International Airport (TBU) at Nuku'alofa
• connection to the islands is provided by international carriers (data as of 2019): Air New Zealand (5 times a week from Auckland), Virgin Australia (direct flight Sydney - Tonga), Fiji Airways (from Honolulu and Los Angeles through Fiji, 4 times a week)
• Pua Airline (of Real Tonga Airlines) flies twice a week to Apia, Samoa (2019)
• Real Tonga Airlines is the national carrier servicing the 4 major island groups of Tonga

Transport

• the fastest and easiest transport between Tonga's islands is provided by Real Tonga Airlines, servicing the 5 (4 + 'Eua) major island groups
• Friendly Island Shipping Agency (FISA) and 'Eua Shipping Service provide connection to Vava'u and Ha'apai weekly and to 2 Niuas twice a month
• 'Eua Shipping and Ramsey's Shipping offer daily services to 'Eua, except for Sundays
• we will check about the updates in ferry or flight connections for you before you travel
• Tongatapu, the island where Nuku'alofa is located, has also a local bus service and taxis
• car rentals are available, but it is necessary to obtain a local driver's licence, international ones are not acceted

Entry requirements

• travellers from most countries (including New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK, Commonwealth countries) do not need visas to stay in Tonga for up to 31 days
• we will inform you about updated entry requirements for visitors from your country together with our offer
• no departure tax is requested, it is already included in the air fare

Travelling since 2020

• Travel world changed in 2020 with the worldwide lockdown. Travel conditions are still being updated, airlines releasing new schedules, hotels and destinations applying new arrangements where necessary. As it is hardly possible to keep all relevant information on our websites up to date, we will inform you about current situation at the time of your request and of your journey.
• If the destination you choose is not yet accessible for travellers from your country, we will recommend a similar available option.

Duty Free

• duty free allowance for visitors over the age of 18 years is: 250 cigarettes, 2 liters (approx. 76oz.) of spirits or 12 bottles of wine, depending on alcohol percentage

Electricity

• 240 volts, Australian type plugs are used
• adapters are necessary to run US appliances

Internet, signal coverage

• a few resorts and guest houses offer internet access for guests
• several internet cafés are in Nuku'alofa, Neiafu and Ha'apai
• prepaid phone cards can be purchased in many local shops

Population

• Tonga islands are known as the Friendly Islands - already Captain Cook received a warm welcome from the people of Tonga and so he gave this name to the islands
• Tongans (Polynesians) make up 98% of the islands' population, the rest are European, mixed European and other Pacific Islanders plus some Chinese as well

Language

• Tongan and English are the official languages
• English is widely spoken and used in formal meeting

Religion

• Christianity is widely spread and a part of Tonga's culture
• Tongans go to church every Sunday and it is a day of rest in Tonga

Health

• comprehensive medical and dental facilities for visitors are available, chemists and pharmacies as well
• modern hospitals / medical facilities are located in Nuku'alofa, Ha'apai, Vava'u, 'Eua and the 2 Niuas

Tipping

• tips are not expected but will not offend Tongans

Dress

• pack up with summer clothing, there is casual dress code in Tonga
• bathing suits should not be worn outside of resorts
• packing a light jacket or a sweater for the evenings is recommended

Nature

• the nature on the islands is largely untouched, the majority of the islands being uninhabited
• 'Eua island has a National Park with amazing bird life and full-day treks in its rainforest are possible
• the ocean waters are clear and the visibility is spectacular, making it a favourite destination for diving

Ecology

• Tonga is an eco-friendly destination, being mostly untouched and undiscovered

Culture & Traditions

• enjoy the authentic Polynesian experience in Tonga, the Jewel in the Pacific
• together with Samoa and Fiji, Tonga is described as the cradle of Polynesian culture and civilization
• despite being a British protectorate for some time Tonga always kept its indigenous governance, uniquely in the South Pacific
• family relations are the most important in Tonga's culture, followed by religion
• although more young people move to the capital Nuku'alofa, village life and kinship ties are preserved
• the main island Tongatapu is the richest in culture and traditions with the capital Nuku'alofa and sights like the Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs, colonial houses, churches and local markets
• traditional Tongan customs and culture are maybe best preserved on the far Niuas

History

• historians say that Tonga was first settled by migrants from South East Asia some 6.000 years ago
• European influence started with the arrival of Dutch explorers Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire in 1616; Abel Tasman visited the islands in 1643 and Captain James Cooked arrived to Tonga in 1773, followed by the first christian missionaries shortly after
• in 1845 a Polynesian kingdom was established by a young warrior baptized as King George Tupou I., in 1875 he declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy
• in 1900 Tonga became a British protected state and later a part of the British Western Pacific Territories
• in 1970 the protectorate ended and The Kingdom of Tonga gained independence

Excursions / must see

'Eua island

• 'Eua lies next to the main Tongatapu island, connected by only 7-minutes flight (the world's shortest commercial flight)
• hilly island covered in tropical rainforest with rugged landscape and many wild beaches is only approx 19 km / 12 miles long and up to 7,5 km / 4,5 miles wide
• Eua is a great eco-tourism destination, there are only 2 villages on the island
• Eua National Park offers wonderful full-day hikes in native forest, great for bird watching; local guides take visitors to lookouts above the forest to observe rare birds like the frigate bird and koki, the red breasted musk parrot found only on 'Eua

Ha'apai island group

• islands northern from Tongatapu group are a perfect relaxation destination with little tourists and a peaceful flair
• 62 scattered islands offer much undiscovered land, atolls and reefs
• an authentic piece of Polynesia

Vava'u

• Vava'u and the surrounding islands are a northern area of the Kingdom of Tonga
• tropical labyrinth of 61 different islands within turquoise lagoons and coral gardens offers deserted beaches and crystal clear ocean waters
• Vava'u has a sheltered harbor and attracts yachters therefore
• it is one of the best places in Tonga to encounter humpback whales who migrate to its waters between June and November, the warm waters around Hunga island in particular

Niuafo'ou

• the northernmost island of Tonga
• Niuafo'ou is the tip of an underwater volcano created by suboceanic eruptions
• extensive blackish grey lava fields make up the south and west of the island

Sports, activities

• Tonga is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday combined with lots of available activities
• adventurous clients are invited to enjoy self-drive kart safari, jungle adventure on back road trails, deserted beaches and oceanside cliff tops
• the main island Tongatapu and its protected lagoon with nearby tiny islands is great for sea kayaking combined with snorkeling above coral gardens

Swimming with whales

• Tonga is one of the few places left on the planet where visitors can experience swimming with humpback whales in the ocean
• whales come to the tropical waters of Tonga every year from July to October / November from the waters of Antarctica to give birth to their calves
• we cooperate only with licenced whale operators who have sustainable practices, fully trained staff and suitable equipment for clients - this is to ensure safety for customers and also preserve the wild life of these amazing mammals
• humpbacks weight up to some 40 tons and can be spotted playing in the water, breaching out, tapping the waters with their tails and fins... and singing

Diving

• Tonga is a great diving destination rich in coral reefs, caves, disposing of crystal clear waters and one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet
• divers meet sea turtles, manta rays, tuna, marlin, wahoo and even whale sharks
• unique underwater tunnels confirm the volcanic origin of Tonga
• especially interesting cave diving spots are around 'Eua island
• the most suitable time for diving in Tonga is between June and November
• in time between July and October diving is often accompanied by a whale song as humpback whales arrive to Tonga to concieve or give birth to their calves

Shopping, souvenirs

• the best places for shopping are on Tongatapu island, most shops can be found along the main street and back roads in Nuku'alofa
• fine Polynesian crafts like tapa cloths, wood carvings, shells and woven mats are typical for local markets
• tapa cloth - it takes long and skillful work to covert the bark of a mulberry tree into tapa cloth; it is then used to make fans, place mats, wall hangings, table cloths and handbags
• special items are baskets made out of bleached fibers of pandanus and coconut leaves
• popular souvenirs are also wood carvings featuring figures of ancient sacred images

Food, cuisine

• in the capital Nuku'alofa a good selection of restaurants offering traditional Tongan cuisine as well as international food can be found
• being an island nation there is plenty of seafood, fresh lobster, shellfish and fresh fish all year round in Tonga
• ‘ota ika - raw fish marinated in fresh coconut milk, lime juice and hot chilli peppers is often served as an appetizer
• many holiday resorts offer their visitors special evenings with traditional food and entertainment program
• there are many small bars along the waterfront and central part of Nuku'alofa and even several disco clubs

Special tourism

Accessible Tourism

• for visitors facing any challenges or disabilities we are ready to provide the best available options of transport, accommodation and services following their individual requirements
• let us know your special needs, we are happy to assist in creating a great holiday package fit for you

Events

• Heilala - the largest annual festival celebrating His Majesty's birthday (last week of June or first week of July) with dance, beauty and sporting competetions, parades, concerts, regattas and parties

Accommodation

• hotels and resorts, guesthouses, backpackers and eco-friendly lodges
• do not look for the high-end luxury resorts in Tonga
• we will recommend the best suiting accommodation according to your wish