Tonga
Holidays & Travel Facts

The kingdom of Tonga is perched just east of the International Date Line: when it’s a fun-packed Saturday at the beach in Samoa, it’s already time for Sunday prayers in Tonga. Thus it’s said, most often by the island’s tourism industry, that Tonga is 'the place where time begins’. Others, perhaps observing the pace of local life, call it the place where time stands still.

Tonga

Overview for Tonga

Right on the international dateline, just under 3 hours flight north-east of New Zealand lies the Kingdom of Tonga, the Pacific’s only monarchy and the only group of islands never to have been colonised by the Europeans. Comprising of 170 islands, 37 of which are inhabited. The 3 main island groups are Tongatapu (home of the capital Nuku’alofa) in the south, Ha’apai in the centre and Vava’u in the north.

Tongans are friendly easy going people with a strong sense of family and church. Each island group offers its own attractions. The main island of Tongatapu is home to the Royal Palace, blow holes and the ancient Ha’amonga Trilithon. For those interested more in watersports and swimming with the whales then a visit to either Ha’apai or Vava’u is a must.

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Our top picks for Tonga

1. Eua - Hike through rainforest, descend into massive sinkholes and monkeyclimb a banyan tree back out again.

2. Tofua - Clamber up remote volcanic Tofua and peer into its glowing and rumbling caldera.

3. Tongatapu - Marvel at the South Pacific's Stonehenge, explore pyramidal tombs and applaud the spurting blowholes.

4. Lifuka Group, Ha'apai - Immerse yourself in traditional culture on Ha'ano, then watch time float by your fale in paradise.

5. Vava'u - Swim, sail or dive in one of the world's prime destinations for watching humpback whales.