Explore Tonga
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Tonga is the last remaining kingdom in the Pacific Ocean, a true
paradise of 170 spectacular tropical islands with their own language and
culture. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Tonga is the first country on
the western side of the international date line; so this is where the
day starts first. It is also one of the few places in the world where
you can swim with whales - a unique experience. But there are many other
attractions in this archipelago.
The islands are so diverse and each so beautiful that you could
easily linger in Tonga for a longer period. You'll find extraordinary
natural wonders, from blowholes and caves to naturally formed bridges.
Also tourism is not yet fully developed in Tonga, which is amazing.
Most
of the sights are on the main island of Tongatapu and are easy to
explore with a rental car. For the humpback whales and exotic islands,
you have to travel a little further. From the waterfront of the capital
Nuku'alofa, boats leave every day for
three tropical islands. Just count on them sometimes being delayed, as
time is a broad concept in Tonga.
The 7 best things to do in Tonga
Let us now share with you what we consider the best things to do in Tonga.
Ha'amonga 'a Maui
Located
on the island of Tongatapu, Ha'amonga 'a Maui is one of Tonga's main
historical attractions. This curious structure of coral limestone is
known as the "Stonehenge of the Pacific". The megalithic structure
consists of two upright stones and a large flat stone placed over them.
The individual stones weighing about 30 to 40 tons each. All sorts of
legends circulate as to how this structure came to be.
According
to one popular legend, the stones are too heavy to lift and the local
god Maui is responsible for their construction. Another story says that
Chinese travelers placed the stones on Tonga.
Vava'u
Vava'u
is an archipelago in northern Tonga, about 24 hours by boat from the
main island of Tongatapu. The archipelago consists of one main island
and about 60 islets around it. Vava'u is an azure tropical paradise
dotted with coral reefs, deserted beaches, hidden coves and shimmering
clear lagoons. 
The biggest attraction, however, is that you can swim
with whales. There are only three places in the world where that
is possible, and this is one of them. From June through November, gentle
humpback whales seek the calm waters around Vava'u to mate and care for
their newborn calves. The humpbacks are huge, but swimming with these
majestic animals is not dangerous.
It is also considered one of the best
places in Tonga to dive and snorkel and to experience fascinating
marine life. You will see marine animals like reef sharks, turtles,
octopuses, secluded sea caves and shipwrecks. The water is so clear that
you can sometimes see up to more than 30 meters (98 ft).
Blowholes of Mapu'a Vaea
Experience
the power of the sea at the blowholes of Mapu'a Vaea on the south side
of the island of Tongatapu. Mapu'a Vaea in the local language means "the
chief's whistle. This is because there are holes in the rocks on the
coast, where seawater gushes upward with tremendous force and this happens with a whistling roar. This extraordinary
natural phenomenon extends along 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of coastline.
On windy days and at high
tide, the naturally formed fountains sometimes reach a height of 30
meters (98 ft). It is certainly impressive to witness this foaming
natural spectacle.
Talamahu Market
In
the capital city of Nukuʻalofa, you can see how the people of Tonga
live, work and live - away from the tourist resorts. Join the locals for
shopping, a chat and a bite to eat.
Stalls sell
everything from Tongan art to fruits and vegetables piled in handmade
baskets. You'll experience real Tongan life especially on Saturday
mornings, when locals meet here en masse. The market is open Monday
through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Ha'atafu Beach
Tonga
is blessed with some beautiful beaches, but Ha'atafu Beach is
one of the most beautiful. Located in the far west of Tongatapu Island,
this beach has soft white sand with palm trees and a beautiful turquoise
sea.
The coral reef off the coast creates a wide lagoon where you can swim and snorkel protected at high tide.
Surf spots
Tongatapu
Island has become a popular surfing destination, with waves cresting
over the coral reefs 100 meters (328 feet) from the shore. For those who
don't surf, simply observing this breathtaking scene from the beach is
equally rewarding.
Niuas: The End of the World
North of
Vava'u, where three small volcanic islands loom out of the sea. These Niuas
islands are about two and a half days sailing from Tongatapu. You can
hardly get much further away. The inhabitants of the islands are
self-sufficient and never want to leave the island. On these volcanic
islands you can take beautiful hikes past volcanic craters and barren
lava fields.
Accommodation in Tonga
For many
people, the Pacific Islands are synonymous with limitless luxury in
expensive resorts. Tonga is different. Accommodation in Tonga is
small-scale and less luxurious and exclusive than in, say, Fiji. But the
location of the hotels and bungalows is often stunning.
The hotels
are close to the beach and consist of individual bungalows or
apartments. The cottages are often hidden in the jungle and built
according to Polynesian traditions. Some rooms have sea views, almost
all are within walking distance of the cobalt blue sea. Many hotels
offer a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, fishing and
boating. For example Mystic Sands, which is an excellent choice. This
property is right on the beach and is a wonderful find. It has great
reviews and for good reasons.
How to get there
Direct
flights to Tonga depart from Auckland in New Zealand and Nadi in Fiji.
In just under three hours you fly to this destination from Auckland and
from Fiji it is a 1.5-hour flight.