|
WELCOME
TO THE KINGDOM OF TONGA!
|
The ancient Kingdom of Tonga is Polynesia's
oldest and last remaining monarchy. The Kingdom lies 3200 km
northeast of Sydney and 5000 km southwest of Hawaii. Due to
its position just west of the international dateline, Tonga
is the first country in the world to usher in each new day.
The Kingdom of Tonga comprises 171 islands which are spread
across 700,000 sq km of ocean. Tongatapu, the
main gateway to the islands, is served by Pacific Blue with
direct flights from Auckland and Apia and connections from Sydney,
Brisbane and Melbourne and by Air New Zealand with direct flights
from Auckland, Apia and Los Angeles, by Air Pacific with direct
flights from Fiji.
(See the section on airfares for
airline schedules and fares). |
 |
click on the lense to enlarge the
map
 |
|
| |
 Tongatapu
(meaning "Sacred South") will be your first port of
call in the Kingdom. Tongatapu is relatively flat, however,
does have a variety of natural features to explore: Caves, blowholes,
coral reefs and several archaeological sites. Nuku'alofa, its
capital, is a seaside town with a population of some 22,000
people.
It houses the seat of government and is home to the royal family.
The Royal Palace on the waterfront is a beautiful white, Victorian
residence and has become a symbol of Tonga to the world.
Nuku'alofa is also Tonga's industrial and cultural centre.
|
| The off-shore islands of Atata,
Fafa and Pangaimotu
have white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters
and are perfect spots to spend a Sunday afternoon or better
still spend a few days. Diving, swimming, snorkelling, sailing,
wind surfing and kayaking are all activities you can enjoy.
The Government of Tonga has established marine reserves which
provide excellent snorkelling. Hakaumama'o Reef Reserve, Monu'afe
Island Park, Pangaimotu Reef Reserve and Malinoa Island support
octopuses, groupers, damselfish, clownfish and various shell
fish. See Day Tours for island
and snorkelling trips to these marine reserves. |
 |
 |
The Tongan Island Group also comprises Eua Island,
The Ha'apai Group, The Vava'u Island Group, and the Niua Island
Group. These islands feature marvelous beaches, fine diving
and snorkelling.
Eua Island is a 2 hours 
ferry trip from Tongatapu.
Eua is dramatically different from the other island groups with
its rugged landscape with tropical rain forests, caves, bush
lands, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Bush Walking is a popular activity and there is whale watching
from July-October.
Cave diving is the newest discovered secret on the island. |
| click on the lense to enlarge
the map
|
|
The islands of the Ha'apai
Group are located in the centre of the Kingdom and are 100km
north of Tongatapu. They are low-lying atolls with beautiful
deserted white sandy beaches lined with palm trees. The Ha'apai
Group consists of 62 islands, however only two islands: Lifuka
and Foa Islands offer a standard level of tourist accommodation.
Sandy Beach Resort on the Island of Foa offers diving, snorkelling,
kayaking, and a magnificent white sandy beach with excellent
swimming. Check out the Island
Combinations for holiday packages combining various Tongan
Group Islands. Trips range from 2 days to 9 days and include
two or more islands featuring round trip airfare, airport transfers,
accommodation and meals where specified.
 The
Vava'u
group of islands situated 240km north of Tongatapu have one
of the most picturesque yacht harbours in the world and is known
for its excellent diving,snorkeling,game fishing,sea kayaking,
sailing and whale watching. There are 64 islands with most of
them high and densely forested. There are 31 of these islands
that remain uninhabited. The islands of Vava'u offer some of
the world's finest sailing areas with their safe anchorages
and secluded coves. Neiafu, the capital city of the Vava'u Group
is a quaint seaside town that comes to life when its harbours
fill with yachts and whales from July to October. During this
time visitors can watch the mama whales playing with their new-born
calves. A popular activity is whale watching and also diving
and snorkelling with the whales. Vava'u is also fisherman's
paradise with marlin and other game fish. Besides being a yachting
haven and hosting one of the most popular game fishing tournaments
in the South Pacific, Vava'u is also renowned year round for
its diving, snorkelling, sailing and sea kayaking activities.
 The
Niuas are situated 400km north of Vava'u.
Because they are so remote, they offer a unique travel experience
as few tourists have discovered this magical paradise.The remote
Niuas (meaning rich in coconuts) consist of 3 small volcanic
islands; Niuatoputapu,
Niuafo'ou and Tafahi.
Because the Niuas have very little tourism, Tongan tradition
remains very much alive and life has changed very little throughout
the years. There is weekly air service provided by Airlines
Tonga and Peau Vava'u. There is also a ferry service to the
Niuas with approximately 6 sailings per year. Visitors who make
the effort to visit the Niuas are rewarded with a true cultural
experience, magnificent scenery, and beautiful beaches. |
 Tonga
has been named "The Friendly Islands" as they are
renowned for their friendly population. Although Tongan is the
major language, English is widely spoken throughout most of
the island group. During your visit to Tonga, you will want
to experience a local feast with island dancing. Tongan dances
for females are subtle, artistic and require the dancer to convey
meaning with an economy of motion. Their costumes are decorated
with leaves, beads, shells, flowers and pandanus. They sway,
sing, smile broadly and tell stories with their hand movements.
While the female dances are gentle and accompanied by music,
the male dances are meant to convey the fierce warrior spirit
of Tongan tradition. The movements are rapid using spears, clubs,
drumming, beating and fierce cries. Fire Dancing is also very
popular in Tonga. |
 |
Check (Above)
the Tonga Island Section
for all that Tonga has to offer
for your up coming holiday |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
