Tonga is situated in the South Pacific archipelago between Fiji and Samoa sitting just west of the international dateline which is why you would be the first to greet the sun each morning.
Approximately 170 islands make up the country of Tonga and these are divided into 4 groups. The main international airport is at Nuku’alofa in Tongatapu which also houses the governmental buildings and palace of the King. The next group is called the Ha’apai, further north again is the Vava’u and finally the Niuas.
Dubbed ‘the friendly isles’ by Captain Cook, Tonga is unique in many ways and stands apart from other Polynesian countries. The fact that is has never been colonised by an outside nation and is ruled by the only surviving Polynesian monarchy has enabled the Tongan culture to remain intact and something to be intensely proud of.
The climate is typically tropical especially in Vava’u. The average temperature is 29. degrees in January and a cooler 24 in June with the rainy season from November to April. However, this time can also be the most beautiful time with clear, flat seas and the islands and waterways pretty much yours alone. Tonga is an incredibly benign environment with no poisonous bugs to worry about (aside from one particular centipede) and certainly no large land mammals to avoid. Tonga is free from malaria and yellow fever and the water is generally fine to drink .
Even visiting Tonga is easy. You only need a valid passport, an onward ticket to be granted a visa for 1month upon arrival, but double-check with authorities prior to departure as rules can vary slightly for different countries.
Where is Tonga?
Tonga is easy and relatively cheap to get to from Australia and New Zealand. Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand fly direct to Nuku’alofa, Tonga from Auckland and Sydney. Prices start at about AU$269 one way from Sydney or NZ$149 one-way from Auckland, including tax.
Your journey to Tonga from the UK can either go via the USA, stopping in LA and New Zealand to Tonga or traveling in the other direction, via Singapore followed by New Zealand and then on to Tonga. Costs vary but start from around £1200.
You will also need to get an internal flight with Chatham airways to Vava’u.
What to Do in Tonga
The following activities are highly recommended.
Whale-Watching (July-Oct)
The majority of visitors to Vava’u during the months of July to October are here to see the hump back whales. The whales migrate here to give birth to their calves and breed for the coming year. Tonga is unique in sanctioning the experience of actually swimming with these incredible creatures. This emotional encounter is reknowned for bringing tears to the most hardened sea-farer – you have been warned!
Kart Safari
The kart safari around Vava’u is considered to be easily the best way to see the mainland. Following a guide, you can pick either to drive solo or with a ‘navigator’ and follow some lesser known tracks right up into the bush and beyond.
One of those unusual experiences where the more rain there is, the more fun you will have.
Padi Dive Course
Discovering a whole new world underwater literally changes the way you view the ocean and its many inhabitants. To become part of this environment instead of just viewing it from the surface is an experience most people want to do again and again. The 3-4 day diving course will be taken by one of the PADI certified dive bases in Neiafu. Depending on your previous experience, you will either complete an Open Water, Advanced or Rescue Diver Course.
Being an island, all the diving is offshore. You might do your training in the beautiful blue lagoon off Fofoa itself, then explore the local reefs plus some discovery dives. Marine life includes abundant black tip reef sharks, eagle /sting rays/manta rays and Napoleon wrasse. You’ll see everything from tiny nudibranchs, harlequin shrimps and seahorses through to turtles (hawksbills and greens are most abundant) as well as enjoying the diversity of soft & hard corals in both the lagoon training area & all offshore reefs). From July-November its also common to hear the whale song during your dive
What to Bring
These are some important things to pack:
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito net
• Stainless steel water bottle
• Basic first aid kit
• Snorkelling equipment
• Wind up torch
• Decent raincoat
• Walking sandals / crocs
• Sense of humour