With some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, gorgeous beaches and hidden caves, the Kingdom of Tonga is simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Here are my top Tonga travel tips to help you plan your trip to Tonga.

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The Kingdom of Tonga deserves a spot on your “must-visit” list.

For me, it’s the place where my dream of swimming with humpback whales became a reality.

Palm-fringed beaches, cliffs plunging into the ocean, sparkling blue seas heaving with life and beaming smiles. Those are the memories etched in my mind.

There’s a rich history here and a future that’s being mapped with an eye to sustainability. Whether you’re visiting to swim with whales or want to discover more of what this beautiful Pacific Nation has to offer, this post will help.

From how to get to Tonga, to what the weather’s like, what to see and where to stay, here are my top Tonga travel tips, covering everything you need to know before you travel to Tonga.

NOTE | The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano caused a tsunami and significant damage to Tonga’s infrastructure in January 2022. This had major impacts on a country already struggling after the pandemic. Many businesses may no longer be operating as normal so check before you travel.

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TONGA TRAVEL TIPS | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TONGA

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TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

Where is Tonga?

Tonga is more appropriately known as the Kingdom of Tonga. If you were to draw a line from New Zealand to Hawai‘i, then you’d find Tonga sitting about one-third of the way along it as you travelled from NZ.

An archipelago made up of about 170 islands, it’s spread over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. Extending about 800km north to south, it’s comparable in size to Texas. Only 0.1% of that vast area is land and only 36 of the islands are inhabited.

Tonga’s closest neighbours are the other Pacific Nations of Fiji and Samoa. It’s about a 3-hour flight from Auckland and 4.5 hours from the east coast of Australia.

The capital city is Nuku’alofa, in the Tongatapu island chain, and this is where the majority of the 105,000 strong population live. Tonga was first inhabited around three thousand years ago, but the island of ‘Eua is around forty million years old!

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Why visit Tonga?

Relaxed and friendly, life in Tonga happens at a slower pace. It’s the last remaining Polynesian Kingdom and the only Pacific Nation to have never been colonised.

People here respect the land and ocean that sustains them, and family comes first. With so many islands and such a small population, there are enough beaches that you’re sure to find one just for you. If you’re so inclined, you could even stay on your own private island!

The whale migration tends to be the biggest draw for visitors to the islands, and it’s an incredible experience. Tonga remains one of the few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales, and there are several tour agencies throughout the island groups which offer this.

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Islands of Tonga

There are four island groups in the Kingdom, each with unique characteristics.

The Tongatapu Group

The most southerly group in the country, this is where you’ll find the main island of Tongatapu. Tonga’s capital, Nukuʻalofa, is here. This is where you’ll find the main airport connecting the country with New Zealand and Australia.

Tongatapu is the economic centre of the country, and home to the government, the royal family, and the majority of the population. More money is spent here than elsewhere in the country, so tourist facilities tend to be a little better.

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Many people use Tongatapu as a jumping-off point for the rest of the country, but it has easily accessible historical areas and a lot of charm.

A quick flight (or longer ferry ride) from here, you’ll find ‘Eua. This is a smaller island with some fantastic hiking worth visiting. It’s one of the oldest islands in the Pacific at 40 million years old. There’s an endemic red parrot (the koki), unique plants, ancient jungle and hidden caves to explore.

The Ha’apai Group

Just north of Tongatapu, this area is less visited. The waters are incredibly clear here, and it’s a beautiful place to dive. I recommend checking out Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort.

With an eye to sustainability, Matafonua has established a marine reserve around their accommodation sites. They’ll also make arrangements for you to live like Robinson Crusoe!

The whale watching here is terrific during the winter months. Ha’apai is precisely the sort of place people expect when you tell them you’re going to the South Pacific. With endless white sand beaches and the bluest of oceans, it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax.

The Vava’u Group

This is the most popular group for photographer-led whale swimming tours. With direct flights from Fiji, it’s the most accessible group for those coming from North America.

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Most people will be based on ‘Uta Vava’u, the main island. The main town of Neiafu is here, and it’s where most of the whale swim boats depart from. This is where I stayed on my first visit.

The Niuas Group

The most northerly chain of islands, these are the hardest to access. At the time of writing, they’re cut off from international travel, and the only way to reach them is via a long boat ride.

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

When to visit Tonga

If you want to see and swim with the humpback whales as they migrate, you must time your visit accordingly. Tonga has a tropical climate, and whilst it’s warm all year round, it’s subject to extreme weather patterns.

TIP | Plan your trip for Tongan winter for more settled weather and to see the humpback whales. Tongan summer (Nov-April) is low season, with storms frequent in the islands.

Summer in Tonga is from November to April and is warmer (up to 33°C/91°F), wetter and more humid than the winter months (17-22°C/63-72°F). Summer is also cyclone season, and these tropical weather events can be severe.

Northern Tonga is tropical and subject to more extreme weather events than the subtropical south during the summer months. Storms can wreak havoc on the northern islands during the summer.

Every year, the Heilala festival is held during the week of the king’s birthday (currently the first week of July) and is a great chance to experience the traditions and unique culture of Tonga.

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When to visit Tonga to swim with humpback whales

The humpbacks start arriving in the islands in late June and stay until October, when they leave for their feeding grounds further south. August and September are usually considered the best months to see the whales.

READ THIS | Swimming with whales in Vava’u

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

How to get to Tonga

There are three main international flight routes to Tonga.

Direct flights depart from Auckland (NZ), Nadi (Fiji) and Sydney (Australia). Flights may be restricted to specific days of the week on some routes.

Flying to Tonga from New Zealand and Australia

Take a direct flight with Air New Zealand from Auckland into Tonga’s capital, Nukuʻalofa (TBU). The trip takes about 3 hours.

Qantas runs direct flights from Sydney to Nukuʻalofa, but these only run once weekly on Saturdays as of April 2023.

Flying to Tonga from the US and Europe

The most convenient way to do this for most will be to take a flight to Tonga from LAX. Fiji Airways operates an LAX-Nadi flight where you can then connect to Vava’u (VAV) or Nukuʻalofa (TBU).

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Travel within Tonga

Domestic flights in Tonga (2023)

Lulutai is the current domestic airline in Tonga, running with the assistance of the Australian government and Fiji Airlines since early 2023.

There is currently no option for online booking, so you’ll either have to email them, ask your accommodation provider to book domestic flights, or hope you can get a seat once you arrive.

None of these options is ideal, but they do give you a great taste of laidback island life before you even arrive. Please ensure you have travel insurance and build flexibility into your flight itinerary to allow for cancellations!

You can see recent flight schedules here to give you an idea of what to expect.

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For travel between the more distant islands, your only option is to take the ferry. Check with the Friendly Island Shipping Agency and Tofa Ramsay Shipping for current timetables and tickets.

As with the flights, schedules change almost daily, boats rarely arrive or depart on time, and everything’s an adventure.

I know I’m painting a pretty desperate picture when it comes to domestic travel in Tonga, but I think it’s important you go in with realistic expectations!

Driving in Tonga

The roads in Tonga are pretty good between the main centres, but some hiking routes and more isolated villages are likely to be on dirt roads.

Public transport is virtually non-existent, but you’ll find plenty of taxis and people willing to help you get from A to B. You can easily hire a car on Tongatapu or Vava’u, and you should be fine in a standard 2WD for most places.

Tongans drive on the left, like the UK. The speed limit is 40km/h in town and 70km/h on open roads.

Technically you require a Tongan Overseas Drivers Licence, which needs to be purchased within 48h of arrival. You can obtain this at the Ministry of Infrastructure on Bypass Road, Vaololoa for T$40. Information is hard to get, but it seems that most people don’t bother, and car hire companies will accept your home licence.

Visas for Tonga

Visitors from NZ, Australia, the UK, USA and many other countries can stay in Tonga for 31 days without a visa. Other countries may require a visa, and you can check if you need to get one here.

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6 Special Things to Do in Tonga

Go to church on Sunday

This is one of the few times you’ll find me insisting on religious participation!

The entire service will likely be conducted in Tongan, and you won’t understand a word, but the celebration and singing are out of this world. 

Our host in Tonga told us that unless you’re in danger of losing your voice, you haven’t sung your hymns properly!!

It’s a beautiful community occasion and something that’s truly unmissable. Ask at your accommodation if you can attend church with them or head to the nearest church on Sunday morning. Most services start at 10.

Swim with Humpback Whales

I cannot stress enough how incredible it is to share the water with these gentle giants. If you can get to Tonga for the annual migration between June and October, then you absolutely should make it happen.

You can swim with whales from all major island groups – there are fewer operators in the southern islands and more in Vava’u. The Tongan government has been tightening up the laws in place to protect both the whales and the Tongan people in recent years.

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Snorkelling and SCUBA Diving

An extensive reef surrounds the islands, and there are loads of caves to explore. Tonga is also a snorkelling paradise.

If you’re certified, then there are several places offering diving trips. Check out Deep Blue Diving for dives in Tongatapu and ‘Eua, and Dive Tonga in Vava’u.

Tongatapu has five marine reserves and two island parks protected by law. Ha’apai has plenty for the more adventurous, with caves, canyons and tunnels with vertical walls to explore.

Vava’u has a bit of everything, with an added wreck just off the coast for even more fun!

Get out on the water

An island nation presents the perfect opportunity to get out on a yacht!

You can charter boats for the day or even have an entire liveaboard holiday if that’s what takes your fancy!

If sailing is out of your budget, then you can hire a kayak or SUP for the day and enjoy your own little slice of Pacific paradise.

Go hiking

There are several national parks in Tonga, but ‘Eua probably wins the prize for best hiking.

Hikes range from 3-7 hours. Although you can attempt the trails independently, you should consider hiring a local guide. Not only will they provide invaluable local knowledge, but it’s also a great way to contribute to the local economy.

Island Day Tours

These are offered on many islands as a way of learning about the local way of life.

A day tour of Tongatapu is a fantastic introduction to the history and culture of this beautiful nation. You can either hire a car and drive yourself, book through the Friends Tourist Centre or arrange the tour with a taxi driver at the airport.

If choosing the latter, then be sure to negotiate the price before you set off – it should be T$200-300, depending on duration.

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Where to Stay in Tonga

Accommodation in Tonga ranges from hostels to luxury private islands and everything in between. Some of the islands are more set up for tourism than others.

Booking ahead is recommended, and many places do have websites. It’s much more reliable to contact your chosen hotel or hostel by telephone!

Tongatapu

SEAVIEW LODGE & RESTAURANT | A lovely waterfront property with ocean views, complimentary continental breakfast and an airport shuttle available.
Check availability and prices here

HOUSE OF TONGA | This property has beautifully presented private rooms with air-con, free wifi, and a delicious breakfast included.
Check availability and prices here

DAYSPRING LODGE | With free breakfast and wifi this is a great location for exploring the island. It’s just 10 minutes from Nuku’alofa and a good budget option.
Check availability and prices here

‘Eua

BLUE WATER RETREAT | A recently opened accommodation and one of the few on the island following the volcanic eruption of 2022. There’s a restaurant on site and they’re offering glamping from mid-2023.
Email for availability and prices here

Vava’u

BOATHOUSE APARTMENTS | Cute apartments close to the boat wharf and Mango restaurant, with air-con and reliable wifi. With great views over the harbour, I really enjoyed my stay here.
Check availability and prices here

MYSTIC SANDS | A beachfront property with a kitchenette in all rooms, this is another great option for diving and whale watching trips on Vava’u.
Check availability and prices here

MOUNU ISLAND | This private island resort is featured in tourism campaigns for the country and is a perfect slice of luxury.
More information and booking enquiries here

Ha’apai

SERENITY BEACHES RESORT | A beautiful resort with the tropical beach your dreams are made of. Offering airport pick-up, wifi, tours and an on-site restaurant, this is a great option.
Check availability and book here

MATAFONUA LODGE | Beachfront accommodation with fabulous snorkelling right outside your front door. With local community support, they’ve just established a no-take marine reserve in the lagoon around this property and their sister resort, Sandy Beach (below).
Check availability and book here

SANDY BEACH LODGE | There’s solar hot water, greywater for the organic garden, and locally caught fish delivered each day to the private beach. Must be paradise!
Check availability and book here

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Where to eat in Tonga

For fresh produce, you’re best off purchasing from the markets in the main centres. Larger supermarkets will have a selection of fresh goods, but many of the smaller shops have nothing but fast food and snacks.

Ota Ika is a traditional raw fish dish you should try, similar to ceviche, but with the addition of coconut milk, and is delicious! Eating out as a vegetarian is challenging here, and vegans may find it even more difficult.

Tongatapu

Friends Cafe | Great little cafe with a wide selection of food and drink and great coffee. Closed on Sunday

Cafe Escape | A more casual setting with cabinet food available. Closed on Sunday

Frangipani Korean Restaurant | For something a little different! Closed on Sunday.

Waterfront Restaurant | Specialises in seafood with an Italian vibe. Open on Sunday

Vava’u

Bella Vista | Beautiful views and a focus on delicious Italian food. Closed on Sunday.

Mango | Waterside with an extensive menu, including vegetarian options. Open on Sunday.

The Basque Tavern | Spanish tapas with a Tongan twist! Closed on Sunday

Cafe Tropicana | There’s something for everyone here, and they’ll provide provisions for your yacht too! Closed on Sunday

The Tongan Beach Resort | A wide selection of food with an incredible beachside location. Open on Sunday.

Ha’apai

Mariner’s Cafe | With a Polish chef, homemade sausages and pasta, and homegrown veggies, it’s well worth a visit. Open Sunday evenings.

Matafonua Lodge | Seafood, pizza, burgers and veggie-friendly, there’s something for everyone here. Reservations are required for dinner. Open Sundays.

Sandy Beach Resort | The fresh seafood is the star here! Open Sundays

‘Eua

Amenities on ‘Eua are minimal, and you should either expect to prepare your own food or contact your accommodation to find out what is available.

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Money matters in Tonga

The local currency in Tonga is the pa’anga, also known as T$ or TOP.

You can check your current exchange rate at xe.com (I use their app when I travel too). There are numerous ATMs across the islands with ANZ, Westpac and Western Union in most larger towns. 

You can exchange money here so long as you have a photo ID with you. I prefer to withdraw money from a local ATM using a card that doesn’t charge me for overseas transactions. Having said that, ATMs are limited in Tonga, especially on the outer islands.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most major hotels, restaurants and activities, but much of Tonga still runs on a cash economy. You’ll be better off assuming that you won’t be able to use your card and carry sufficient cash for your excursions. 

Is Tonga Expensive?

Not as expensive as Australia and New Zealand, but more so than larger Pacific countries. Here’s an idea of some average prices.

Accommodation

• Hostel or shared room in guesthouse T$25-30
• Private room in guesthouse T$50-80
• Mid-range hotel T$150-250
• Top-end hotel T$300-400

Food

• Local meal T$10-20
• Western-style meal with drink T$40-60
• Food shop for one for a week T$100-200

Drink

• Soft drink T$3
• Beer and cider T$7
• Bottle wine T$20

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for excellent service.

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

Staying Connected in Tonga – mobile wifi and data

Tonga has a lot of things, but reliable wifi is not one of them.

Most homes don’t have wifi, and even accommodation that promises free wifi can struggle to provide it. If you depend on data while you’re overseas, then you’ll need to have a backup plan.

You can organise a package with your telco provider at home, but that’s not what I would recommend. I’ve found that it’s almost always cheaper and more reliable to get a local SIM.

I have an old, unlocked phone specifically for overseas travel. In Tonga, I used Digicel, but U-call from TCC is another alternative.

If you arrive at the international airport in either Tongatapu or Vava’u, then you can purchase a SIM at the airport. There are also Digicel stores in the major towns of Nuku’alofa and Neiafu. I paid T$50 for 15GB of data, which lasted 30 days, and T$5 for the SIM.

You can see Digicel’s data plans here. Purchase some local minutes too – you’ll want to call taxis, make restaurant bookings and contact your accommodation in case of emergency.

When I visited Tonga, I was with a group of Americans, all of whom had paid for data before travel. Not a single one of them was able to access it, whereas I had no issues at all with my local SIM except when we were in isolated locations. Just something to bear in mind!

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

What to Pack for Tonga

The activities you’ll be participating in will dictate what you take with you. Here are some items that I consider essential for a trip to Tonga:

• Sunscreen. High SPF and reef-safe.
• Hat. If you plan on getting on a boat, ensure there’s some way of securing it to your person! I nearly lost mine overboard.
• Reef shoes. Tonga is volcanic, and there’s a lot of reef surrounding the islands. Your feet will thank you for keeping them safe.
• Insect repellant, especially if you’re visiting in summer!
• Snorkel, mask and flippers.
• Dive certification card and regulator if you’re planning on diving.
• Universal plug adaptor suitable for Aus/NZ. Note that Tonga runs on 240V power. Don’t fry your gear if you’re coming from the US – check that it runs on dual voltage before you bring it.
• Any prescription medication you might need, along with a basic first aid kit (include sinus spray and swimmers ears if you’ll be freediving or diving).

Camera Gear

This will be dependent on why you’re visiting Tonga. If you want to swim with the whales and get video but aren’t expecting to use it for a major tourism campaign, then a GoPro strapped to your wrist will be fine.

For those taking a DSLR and underwater housing, I’d suggest a combination of fish-eye and zoom lens for in-water shooting. For prime lenses, then 20mm is a good choice. A 16-35mm zoom gives you more options for beautiful close-up imagery.

When taking shots top-side or from shore, you’ll need something with a much better zoom range, such as a 70-200mm or even 100-400mm lens. I’d recommend taking a second body (if you have one) on the boat with this lens attached. You won’t want to be swapping out lenses with wet hands in the middle of the ocean!

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Responsible Travel in Tonga

Learn some language basics

Tongan is the official language of the Kingdom of Tonga, but most people also speak fluent English on the main islands. It’s a good idea to learn a couple of basic phrases – hello, please and thank you get you a long way.

If you’re going to the outer islands, you could try using Tradukka to help with translation. You’ll need to be connected to the internet, though!

Hello – Mālō e lelei

Please – Kātaki

Thank you – Mālō

Ethical whale watching

Whale tourism is the big draw here. Be aware of the local rules and regulations, and always listen to your guide and captain.

No single use plastic

Illegal dumping, plastic waste and general littering are a big problem in Tonga, and most of it gets blown into the ocean. Make sure that you don’t add to the problem.

Ask for drinks without straws, take your own tote bags and purchase items that aren’t wrapped in plastic at local stores. None of us needs to be the one to fix the problem, but we can definitely not contribute to it!

Dress conservatively

The Tongan people are relatively conservative in dress and attitude – a hangover from the days of the missionaries. Sunday is set aside for worship and rest, and everything basically closes at lunchtime on Saturday and doesn’t open again until Monday morning.

Unless you’re on the beach, you should dress reasonably modestly, and always cover your shoulders if you’re going to church.

Tourists are given a bit of leeway regarding what we wear, but it’s still nice to be considerate. You’ll be able to work out what’s acceptable by seeing what the locals are wearing. It’s illegal to go topless in Tonga as a man unless you’re at the beach! Women shouldn’t go topless even at resorts here.

Giving Back

Other than opting for locally run accommodation and activities, you can donate to VEPA an NGO working to protect Tonga’s environment through engagement with local communities. The Tonga Leitis Association is a locally run group campaigning for sexual health and human rights in Tonga that you can donate to. You could also support an individual in Tonga through Kiva’s microfinancing platform. 

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Is Tonga safe?

Crime levels in Tonga are low, but you should exercise the same safety and security measures as you would at home. If you’re not sure whether somewhere is safe, then ask a local you trust for advice.

Always listen to your gut instincts – if a place feels dodgy, you’re probably best off avoiding it.

As always, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation. Tonga is far from a large and well-equipped hospital, and you’ll need to be airlifted for most non-basic medical issues.

Recently there have been catastrophic cyclones in the country, as well as the volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami. You’re much more at risk from nature than the locals here.

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

Health Essentials in Tonga

Tap water in Tonga is safe to drink at hotels and restaurants, but if you’re concerned, then you could bring a Steripen or Lifestraw along with a reusable bottle. Plastic waste is a massive problem on the islands as there’s nowhere to put it other than the oceans. Don’t add to the pollution.

Other than a tetanus booster if you’re due, there are no specific vaccinations recommended for Tonga.

There are mosquitoes and ticks present in Tonga, and you should protect yourself against these. My recommendation is to wear long sleeves and trousers and use mosquito repellant, especially at dawn and dusk during the summer months.

There is currently a risk of contracting Zika virus in Tonga. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and poses no issue to the majority of travellers. Zika is of particular concern in pregnancy, and you should generally avoid countries where you might be exposed to Zika if you’re pregnant. You can find out more here.

The sun can be fierce in this part of the world, and you should always wear high SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Ensure you stay well hydrated, as heat stroke here could be a disaster.

TONGA TRAVEL TIPS

Further Reading before you visit Tonga

For planning, I recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook covering Tonga, Rarotonga and Samoa. You can find it here.

Vice has a fascinating look at the way missionary work has influenced the development of Tonga, and some of the challenges faced there today.

Leitis, indigenous transgender women, play a hugely important role in Tongan society. PBS aired a documentary featuring Tonga’s most famous, Joey Jolene Matele, and you can learn more about her work here.

I hope you find these Tonga travel tips helpful for planning before your visit. Tonga really is the most beautiful country, and your visit will help get them back on their feet after the catastrophic few years they’ve had recently.

Let me know if you find that any of these businesses are no longer operational. Please leave a comment with any advice or recommendations for other travellers!

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