Tonga Guide
Tonga Guide
For helpful tips to use while planning your Tonga holiday check out our Tonga Country Guide.
Things to see & do in Tonga
Scroll further down the page for details on some of the interesting tourist attractions in Tonga.
Art Galleries
Tonga National Cultural Center
….your one stop tour of the Kingdom !
Daily – Cultural Demonstrations
Mon – Fri 2.00pm -4.00pm
Group Tour 10 above: $25 per person
Less than 10: $35.00 per person
Includes:
- Mat Weaving
- Tapa Making
- Coconut Demonstrations
- Dancing
- ‘Umu
- Light Fruit Lunch
Tongan Museum
Check out our lovely Museum where you will be able to view our history from long time ago. You will also take time to explore our Kings and some of the memories from their time.
Banks
ANZ Bank
Telephone: + (676) 20500
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm Sat:8:30am-11:30am
WESTPAC BANK OF TONGA
Telephone: +(676) 23933
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm Sat: 8:30am-12:00pm
TONGA DEVELOPMENT BANK
Telephone: +(676) 23333
Banking Hrs: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm Sat: Closed
MBF Bank
Telephone: +(676) 24600
Banking Hrs: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm Sat: Closed
Note: airport branch opens for every flight.
Bars and Night Clubs
BILLFISH BAR
Location: Maufanga
Telephone: +(676) 24084
RELOAD BAR
Location: Nuku’alofa
Telephone: +(676) 22383
HOTEL NUKUALOFA BAR
Location: Nukualofa
Telephone: +(676) 24244
VAKALOA BEACH RESORT BAR
Location: Kanokupolu
Telephone: +(676) 41233
HAKAUTAPU BAR
Location: Kanokupolu (Liku’alofa Beach Resort)
Telephone: +(676) 41967
Bird Watching
Tonga’s Northern Island Niuafo’ou has some of the best bird watching options. It is very remote and till very recent times, was accessible by boat only. The rare Polynesian Megapode can be seen in its natural habitat here. The island of Vava’u is much easier to visit.
The northern part of Vava’u has native forests that are home to the Tongan Whistler, another bird indigenous to Tonga. The small islands of Maninita and Taula are close by and they have nesting sites for many seabirds, and breeding areas for land birds.
Buses
There are no public buses, all are privately owned either by club group or by family. There is no scheduled for the buses running hour, but buses start early in the morning about 7am until 5pm in the afternoon. If you are traveling out of town make sure you are by the road at about 3pm in time to catch a bus back into town.
There are two central bus stations along Vuna road in Nuku’alofa. Opposite the Ministry of Education building is the Bus station that takes you to the far eastern and western district. Just further down Vuna road, opposite the Tonga Visitors Bureau office, is the Central Bus Station that takes you as far as the Hospital and around the town area.
Nuku’alofa – Eastern Side
‘Atele ——————- $0.90
Veitongo —————– $1.00
Vaini ——————– $1.20
Malapo —————— $1.30
Tatakamotonga —— $1.60
Lapaha —————— $1.90
Talafo’ou ————— $2.50
Niutoua —————– $2.90
Pelehake ————— $1.50
Fua’amotu ————- $1.90
Nuku’alofa – Southern & Western Side
Fatai ——————— $0.95
Nukunuku ————– $1.20
Te’ekiu —————— $1.30
Houma —————— $1.40
Kolovai —————— $1.60
Ha’atafu —————– $2.50
Currency Exchange
All of our banks exchanges foreign currency including Western Union with Global Exchange but MBF Bank has the best currency exchange rate in Tonga.
MONEY TRANSFER:
-Western Union + (676) 24345
-Money Gram + (676) 27847
FUA’AMOTU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- Jones Travel Ltd +(676) 26110
- MBF Bank +(676) 24600
- Western Union +(676) 24345
Day Trips to Offshore Island Resort
There are daily excursions to the offshore islands, where you can relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, join in the daily activities, and return later in the afternoon. The islands are very close – it is only a 15 minute trip to Pangaimotu (the nearest), and less than an hour to Royal Sunset (the farthest) and Fafa Island behind Pangaimotu Island.
There are bars and restaurants available to assist customers needs in all of these 3 Islands.
Contact by Phone (676) or email the Offshore Island Resorts
Pangaimotu Island Resort
Phone (676): 15762
Email: pangaimotu@kalianet.to
Fafa Island Resort
Phone (676): 22800
Email: fafa@kalianet.to
Royal Sunset Island Resort
Phone (676): 21254
Email: royalsun@kalianet.to
Diving Charter
Tongatapu: Around the offshore islands, Tongatapu has everything a driver could wish for, with wrecks, corals, walls, chasms and caves to explore. Most operators can take you snorkeling and there are charters available for sport fishing, with catches including yellow fin tuna, mahi and marlin.
Deep Blue Tonga
Phone(676): 23379
Email: contact@deep-blue-diving.to
Royal Sunset Fishing& Diving Tours
Phone(676): 21254
Email: royalsunset@kalianet.to
Vava’u: has a wide variety of diving catering for all levels and abilities. The water is some of the clearest in the world; and is well known for its amazing caves.
Operator—————————-Phone (676)—————Email
Beluga Diving————————-70327 —————— beluga@kalianet.to
Dolphin Pacific Diving————–70292 —————– divedpd@kalianetvav.to
Dive Vava’u—————————-70492 —————– info@divevavau.com
Hilltop Hotel————————70209 —————– sunset@kalianet.to
Ferry Services
There are two ferries (MV ‘Otumotuanga’ofa and MV Pulupaki) that service between Tongatapu and the outer island groups departing every Thursday afternoon. Both ferries’ schedules sometimes vary so check with the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, Uata Shipping or Tonga Visitor Bureau for the latest schedules on arrival. If you plan to travel straight out to the northern islands, email or phone to check departure times prior to your arrival:
MV Pulupaki, phone (676) 23855
MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, phone (676) 23853
Golf
You can tee off at the nine-hole Tonga Golf Club at ‘Atele along the Taufa’ahau Road, opposite the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium. Green fees $15. Visitors are welcome to join and clubs can be hired.
Health Services
Hospitals a valid yellow fever certificate and a valid cholera certificate are required by all Travelers over one year old who have been in an infected area prior to arrival in Tonga.
Tongatapu
Vaiola Hospital
Location: Tofoa
Phone(676): 23200
‘Eua
Niu’eiki Hospital
Location: Angaha
Phone(676): 50111
Vava’u
Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital
Location: Neiafu
Phone(676): 70200
Ha’apai
Niu’ui Hospital
Location: Hihifo
Phone(676): 60203
Health
Village Pharmacy
Ph#: (+676) 27522
Beauticious…indulgence meets necessity. Penny Fox, a qualified beautician offers variety of treatments. From facial treatments, luxury manicures & pedicure to waxing, for both men and women.
Location: Kolofoou, Tongatapu
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: [9:00am – 5:00pm]
- Friday: [9:00am – 8:00pm]
- Saturday: [9:00am – 3:00pm]
Hiking
The Tongan islands do not have mountain ranges so hiking trails are few in number. However, there are plenty of enjoyable walking routes along the oceanfront in Vava’u and Ha’apai. Vava’u has a few difficult hills to climb and for the real hiking enthusiasts, ‘Eua has several challenging trails into the tropical rain forest and along the cliffs.
Horse Riding
All the island groups still use horses as a mode of transport. Horses can be hired through hotels and tour operators. As saddles are not easily found, the activity is best for experienced riders only!
Internet Cafe
TONGATAPU
| Internet Cafe | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Friends Café | Taufa’ahau Road | 22390 |
| Escape Cafe | Hearts of Nuku’alofa | 21212 |
| Tau’olunga Computer | Fasi | 24828 |
| Dataline | Taufa’ahau Road | 27773 |
| Infotech | Fanga | 27339 |
| Island Technology | Kolofo’ou | 24875 |
| Tonga Communication Corporation | Nuku’alofa | 20000 |
VAVA’U
| Internet Cafe | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse | Neiafu | 71395 |
| Cafe Tropicana | Neiafu | 71322 |
HA’APAI
| Internet Cafe | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Mariner Cafe | Pangi | 60374 |
Jogging & Aerobics
You can go jogging at the waterfront along Vuna Road, or use the track at Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium. Aerobics classes with the Ma’alahi programme are held daily at Teufaiva Gymnasium and at the waterfront, opposite Air New Zealand Office.
Old Tonga Cultural Village
Located just at the outskirts of Nuku’alofa at the village of Popua about 4 km away from town. The Old Tonga Village resembles a traditional village setting with traditional fales and archtechture overlooking the lagoon. Tours can be arranged on a daily basis except on Sunday. Also caters for special functions etc, offering great accommodation as well.
Postage
The Post Office is located on Taufa’ahau Road in Nuku’alofa.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 8.30am-4pm
Religion
This devoutly Christian nation honours Sundays across every island group the Sabbath is declared sacred in the Tongan Constitution. Virtually every denomination is represented in Tonga with each church taking an interest in the development of the country.
Rental Hire
You must obtain a local driver’s license before you are able to rent a car/van. There are plenty of car rental companies located in Nuku’alofa.
| Company | Phone (676) | |
|---|---|---|
| Avis Rentals | 21179 | avis@tonfon.to |
| Fab Rentals | 23077 | rogerlee@kalianet.to |
| Jones Rentals | 29917 | ati.fauonuku@kl2.emjones.to |
| New Millennium | 30344 | nmatele8@kalianet.to |
| Pasifika Rentals | 27718 | pasifikarentalcars@tonfon.to |
| Sunshine Rentals | 23848 | sunshinerentalcar@yahoo.com |
Sailing Charter
Fafa Island Resort’s Sea Star Sailing Charter lets visitors discover the magic beauty of Tonga Islands aboard its 54ft bluewater ketch. Phone 676 22800, email holiday sailing@gmail.com or www.seastar.to
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are open from 8am-5pm, Monday to Thursday to Saturday and late night on Friday.
| Supermarket | Location |
|---|---|
| Alatini’s | Taufaahau Road, Opposite Rainbow Bakery |
| Molisi Supermarket | Tupoulahi Road, Opposite Noah Contrustion |
| Si’i Kae Ola | Taufaahau Road, Next to Seven Day Adventish Church |
| First Choice | Salote Road, Next to EM Jones Gas Station |
Talamahu Market
Next door to the Central Police Station, is Tonga’s colorful fruit and various fresh vegetable. Market is open every day except Sunday, and it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and meet the local people. In addition, you will find fresh local produce to sample including seasonal tropical fruits such as papaya, watermelon and mango, along with staple root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, taro, yams and plantains.
While handicrafts can be found on the far side of the market. Upstairs, on the first floor, there are more arts and crafts, including carvings and jewelry. The market opens from 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday and from 7am-4pm Saturday.
Tennis
Public tennis courts are located at ‘Atele Stadium, phone (676) 29199 for enquiries and booking.
Tongan Feast & Traditional Dance
Liku’alofa Beach, phone 41967: Buffet and show Wednesday and Friday at Kanokupolu, 21km from town. ‘Umu/barbecue on Sunday. $40/person.
‘Oholei Beach, phone 11783/78713: Buffet and show every Wednesday, Friday evening by the beach at Kanokupolu on the Western on the western side, $40/person.
Vakaloa, phone 41233/41234: Buffet and show every Friday evening by the beach at Kanokupolu on the western side, $40/person.
Tu’imatamoana Fish Market
Located just along the waterfront and just before the main wharf. View selections of local seashells and other kind of sea foods from the local seas of Tonga. Best time is early morning in the weekends or afternoon during week days.
Unguided Walks
Independent walker will find some interesting sights in southern ‘Eua, including the rockgarden cliffs, Liangahu’o ‘a Maui (a spectacular natural archway) and wild horses, while Ha’aluma Beach on the southern coast is great for a cooling swim.
Water Sports
Scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts love the variety and beauty of the Tongan coral reefs. All necessary equipment can be hired.
The best dive sites in Tonga are in the Ha’apai group and around the small islands off Tongatapu. Vava’u has some exciting cave diving sites. Swimming options are everywhere, as are the lovely sandy beaches.
‘Eua, located 11 km (7 miles) from Tongatapu, has a surfing beach of world class standard. Tonga surfing spots are the Ha’apai islands, the Vava’u islands, and Niutoua Beach on the main island.
The waters of Tonga offer excellent fishing opportunities. Plenty of game fish such as tuna, sailfish, marlin, and barracuda are available. There are ample charter boats.
Sailing
The Vava’u group of islands offer the best sailing in the South Pacific. The deep waterways, and the harbour at Neiafu with its perfect anchorage and several charter yachts, draw many sailing lovers. It is the island of choice for many international yacht charter companies. The northern group of the Vava’u islands is especially popular. They are not difficult to navigate and are sprinkled with endless anchorages in picture perfect bays and isolated beaches.
Kayaking
Kayaking is popular in two regions of Tonga. The innumerable islands of the Vava’u group have wonderful exploring opportunities and are indeed blessed with calm waters too. Visitors to the Ha’apai group also love to hop around the islands due to its isolated beaches.
Whale Watching
From June to November, humpback whales throng the waters of Tonga to mate and calf. Special speakers for whale watching in Tonga are fitted in to a hydrophone that is aboard the catamaran, Pheonix, based at Neiafu. The female whales do not sing.