Location: The Kingdom of Tonga comprises of 170 islands (only 37 inhabited) stretching for 425 kms across the South Pacific. Tonga is located south-east of Fiji, north-east of Sydney and slightly to the west of the International Date Line – it is the first Pacific nation to welcome the new day.
Tonga - often described as the "Friendly Islands", is still very much untouched. It is a very special South Pacific destination where you will discover remote coral atolls, unbelievable beaches, warm turquoise lagoons and beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Tongatapu is the main island of Tonga with the capital Nuku'alofa and home of the Tongan Royal family - the house of Tupou.
Approximately 100kms north of Tongatapu lie the Ha'apai Island group which are beach fringed islands ideal for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful clear water. Ha'apai offers bed and breakfast style accommodation and cabins.
Further to the north are the picturesque Vava'u Islands - a glorious paradise dotted on a deep blue ocean with pristine white sand beaches. The main town Neiafu overlooks the picturesque natural 'Port of Refuge' harbour with villages dotting its shores and colourful locals crossing its tranquil waters! There are small resorts in and around the Vava’u area. July to November is the hump back whale season.
How to get there: Fua'amotu International Airport is the gateway to Tonga located on the main island of Tongatapu. Air New Zealand operate a weekly service from Los Angeles via Samoa with connections from key European and north American cities. There are regular flights from New Zealand and Australia with Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue and also services via Fiji and Samoa. Airline Tonga is currently the only domestic airline and operates regular flights from Tongatapu to Ha'apai and Vava'u (no services operate on Sundays).
Climate and Culture: April to October is the best time to visit which is the cooler dry season with temperatures around 22C ... Summer, from November to March can be hot, humid with some rain.
Tonga was among the few Pacific islands never to be colonised and has maintained its customs and traditions while following various forms of Christianity. The Tongan people are warm and welcoming, and very proud of their homeland.
The Tongan royal family dates back to the 1800s with the first King of a united Tonga being George Tupou l and Queen Salote who introduced christianity. The next significant monarch was Queen Salote crowned in 1918 who expanded the presence of Tonga throughout the world. Queen Salote was highly regarded and her attendance at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 was legendary!
The extended family is very much a practise in Tonga, with all possessions shared equally. Gifts are always given to new friends and foreigners – a custom already present when missionaries arrived. Christianity took a strong hold throughout the archipelago and removed indigenous spiritual beliefs.
Dance in Tonga has traditionally been important turning oral histories and folk tales into a visual form Weaving the leaves of the pandanus palm is a form of art and baskets and intricately worked mats are among the most beautiful in the Pacific. Novels have been based on Tonga the earliest accounts are by castaway Will Mariner and Captain Bligh after he lost command of his ship.