If you want white, sandy beaches you can go anywhere… if you want a real cultural experience in one of the most beautiful climates this planet has to offer all year round, and see a life that most of the world has forgotten, come to Tonga.

The Kingdom of Tonga is not one of those places you fly through on your way to somewhere else. Tonga IS the destination. And it is probably for this reason it has remained relatively untouched.

Tonga is the oldest and only remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Pacific nation never to be brought under foreign rule. With a culture that can be traced back 3000 years and which archaeologists believe were the forefathers of most South Pacific nations, Tonga is one of the most fascinating countries you will visit in the 21st Century.


The Kingdom consists of over 170 islands (at last count), more than 120 of them uninhabited. Some islands are huge and lushly vegetated while others are just a spot on the map - but most are surrounded by white sandy beaches, stunning reefs, or both!

The Tongans' culture and religious beliefs are the cornerstone of their existence - be prepared to completely stop on Sundays because everyone else does. Please also be aware that Tongans are quite shy and embarrass easily. It is against the law for men to go bare-chested or for women to be scantily clad in public. Resort beaches are fine.  This is a different country so respect is appreciated.

Vava'u - a very special place
We chose the northern group of islands called Vava'u (vah-VAH-oo) to launch our canoe tours because as soon as we arrived we knew we'd found a very special place.

Spend a day in Nuku'alofa to acclimatise and then jump on a plane for a short flight to Vava'u. Your flight will give a bird's eye view of the hundreds of islands and the reefs below crystal clear waters. This will prepare you for your adventure in paradise by outrigger canoe.

We promise that once you've experienced Vava'u, you won't want to leave!

How to get here

The beauty of Tonga is its isolation, so when you plan a holiday in Vava'u, getting here is part of the adventure!

Via Nuku'alofa
Catch a direct flight to Tongatapu (main island) from Australia, New Zealand or Fiji on Pacific Blue, Air New Zealand or Air Pacific. From Europe or North America, flights are via Los Angeles or Auckland. You then board a domestic flight (Chathams Pacific) to Vava'u. Flights to Tonga are quite limited, so it's a good idea to book well ahead (and you will get better deals too).

From Nuku'alofa you will need to catch a short domestic flight to beautiful Vava'u. There are two domestic airlines currently operating within Tonga - Chathams Pacific (www.chathamspacific.com) and Air Tonga. We recommend Chathams Pacific for your domestic flights.

If you are flying Air Tonga, ALWAYS confirm your Tongan inter-island flights the day before AND a few hours before your flight departure. Their flights change (and even sometimes leave earlier than the scheduled time) without notice. You must be at the airport one hour before departure time. Luggage is restricted to only 10kg per person on Air Tonga and up to 20kg on Chathams Pacific. If you have more than this allowance, you will be charged for the excess or your luggage may not travel on the same plane as you.

Handy information

Tourist Information
The Tonga Visitors Bureau, Neiafu, Vava'u
Phone (676) 70 115 or VHF 16
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Website www.tongaholiday.com

Air Travel - Domestic
Chathams Pacific is our preferred domestic Tongan airline. www.chathamspacific.com Book your flight to and from Vava'u early to avoid disappointment.

Climate
Vava'u enjoys a tropical climate with average daily temperatures of 29ºC in January and 24ºC in June. The weather is warm and generally sunny most of the year with periods of rain throughout the year.

From May to September, southeast trade winds range from 15-25 knots. During the summer months, northeast winds of 10-20 knots are normal.

Clothing
Summer clothing is suitable during most of the year, however a light jacket or wrap is recommended for evenings. Casual attire is suitable for most occasions, however Tongans are conservative so moderate dress is expected. It is against the law to appear in a public place without a shirt. Women should not wear swimsuits, low-cut tops, or very short skirts away from resorts and beaches.

Currency and Banks
The national currency of Tonga is the Pa'anga (TOP), divided into 100 seniti. Banks are open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Westpac and ANZ have ATMs. Please be aware that most businesses do not take credit cards or charge a 5% fee.  The best option in Tonga is Traveller's Cheques.

Duty Free Allowance
Travellers from overseas board have a duty free allowance of 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages.

Electricity
Electricity in Tonga is 240 volts

Emergencies
Police 922 or Phone (676) 70 234
Fire 999 or Phone (676) 70 089
Hospital 933
Any Emergency Assistance 911

Language
English is widely spoken in Tonga. It is taught at schools and most Tongans will immediately speak English to tourists. It's always nice to try, so here are some basic words in Tongan for you to bring with you. By the way… the "G" in Tonga is silent - just like "singer" in English.

Liquor Laws
The legal drinking age is 18. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, with the exception of licensed hotels.

Medical Services - Vava'u
Ngu Hospital, Talau (676) 70 201
Senior Medical Officer (676) 70 304
Sister-in-Charge and Nurses (676) 70 203
Dental Services (676) 70 202

Post Office
Opposite the wharf. Open Monday - Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Phone (676) 70 141

Telecommunication
The international country code is 676.

Tonga Communications Corporation is located next to the Post Office with payphones available for domestic and long-distance calls. Fax service also available during office hours.

You cannot make or receive international calls using mobile or cell phones in Vava'u, even if you do have global roaming.

Vava'u has quite a few Internet Cafes so you can keep in touch from paradise.

Time
Tonga is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and the first to see the light of each day.

Tourist Season
The peak season in Vava'u is June to November. It is the low season for tourism during the summer months of December to May, but we don't know why because it is a great time of the year when the south-east tradewinds have died down and the days are beautiful.

Visas
If you wish to extend your length of stay, contact the Immigration Department office in Neiafu - Tonga Development Bank building. Phone (676) 71142 or (676) 71149

To learn more…