Deep in the South Pacific, mountain tops rise from iridescent waters in a cluster of 170 islands that were settled at least 500 years before the birth of Christ.

These islands are the Kingdom of Tonga.

Fewer than 40 of the islands are inhabited now and the population numbers fewer than 100,000.  But in the 13th century Tonga ruled a far-flung Polynesian Empire - Tongans are renowned navigators still.  And the present King of Tonga, tracing descent from a royal dynasty formally proclaimed in 1845, follows in a tradition of rulers that stretches back for centuries.

Today’s ease of travel and the ubiquitous eye of the camera make Tonga small, accessible and familiar.  But the Kingdom of Tonga still remains far away from it all; still different, still alone, and to the joy of those who find their way to her - essentially unspoiled.

On Sundays, Tonga goes to Church, joined by the King and Queen.  No one works or conducts business on Sundays.  Every village has its church ringing to the rafters with the richly blended harmonies of hymns fervently sung.  Everywhere is the sound of music which Tongans so accurately call ‘sweet song’.

Tonga takes great pride in its ancient Polynesian lineage.  There is no attempt to follow the sophisticated world into a fast-paced, tension-packed way of life.

Every morning in these amiable, leisurely islands there dawns a fresh beginning, yet with a feeling of timelessness, which finds reflection in the shy dignity and gently smiling friendliness of Tonga’s handsome people.

The atmosphere is often languorous, heady with the perfume of tropical flowers.  Only the busy trade winds may disturb the calm and serenity.  The ambience is very Victorian, an atmosphere that is heightened by the yesteryear look of many elegant old buildings that exist alongside outstanding examples of Tongan architecture.

The Kingdom of Tonga is a constitutional monarchy and was formerly a British protectorate.  It gained its independence in 1970, although it is still a member of the British Commonwealth.

The Royal Tombs, Nuku’alofa: Situated near town, this has been the burial place of Tongan Royalty since 1893.

The Talamahu Market, Nuku’alofa: Tonga’s major fruit and vegetable market is open every day except Sunday.  An abundance of food makes a very colourful picture and very inexpensive shopping.

The Blow Holes: Along the rocky terraced coastline at Houma, 14.5km from town, waves send water spouting some 18m into the air through coral rack, creating one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Pacific.

Hufangalupe (The Pigeon’s Doorway): This is one of Tongatapu’s scenic areas.  It has three attractions; a huge natural coral bridge under which seawater churns; steep cliffs overlooking the sea; and a beautiful beach. 

Ha’amonga Trilithon: Erected 1200 AD the Ha’amonga Trilithon consists of two upright coral stones about 5m high, topped by a horizontal connecting stone 6m long.

Terraced Tombs: 10km from the Ha’amonga, towards Nuku’alofa, are the terraced tombs, or ‘langi’.  The first of the tombs was built around 1200 AD for an ancient dynasty, and formed by quadrilateral mounds faced by huge blocks of coral rock rising in terraces to heights of 4m.

Captain Cook’s Landing Place: At Captain Cook’s Landing Place near Mu’a stands the Ovava tree, under which the famous navigator is alleged to have rested after anchoring the ‘Endeavour’ just off-shore in the lagoon.

Flying Foxes: Clinging to their hundreds to casuarina trees at the village of Kolovai, 18km from Nuku’alofa, are the flying foxes (bats with fox-like heads).

Stalactite & Stalagmite Caves: Impressive underground stalactite and stalagmite caves of unknown length, through which flows a deep underground river, are situated 20km from town, on the coast.  A local guide with a strong torch is recommended when visiting the caves.

Eua Island

This island is an ideal retreat for hikers, adventurers and naturalists.  Ornithologists and bush-walkers will appreciate the bird life on Eua.

Matalanga-‘a-Maui & Lakufa’anga Cliffs: On the southern end of the island is the Matalanga-‘a-Maui, a high natural stone bridge through which seawater churns.  Less than one kilometre away are the 100-metre sheer cliffs of Lakufa’anga at the base of which turtles can usually be seen playing in the sea.  Natural forests, in which parrots chatter and scream overhead, add to the excitement of the excursions.

Hafu Pool: The clear Heke stream rushes down from the hills into a beautiful natural pool at Hafu, enhanced by a profusion of hibiscus and other tropical plants.

Note: The normal form of transport on Eua is by horse, or foot, but visitors can hire a Land Rover or lorry.

Vava’u Island

Keitahi and Ene’io Beach Tour: Two beautiful beaches on the main island of Vava’u.  Visitors are driven across the island from Neiafu, the capital, through interesting villages and plantations to swim and enjoy Tongan hospitality. 

Panoramic Coastal Drive: A scenic drive around the West coast of Vava’u, stopping at the village of Feletoa, the scene of an important battle in 1808.  The tour then proceeds to Tefisi and Longomapu villages to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Port of Refuge Harbour and numerous islands.

Tu’anuku Lake Tour: Tu’anuku is a freshwater lake about 14.5km from Neiafu where visitors can watch villagers call fish and catch by hand, and sample delicious panfried fresh fish on the edge of the lake.

Mount Talau - Walking Tour: Mount Talau, situated behind Neiafu, is the highest point of Vava’u.  A steep path brings climbers to the table top summit with breathtaking views. 

Swallows Cave Tour: Boats make their way down the magnificent Port of Refuge Harbour to the Swallows cave on the island of Kapa.  This multi-coloured chamber is a sanctuary for thousands of swallows in the autumn.

Mariner’s Cave Diving Tour: Boats wait at the entrance of the cave while guides take divers through the heart-shaped entrance into the mystical blue-lit cavern. Snorkels and flippers are advisable.

Nuku Island Tour: Spend the day on a perfect castaway island. Swim, snorkel and collect shells on the magnificent beach.  A barbeque lunch or picnic is provided.

Ha’a Pai Island

Felemea Village: A beautiful village on the island of Uiha, where visitors can stay and participate in all aspects of village life from ‘kava’ ceremonies, feasting and dancing to hunting ‘feke’ (octopus) with village fishermen.

Tongatapu Island

Tongan Wildlife Centre: Located about 8kms near the coast of Veitongo Village.  A collection of the Kingdom’s fauna can be viewed over here.  The Centre has a Tongan native bird collection, botanical garden, poster exhibit and a souvenir shop.

Diving and Reef Viewing: The coral reefs in Tonga are virtually untouched in beauty and variety and are equal to any in the world.  The rare and much sought-after fan black coral is found in abundance in Tongan waters and there are dropoffs, caves, deep reefs, lagoons and sunken ships all awaiting the adventurous diver.  There are five marine reserves and two island parks off Tongatapu which are protected by government legislation.  Reef viewing boats and other boat hire can be arranged locally.

Surfing: It is fortunate that Tonga experiences good surfing all year round.  One can surf with distinct seasons, ie. April - October, winter south swells season; November - March, this is summer north swell season.  Mean average swell height of 2 metres with occasional larger swells of 5 metres.  There are a myriad surfing locations in the outer archipelagos of Vava’u and Ha’apai with some charter boat operators offering access to these locations.

Deep Sea Fishing: Tongan waters are renowned for the variety of game fish.

Beaches and Swimming: There is an abundance of white sand beaches and the swimming opportunities are excellent.  Most beaches are protected by a coral reef which makes them unsuitable for swimming at low tide.  The best beaches on Tongatapu are to be found at Ha’amalo, ‘Anahulu, Laulea, Vai-ko-Latai, Oholei, Fua’a-motu, Monotapu, ‘Utukehe, Fahina, Ha’atafu and Good Samaritan Beach.  There are no sandy swimming beaches in Nuku’alofa township.  On the islands of Ha’apai virtually all the beaches are exceptional.  Vava’u has Ene'io, Kietahi, Toula, Talau Fanga and the castaway island of Nuku.

Shell Collecting: Conchologists rate Tongan shells as amongst the finest in the Pacific. There is a rich collection of almost all of the shells to be found in the Indo-Pacific area.  The clear lagoons, colourful reefs and beaches of the Ha’apai group provide the best area for the serious shell collector.

Handcrafts: There is no mass production of handcrafts in Tonga so the visitor still has an opportunity to view the traditional methods of basket making, weaving and tapa making. 

Horse Riding: Horses are still a popular means of transport on all the main island groups.  Hotels and tour operators will make arrangements for the hire of horses.  Generally there are no saddles available and the horses have not been schooled.

Whale Watching: During June to November in Vava’u warm waters, whale watching is becoming a popular marine activity amongst the tourists.  Vava’u’s warm waters are an excellent breeding refuge for the humpback whales, particularly around the island of Hunga in Vava’u.

Yachting/ Sailing: During March to October Nuku’alofa and Vava’u are the mecca for many oceangoing yachts.  Port of Refuge harbour in Vava’u provides a beautiful sheltered anchorage and the Paradise International Hotel offers the visiting yachtsmen all the amenities and facilities of an international hotel.  Most yachts visiting Nuku’alofa utilise the basic facilities provided at Faua Harbour.  The Nuku’alofa Yacht and Motor Club welcomes visiting yachtsmen.