Travel Tonga, South Pacific

Tonga is a beautiful country, just 805 km southeast from Fiji, and accessible via Fiji Airways and offers pristine beaches, unspoiled rainforests and national parks as well as active volcanoes, lava tubes and caves. Making up four major island groups – Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and the Vava’u group – each of the country’s islands offer their own characteristics and style.

Complementing the country’s stunning regions is its unique weather—at a daytime average of around 24 degrees C, making it a comfortable getaway for many visitors year-round. Businesses are typically open daily except on Sundays, as it is a sacred day of worship and this closure would include local cafes and restaurants, except those which are part of a hotel or resort.

Experience Tonga’s culture and traditions through a variety of authentic experiences like song and dance, listening to the beautiful hymns at the weekly church service, viewing a Tongan song-and-dance spectacle and viewing a tapa making and mat weaving demonstration, which is a significant aspect of Tongan life as these mats are presented through various life events such as weddings and births or can be worn as a respectable form of dress. Other activities for travellers can include partaking in the ancient Polynesian kava ceremony as well as supporting local artisans through learning to create, or by simply purchasing, Tongan handicrafts, coconut oils and jewellery.