Tonga Travel, Backpacking & Tours

Travel to Tonga

Get information, advice and inspiration for visiting Tonga:

Capital: Nuku'alofa
Currency: Pa'anga (TOP)
Population: 106,000 (approx)
Language: Tongan, English

Top Reasons to Visit Tonga

Spectacular beaches
Relatively undiscovered compared to similar destinations
Less tourists = a more authentic experience
Amazing resorts

Best Time to Visit Tonga

If you are looking when to go to Tonga then the most popular time with international tourists is from May to October. Prices for accommodation can be more expensive during this period as this is consider peak. Tonga is an all year round destination though with a warm climate most months.

Travelling & Backpacking in Tonga

One of the highlights of visiting Tonga is the beaches, coast, whale watching tours, island hopping and scuba diving. Due to the location of Tonga, this destination is especially popular with people from Australia.

Best Things to See & Do in Tonga

Here are some of the best attractions in Tonga, be sure to try to add some to your itinerary:

Sit by the Plane Window - Flying into Tonga is really amazing, there are spectacular islands surrounded by turquoise reefs and the blue ocean
Swim with Whales - Each year hundreds of whales migrate to breed in Tonga’s ocean and this is a once in a lifetime chance to see these creature up close. There are excursions available and some operators offer the chance to swim with whales which will be one of the most amazing experiences in your life.
Go island hopping - Escape the resorts and see more of the country
Adventure Sports - There are lots of sports avaiable all year round including swimming, diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, fishing and kayaking
Sample of the local food - there are lots of tasty meat, fish and vegetarian meals available.
Visit Tu'a - Tonga’s oldest island.
Stay in an Eco Lorge - There are several in Tonga where you stay in true nature. Mafana Island’s eco lodge is highly recommended.
Seek Out the Best Beach - When it comes to beaches there are so many to choose from! We recommend heading to Pangaimotu where some of the best beaches are located.
Tongatapu day tour - A good way to spend a day out
Go Trekking - You can find lots of volcanoes and mountains throughout the country

How to Get Around

Public transport is very unreliable and so your best bet is to book transport with a private operator - this can easily be done at accommodation or at tourist centres.