Tonga 🇹🇴
Getting there
There are regular flights from Sydney (Qantas), Auckland (Air Newzeland) and Nadi (Fiji Airways). Book in advance as prices can get high the fuller the flights get. Getting to Tonga is much easier than some of the pacific neighbours further to the north - it’s only a quick 3 hour hop from NZ and the journey is pretty smooth and pleasant!
Connectivity: Get a physical sim at the airport if you need fast speeds for working - there were quite a few counters. The eSIM available from Airalo worked ok but not brilliantly, there was 4G on and off, but I lost connection in more rural parts, and couldn’t have worked with it as it was too slow. As an aside - avoid the Oceania ESIM that some providers are offering, it does not work beyond 3G in any of the pacific countries I’ve tried it in (though was ok in Australia and NZ).
Money situation: there’s an exchange desk on arrival, and lots of ANZ atms at the airport and throughout town that accept major international visa and Mastercard. Some hotels take card, most restaurants and cafes do not. You should have cash to hand to make sure you can get around the city.
Taxis
You will struggle to get around Tongatapu without a car or taxi. You will see a few taxis driving around town, but not loads, so best to pre-plan. I asked my accommodation (House of Tonga) to arrange my transport from the airport and to the feast (see below!), and most higher end hotels will be able to do this for you too, but a couple of companies that were recommended are below. At the airport there are taxis waiting so you can always take one of these. The price into town is around 65TOP (£21/$27). There are also car hire booths at the airport including an Avis, which you can check out online before.
Where to stay
Tongatabu didn’t have any high end or branded hotels that you might see in Fiji, but there were some good options, albeit not always budget friendly.
Where to eat
What to do
Feasts & cultural dances
Tonga is famous for its feasts (large buffets of traditional food, piled high on a plate) accompanied by cultural dances. There are not tourist targeted things, in fact you’ll see few tourists, and mostly tongans, enjoying their dinner with a show! These run on Wednesdays and Fridays, start at 8pm and cost 50TOP (£17/$21). Your hotel can help you book them and can advise on transport
Sights
Tongatapu actually had quite a few historical and cultural sights that you can see in a few hours of going around the island. You can either hire a car, or get a tour company to take you. I used Teta tours ans booked via Getyourguide, and booked their east island tour - but you could absolutely contact them direct and ask them to combine the east and west tours as each only takes a couple of hours.
Town centre
East Island
West Island
Whale watching
The whale season is from June - October, and there are a few places in Tongatapu that will set you up with a whale watching trip
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