Tongatapu (Sacred South)

Area: 260 sq kms | Population: 69,000

Largely flat with many geological and cultural attractionsÂ
Myriad of beaches, coral Islands, reefs, villages
Dramatic landscapes
Numerous excellent day trips
Home to King George Tupou V and the sovereignty
Often overlooked by tourists on their way to other Islands, Tongatapu offers a great deal

Tongatapu is the Kingdoms cultural and political centre.

Getting There

Air New Zealand fly from Auckland, Apia and Los Angeles

Pacific Blue fly from Auckland & Sydney

Air Pacific fly from Fiji

Fares & Schedule

Tongatapu PhotosÂ & Blowholes

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Rich Royal Heritage

Royal Palace, Vuna Road, Tongatapu, Kingdom Of Tonga

Tongatapu is the home to King George Tupou V and offers many interesting heritage sites and a unique history. Â Make sure you check out the Haâ€™amonga â€˜a Maui Trilithon (stonehenge of the Pacific) as well as theÂ Langi (terraced tombs) and moats on the Eastern side of the island.Â

Stunning Landscapes

Tongatapu's southern coastline is host to coral reefs with dramatic cliffs and blowholes

The southern coastline of Tongatapu features many fine, private beaches, caves, coral reefs and clifftops including numerous blowholes. Â The most famous of these,Â Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes, are amongst the best in the PacificÂ .

Off Shore Adventures

Pangaimotu Island Resort is a favourite spot on Sunday | Photo by Jessie Mitchell

There are several fine island resorts just a short boat trip from Nuku'alofa which are great for a day trip as well as a stay over. Â All are great places to unwind, socialise and explore, swim and dive from.

Escape to 'Eua

'Eua is 8mins by air from Tongatapu and is an ecotourism wonderworld

Rugged, untouched and geographically quite different from the rest of Tonga, 'Eua is naturally beautiful. Â For the active tourist you can trek along limestone cliffs, explore forests which are hundreds of years old and much more - all only 8 minutes by air from Tongatapu.

Arts & handicrafts

Tongatapu has several markets and a wide range of Tongan crafts

Explore the markets, visit the Womens Centre next door to Friends Cafe or enjoy one of the many cultural shows and buffets. Â Tongatapu offers a wide range of Tongan food stuffs, handicrafts, carvings and arts. Â

Tours & Adventures

Tongatapu has many great kayaking adventures on offer | Photo by Jessie Mitchell

There are many guided tours and self-guided tours you can enjoy. Tongatapu is mostly flat and takes 2-3 days to explore properly. Great walks, mountain biking, gorgeous architecture. Manâ€™s history has been traced 3000 years back and the natural landscape is millions of years old. Â Tongatapu is easy to discover and enjoy.