Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2019
Reviewed on 9 Nov. 2023
Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2023
Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2019
Your annual leave is coming up, and no ordinary getaway will do. Head for Polynesia—specifically the Kingdom of Tonga—and let your cares float away in the South Pacific.
Kick back on soft white beaches, dive into turquoise waters and find secluded hideaways your friends back home will love hearing about. Are you ready? We are—so book one of our Tonga holidays and let’s go!
Spread over 170 islands, this Pacific nation is regularly listed as one of the “Top 10” diving and snorkelling destinations on the planet. Explore the biggest sea caves in the South Pacific around Eua, just a few kilometres from the main island of Tongatapu. Further north, the Ha'apai group of islands is a haven for snorkellers and divers, with vibrant reefs that fringe deserted beaches and pristine jungle hideaways.
Love the deep blue sea? Tonga holiday packages aren’t complete without a trip to the Vava?u Islands, where you can dive into water sports overdrive. The whole Vava'u chain is a colourful coral reef with plunging drop-offs and abundant marine life. While you're down there, keep an eye out for humpbacks, who have their calves in the area between May and October.
Back on dry land, immerse yourself in Polynesian history and culture on Tongatapu. We recommend picking up one of our Tonga car hire options to ensure you can get around at your own pace. Once you’ve got your new ride, cruise north to the imposing Ha'amonga 'a Maui, a towering limestone "Stonehenge of the Pacific", and explore the tombs littered throughout Lapaha.
Tonga has traditional markets, boutiques and modern shopping centres spread across the main island groups, where you can easily bargain for handicrafts such as renowned wood and bone carvings and Tapa, a decorative cloth adorned with traditional designs. Many artisans work in-store and are happy to show you their craft!
Tonga packages mean food—and lots of it. Think fine fresh seafood harvested daily from the islands' clean tropical waters and piled high on your plate. You’ll find restaurants right on the beach, hidden in the jungle or dotted through the downtown district of the capital Nuku'alofa. You can also count on a variety of international cuisines, including French, Italian, Chinese, German, Taiwanese and Japanese. You'll find the best selection on Vuna Road, which runs along the waterfront.
Tonga turns up the heat after dark, albeit in a lower-key fashion than its raunchier neighbours of Fiji and Samoa. Head out to Nuku'alofa for most of the action. Nurse a cocktail (or three!) in waterfront lounges, recount the livelier moments of your Tonga holiday in friendly sports bars or take in a dinner show with traditional music, singing and dance in one of the resorts. To truly unwind, guzzle a few bowls of kava, a drink popular throughout much of the Pacific. Many venues around the main islands will invite you to join a drinking circle, and trust us, it would be rude not accept.
If you're ready to dive in, let Wotif find you the best Tonga deals at the click of a button. Whether you're looking for a high-value hotel to accommodate a diving party or a relaxing and affordable resort for the family, you can rely on us to save money for the fun stuff. We've also got some sensational deals on Fiji holidays, so why not extend your trip and explore another beautiful island? Work can wait—your annual leave can’t!
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.co.nz from 2019-04-01 - 2020-03-31, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.