Top deals to amazing Tonga cities
Nuku'alofa
Holiday In Tonga
If your mantra is “Independence never takes a holiday”, then pack your bags for a tropical holiday to Tonga—we mean, if you want to.
This small archipelago in the South Pacific has preserved its gorgeous beaches and local customs since, well, forever. For reals—all 177 Tongan islands rock to their own breezy beat. With so many islands to keep track of, Tonga is divided into three groups—Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai—with the most attractions in the largest, Tongatapu, because hey, size matters sometimes. Get in on all the feasting, scuba diving and sunbathing that make a Tonga holiday your best adventure yet.
Things to Do in Tonga
Not to be confused with the Latin tango, Tonga knows its way around the dance floor, from the foot-stomping, co-ed lakalaka to the flowing bridal tau?olunga. You can learn how to sway your hips island-style at Ancient Tonga, a cultural centre in the capital city of Nuku'alofa, located in the Tongatapu. While you’re there, participate in a kava ceremony for a sip of “instant holiday”. Before you start sippin’ and trippin’, make traditional island gifts to take back home to your BFF (who’s been stalking your Insta feed for beach pics like a groupie, of course). Speaking of beach pics, that’s what Tonga holidays are all about. Snap a few while swimming with whales—WHALES—off the coast of several islands. If you prefer swimming way below sea level, dive deep at Anahulu Cave, a not-so-secret swimming hole inside a spelunker’s wet dream. Not an underground explorer? Pick up one of our sweet Tonga car hire options and drive out to Houma to see water shoot sky-high from the Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes. Outdoor shower, anyone?
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Shopping in Tonga is colourful and hyper-local. Each village has its own markets and craftspeople weaving unique patterns into baskets and textiles, creating unique jewellery and carving wooden designs. You could decorate your flat with local finds, so save your travel money on Tonga packages and pack an extra suitcase. If you’re craving a mall fix, shop to your heart’s content at the Western Union Mall, located in the Nuku’alofa city centre.
Food is central to Tongan life, so eat up! Give in to the taro root, yams and sweet potatoes smothered in coconut milk and roasted in an underground oven. Taste all the variations of fresh fish and seafood that practically swam to the kitchen. It’s cultural anthropology, right?
You might want to take a nap—preferably under a palm tree—because Tonga comes alive at night. Make new friends along an easy going pub crawl, or continue your island “education” at the Tongan National Cultural Centre back in Nuku'alofa. That’s not all, though! A few times a week, you can participate in a late-night feast within walking distance to the royal palace. Maybe the king or queen will join you for a selfie.
What’s Next?
Save on accommodation and airfares when you book one of our wickedly cool Tonga holiday packages right here at lastminute.co.nz. You’re just a few clicks away from swirling your hips in a woven grass skirt. Wanna keep the good times swaying? Wanna visit Tonga’s fabulous neighbour, too? Book one of our sizzling Fiji holiday packages!
Top hotels for your Tonga holiday
House of Tonga
Reviewed on 13 Dec. 2024
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
Reviewed on 17 Oct. 2024
Emerald Hotel
Reviewed on 5 Dec. 2024
Popular places to visit
Vava'u Harbor
Explore the waterfront in Neiafu with a trip to Vava'u Harbor. Discover the coral reefs while you're in the area.
Ha'atafu Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Ha'atafu Beach during your travels in Ha'atafu?
Interisland Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Nuku'alofa with a trip to Interisland Ferry Terminal. You can seek out the snorkelling spots while in the area.
Popular holiday destinations in Tonga
Book your Tonga holiday package
Top picks
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.co.nz from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, 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.