'''Tongatapu''' is in Tonga.

Cities

  • Nuku'alofa - The capital of Tonga
  • Other destinations

    Understand

    Talk

    Tongan is the official language but English is very widely spoken

    Get in

    By Plane

    There are several flights a week from Auckland and Suva.

    By Boat

    Get around

    There is a public bus system and a few taxis but Nuku'alofa is small enough to walk around. You can rent cars and motorscooters. A Tongan driver's license for T$15 is available and can be obtained at the police department with your home license. Outside of Nuku'alofa it's easy enough to hitch or you can hire a bicycle. Cycling the length of the island takes about an hour or two.

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Take a day trip to Panga'imotu or one of the outer islands.

    Toni's tour of Tongatapu is a great option on Sunday when everything else is closed. T$40 per person min. 4 people

    Sleep

    Budget

    Midrange

    Splurge

    Eat

  • Friend's Cafe. aufa'ahua Road, Nuku'alofa. 676) 22390. The main place for tourists on Tongatapu. Serves coffee, tea, and excellent breakfast. Try the vanilla french toast. The milk shakes are also very good. There is an adjacent souvenir shop, information desk, and computers for internet access
  • Talamahu Market. alote Road, Nuku'alofa. 676) 24146. Situated in Nuku'alofa next to the Central Police Station, Talamahu is the main market in Tongatapu where all the local farmers bring their fresh produce and sell. You can find all types of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables and root vegetables such as yams, kumara, taro, manioke. Upstairs you will find local handicrafts, second hand clothing, shoes, carvings and jewelry of all types.

    Most restaurants and eateries are closed on Sunday but there are a couple of Chinese restaurants which are open Sunday.

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Tongatapu is very safe but the usual travel precautions apply. Don't flash expensive cameras and jewelry and don't leave passports, money, clothes, etc. lying around in hotel rooms. If you're staying with locals (there is a high likelyhood you'll be invited to stay at someone's home on Tongatapu) take your valuables with you during the day and secure them at night

    Tongan drivers are sometimes erratic so watch out. Asking for a helmet when you hire a bicycle is advisable. Dogs can be a nuisance especially in some areas outside of the capital

    Get out

    There are flights and ferries to 'Eua, Ha'apai, and various other islands. None of these services run on Sunday.