Things to do in

Tonga

Royal Palace & Fangatapu: Nuku’alofa’s white Victorian wooden Palace was commissioned by King Tupou I. It was built in 1864 using Kauri timber from New Zealand. It has become the residence of the Royal Family. Mala’e kula (Royal Tombs): The current day site of the Royal Tombs in central Nuku’alofa was previously known as Prince Park and was used an open space for various events. Captain Cook’s landing Place: The site where Captain James Cook, the great English explorer,landed 30th April 1777. Located in the Village of Pelehake, boardering the foreshore in a place called Alaki Fonua. Ancient Langi: The burial tomb of ancient Tongan Kings. its construction is an engineering wonder and dates back to 1300 B.C. The ancient royal tombs (Langi) at Lapaha on Tongatapu are one of the great ceremonial sites of the Pacific. As a cultural landscape the massive coral structures are a link to the Tongan dynasties that created a huge maritime empire in the pacific in the 15th century. Ha’amonga Trilithon: One the most prominent sites on Tongatapu is the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui (Maui’s Burden). The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui is located on the eastern tip of Tongatapu Island near the villages of Niutoua and Afa. This is the area where the eleventh Tongan King (Tu’i Tonga Tu’itatui) had his seat of power. It is believed that Tu’i Tu’itatui built the structure in 1200 A.D. Legend relates to the physical strength of Tu’itatui who was reputed to have sat against a large stone slab, the ‘Maka Faakinanga’, which still stands near the Ha’amonga, and by striking out with a staff he kept his people at a safe distance for fear of assassination. Tu’i Tu’itatui translated is King Strike Knee. The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui has been scientifically interpreted as an early style sundial clock that recorded different seasonal changes. Maka Fa’akinanga: The Maka Fa’akinanga (Leaning against the rock) is located approximately 100m from the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui. Made from the same stone as the Ha’amonga, the Maka Fa’akinanga is a large stone slab standing upright with markings on the front resembling an indentation of a large head, shoulders and back. Oral stories recount the belief that Tu’i Tu’itatui (eleventh Tu’i Tonga) often sat against the Maka Fa’akinanga and struck out with a staff at people so that they were kept at a safe distance for fear that they may make an assassination attempt. Makatolo a Maui - Maui’s Throwing Rocks Anahulu Cave: To the east coast of Tongatapu, Anahulu Cave ‘The Underground Swimming Pool’ is situated at the village of Haveluliku. This cavern of stalactites and stalagmites is located near the beach of the same name. It processes some of the most remarkable limestone and deep freshwater pools. Appropriate footwear is also essential Anahulu Beach: A beautiful beach tucked away from all the noise of city life. You will be one of the few guests on this beach. We are suggesting bringing your own snorkeling gear to enjoy this Private Like Beach Away From Home.

Experience the unique places of Tonga through a 3-hour scenic drive. There will be a brief photo stop at the 3 – headed coconut tree (really amazing and one of a kind) before heading out along Tongatapu's southern coastline to see the majestic blowholes at the village of Houma and flying foxes in the village of Kolovai – the home to hundreds of fruit bats. These creatures - harmless and seemingly lifeless-hang eerily from rows of ironwood pines along the main village road and are considered sacred and a delicacy to be consumed only by members of the Royal Family. A stop at Abel Tasman Landing is also included. Itinerary 3 Headed Coconut, Loto Rd Matahau, Tongatapu Island Tonga Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes, Houma , Tongatapu Island Tonga Tsunami Rock Kala'au, Tonga Flying Foxes Sanctuary Kolovai, Tonga, Abel Tasman Landing Site, Hihifo Rd, Kanokupolu, Tongatapu Island Tonga At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel or anywhere convenient for you

Basically email us or inbox us and advise us the time of the flight and the airline so we can be aware of your flight details so we can smoothly transfer you to your hotel . We are the first and the longest serving Inbound Operator in Tonga to provide this service we actually pioneered Tourism in Tonga when there was no official Government Authority department looking after Tourism here in Tonga

Visit the Important Main Places in Nukualofa and the history behind it • Royal Palace - The Royal Tongan Palace of the Tongan Monarchy is located in the heart of the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga, Nuku’alofa. The royal wooden kauri building was constructed in 1864 as the First King of Tonga’s, Tupou I modernization of Tonga. The royal residence remains the main residence for the royal family and the surrounding compound are inclusive to the sacred royal compound. • Royal Tombs - The Royal Tombs of the Tupou Royal family are situated on the grounds of the Mala'ekula (Red Ground). Following the death of King Siaosi (George) Tupou I in 1893, a Royal tomb was built. He was embalmed for two months while the tomb was prepared. • Talamahu Market - One of Nuku’alofa’s most interesting sights is Talamahu, the kingdom’s main fresh-produce hub. You’ll find produce in handmade woven-frond baskets, branches of bananas, colourful pyramids of weighed-out produce and a few food stands – plus excellent Tongan arts and crafts. It’s a hive of activity, particularly on Saturday mornings. • The Langafonua Handicrafts Centre - Ideally located in the heart of Nuku'alofa in Tongatapu and stocks the best range of traditional Tongan handicrafts and fine arts. Craft work is embedded in the Tongan culture and the Centre was set up to preserve these ancient skills and promote Tongan handicrafts. Available is a range of unique, handmade items such as traditional tapa cloth and tapa crafts, woven crafts from Pandanus leaves, Tongan jewellery, wood carvings and more, all made locally and reflecting the proud culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

There are 3 types of Island Tours in Tongatapu. Start time depends on when you are out of cruise ship, but below is a general timeline of events.   East Half (~2-3hrs), West Half (~2-3hrs) and Full Island (~5-6hrs) East (~2-3hrs) 830am- Handicrafts and gifts for loved ones back home 9am- Royal Palace 920am- Royal Tombs 10am- Captain Cook's Landing 1030am- Ancient Burial Tombs 1050am- Fishing Pigs at low tide on our scenic drive past the coast 1110am- Ha'amonga a Maui Trilithon 1140am- Anahulu Cave (optional $20/ pp) 1220pm-Hufangalupe land-bridge 1pm- Return to town/cruise ship West (~2-3hrs): 830am- Handicrafts and gifts for loved ones back home 9am- Royal Palace 920am- Royal Tombs 10am- Mapu a Vaea Blowholes 1040am- Tsunami Rock 1110am- Three Headed Coconut 12pm- Ha’atafu Beach 1230pm- Depart back to town 1pm- Return to town/cruise ship Whole Island Tour (~5-6hrs): All sites above 3-4pm- Return to town Please note we left some time in case locations are busy but if not usually can be a quicker trip so you may enjoy town sites: Talamahu Market Friends Cafe CoffePost Escape Cafe Langafonua Handicraft and Cultural Centre Ancient Tonga Show and Handicraft Centre Other restaurants/bars