Holiday Packages in Tonga
Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Tonga is an archipelago of 176 Polynesian islands. Also known as the “Friendly Islands,” Tonga has a fascinating culture and is the only Polynesian country to have its own monarchy. Tonga is known for its natural beauty, ideal weather, and world-class snorkelling and diving, making it the perfect destination for an island getaway.
Start planning a Polynesian holiday with Webjet’s Tonga holiday packages. These Tonga packages offer convenience while helping you to save money on your holiday planning. You can bundle together your accommodation and flights from New Zealand to save up to several hundred dollars. Tonga holiday packages are the perfect option for families or couples looking for some island adventure.
Flying to Tonga
Throughout the islands of Tonga, there are six different airports. Flying from New Zealand, your flight will arrive to either Fua’amotu International Airport (TBU), which is in the capital city of Nuku’alofa or to Vava’u International Airport (VAV) on the northern Tongan island of Vava’u.
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand offer flights between New Zealand and Tonga. Flying from Auckland, you can catch a direct flight into Fua’amotu International Airport (TBU), which will get you there in less than 3 hours. Travelling from another city in New Zealand, your journey will include at least one stopover, which can get you to Tonga in about 5 hours.
Where to Stay in Tonga
Throughout Tonga, the preferred accommodation are lodges. As Tonga is made up of islands, many lodges are located right on the beach and offer stunning views. The majority of hotels and lodges in Tonga offer the comforts you are used to along with traditional Polynesian style.
Loumaile Lodge
The Loumaile Lodge is located in the centre of the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa. It is perfectly located within a 10 minute walk to the beach, the Royal Tombs, and the Royal Palace of Tonga. The lodge is made up of 23 guest rooms with design elements inspired by Polynesian royalty. Each room has its own balcony and a kitchenette. Amenities at the Loumaile Lodge include a bar, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and childcare.
Matafonua Lodge
For the ultimate island experience in Tonga, you will love the Matafonua Lodge. It is located on the island of Foa, which is in the northern part of Tonga. The lodge is located right on the beach and has direct access to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country. Guests stay in beach huts called fales, which are traditional to Tonga. They are beautifully designed and are steps from the ocean. Amenities at the Matafonua Lodge include a restaurant, scuba diving day trips, use of kayaks and paddle boards, yoga classes, the possibility to swim with whales, and more.
The Seaview Lodge
The Seaview Lodge is located in the Tongan capital and is directly across from the beach. As its name would suggest, the lodge offers some great ocean views. The lodge offers 12 guest rooms in various sizes, several of which have a great ocean or garden view. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar where you can enjoy their dine dining menus and happy hours with a view of the beach.
Things to do in Tonga
Across its 176 islands, Tonga has a lot to offer visitors. It’s full of scenic beaches and an abundance of other island activities to keep you busy. Across Tonga, you can try a variety of water sports, trek through the jungle, and experience the interesting Polynesian culture.
Mapu’a ‘a Vaea
Located on the country’s largest island of Tongatapu, you'll find this series of blowholes on the coastline. In the local language, Mapu’a ‘a Vaea means “Whistle of the Noble.” Along the coast where the blowholes are located, there is a reef and volcanic rock. When the waves from the ocean crash over the reef, you can see the geysers erupt from the blowholes in a spectacular show. There is a lookout point where you can view Mapu’a ‘a Vaea, or you could walk along a coastal track for an up-close experience.
Go Snorkelling or Diving
Throughout the 176 islands of Tonga, there are some magical coral reefs to experience. As well as coral, you can see large tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark or humpback whale. Beneath the Tongan islands, you can dive into various tunnels and caves for a unique experience. Some of the top snorkelling and diving spots in Tonga include Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and Vava’u.
Anahulu Cave
The Anahulu Cave is a series of underground tunnels and caverns on the island of Tongatapu. The cave is especially loved among tourists for its unique freshwater pools. You can hike down into the caves and go for a swim in these underwater pools. After spending some time in the cave, you can check out the neighbouring Anahulu Beach, which is a beautiful snorkelling spot. Several tour operators offer trips to the Anahulu Cave from the town of Nuku’alofa, which is only a half hour away.