Tonga

Tonga is a small group of pacific islands which located between Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands. In contrast to the other islands of the pacific, Tonga has always remained independent from any other western power. Until this day they still have a king coming from an old dynasty of kings and queens. The ancient Kingdom of Tonga is Polynesia’s oldest and last remaining monarchy.

The Kingdom of Tonga comprises 171 islands which spread across 700,000 sq km of ocean.  Tongatapu, the main gateway to the islands, is served by Air New Zealand with flights from Australia via Auckland & Polynesia Airlines direct out of Sydney.

May to October is the best time to visit. Summer, from November to April, is the hurricane season and can be hot, humid and wet.  The whale-watching season is from June to November on Tongatapu and Ha'apai, and July to November on Vava'u.

Tonga also offers a wide scope for other activities including, sea kayaking, hiking through rainforests to beautiful lakes, abseiling or just relaxing.  Tonga is known as the last great unspoilt holiday destination of the South Pacific.  Tonga is a dream come true for divers and snorkellers and it’s one of the few places left where you can find a beach just for yourself.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CLIMATE: Average temperatures from November - May is 28 degrees Celsius. June - October has an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant all year round. Months between November and March carry a higher rainfall.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Australian passengers travelling to Tonga require a passport which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. You do not need a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, but may need to show your onward ticket.

CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE: The basic unit of currency is the Tongan Dollar. Credit Card Facilities are limited, but in general the main hotels accept them. Fees may apply to this service. There are three banks in Tonga, one of them has a branch in Vava'u

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Vaccinations are not required. However, consult your doctor for further recommendations.

LANGUAGE: Most Tongans understand and speak some English.

ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 240 volts. (Make sure you check your appliances)

DEPARTURE TAX: All taxes are prepaid on the airline ticket.

DIVING ESSENTIALS: Certification card and log book, gear bag, BCD, torch with batteries and charger, mask, snorkel, fins, regulator and oci, watch, decompression tables or multi level computer, spare parts kit, camera, flash, film. 3 mil suits are recommended.

TIPPING: Tongans do not expect tips, though no offence will be caused by rewarding good service in this way.