Local Destinations Tonga
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Tonga is a tiny island kingdom left behind by the hustle and bustle of the modern world. In Tonga you will experience unspoilt views that have pleasured many people over many years. Tonga is the only remaining Polynesian Kingdom and is not a mass destination like Fiji or Hawaii.

With Tonga’s great aquatic life, you are sure to gain a better appreciation of the magic that lies beneath. It is one of the only places in the world where you can dive with whales

Tonga has a NNE/SSW orientation with 176 islands ranging from high volcanic to low coral terrain that creates scenic variety unlike anywhere else in the world. The islands are divided into four groups with Nuku'alofa, the capital, located on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more developed than its neighbours but still maintains an unhurried and peaceful lifestyle. English is widely spoken, and travellers are sure to receive a friendly greeting from the locals.

Geographical Information: Tonga lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The largest island, Tongatapu, is approximately 2,000 kilometers (1245 miles) northeast of Auckland, N.Z. From the Island of Nuku Alofa in the north, Tonga stretches nearly 1000 kilometers, to the Minerva Reef in the south.

The Tongan Islands are surrounded by beautiful white coral sands and lagoons simmering with marine life. Come and dive in this relaxed and timeless island paradise, where the weather barely differs.

The average air temperature in the northern islands is 27°C, while the southern islands average 23°C and the high 20s in the summer. By November, the water temperatures reach as high as 28°C, and then drop down as low as 21°C during their winter months.

Tonga offers you to dive near volcanoes, Shipwrecks, canyons and coral reefs. There are stunning fish and visibility of up to 70m.

Tonga is also one of the only places on Earth where divers and snorkellers can get up close to humpback whales. Humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica, along the New Zealand coast, to the Kindom of Tonga where they stay from July through September to court, mate and calve. This represents an incredible and unique opportunity to witness these enormous and majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Time Zone: Approx. 13 hours ahead of GMT.

Electricity: Electricity is 240 volts AC 50 cycles (same as UK, Australia and New Zealand)

Climate: Tonga has a comfortable climate ranging from 25.7 C to 33.3 C during most of the year until July & September when the weather temperatures are pleasantly cool at 17-22C

Visa Requirements: You do not need to obtain a visa before arrival. Travelers must hold a current passport a return ticket and enough money to sustain your stay

Currency and banking: The Tongan dollar or Pa’anga (TOP) equals 100 seniti (cents). Foreign exchange is available at most banks and major hotels. AUD$1 = $1.45TOP (subject to change). ATM’s are not yet in Tonga but Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Banks are open 9-4 on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Health: Malaria is not a problem but a repellent is recommended to take. There is some chance of bacteria based infections. There are no major communicable diseases.

Language: English is widely spoken and used in formal environments, yet Tongan or Pidgin is widely used.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Tonga, but rewarding for good service is not an offence. Bargaining is not practiced and the asked price is what they expect to receive.

Dress: Light casual clothing is normal but too brief in public is not recommended. Swimwear is not permitted in public areas such as hotels. Tongan law requires people to wear a shirt at all times.

Food & Drink: Don’t drink tap water (boiled or bottled water is recommended) and keep up fluids to avoid the risk of de-hydration. A wide variety of food is available. Local meat, poultry and seafood are generally considered safe to eat. To prevent possible stomach ailments, wash vegetables and fruit with boiled water and boil any questionable drinking water before use.

Departure Tax: The departure tax is TOP$25 (around AUD$16, as at 31 Jan 07). People who are 24hour transit passengers and children under 12 are exempt.