Tonga: Getting there & around

Most visitors arrive at Fua'amotu International Airport, about 15km (9.3mi) by bus southeast of Nuku'alofa (although some flights go to Lupepapau'u International on Vava'u). It's straightforward to fly to Tonga direct from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii, but if you're coming from anywhere else you will have to fly to one of those points first. Auckland (New Zealand) and Nadi/Suva (Fiji) are the best served places. If you're planning to come in by yacht, the entry points are Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu), Neiafu (Vava'u), Pangai and Lifuka (Ha'apai), Felehau (Niuatoputapu) and Futu (Niuafo'ou). Departure tax is T$25.

Flying is probably the easiest way to island hop, unless you have your own yacht. Several inter-island ferries operate between the main island groups, but cabin space is limited and will cost more than an airfare anyway. If you travel as a deck passenger it's cramped and stuffy indoors, and outdoors it can be wet and cold. One of the vessels is known by the fond moniker of the Orange Vomit .

Buses run on the largest islands, and you can recognise taxis by the 'T' on the license plates. You can easily rent a horse (that should be a snigger, as most are rented out without saddles and bridles so you need to be adept at bareback riding) on any of the inhabited islands, but a car may be a safer option, and they're also relatively easy to rent.