Travel Answers

Hi all, After a week in Ha'apai, we have a 1-day layover in Nuku'alofa before catching an early morning flight to New Zealand. The flight is at 5.50am which means that theoretically we are supposed to be at the airport by 3.50am. The current plan is to get a hotel room, spend the day in town, wake up early and head out to the airport. But I'm wondering if it even makes sense to pay for a room under these circumstances. We could probably just catch a late night taxi to the airport straight form downtown, and wait for our flight there... I have never been to Tonga, so I don't know what to expect. Do we really have to be at the airport 2 hours in advance for our flight? Honestly, I'd be surprised if this rule was enforced in Tonga! Is it a relatively short drive between Nuku'alofa and the airport? How late do restaurants and bars stay open on a Friday night? I'm still leaning toward getting a hotel room because it would be convenient to leave our bags somewhere and get some rest. However, if we have to wake up at 2.30am to catch the flight, I'm not sure it's worth it. Any advice? And an unrelated question: should I purchase Pa'Anga before I get to Tonga, or just take NZ dollars as cash? I seem to have read somewhere that they often accept NZD and AUD as payment - is that really true? If so maybe there's no need to exchange money? Thanks!

I'm wondering how to best take money for our trip and in what currency. Would it be best to takeUS in cash? I would also appreciate other advice re ATM accessibility / functionality; how widely credit card or EFPOS might be accepted? Many thanks.

I am an American moving to Tonga and I want to take my dog. I have tried several avenues to get information about the regulations of bringing an animal into the country, without success. Also, is there a vet in Nuku'alofa?

We are students going for a good tour on Papua New Guinea, fiji and Tonga, we have PNG visa and our passports are visa fee to fiji, but Tonga visa, we have not get the visa, because i did not know where to send our travelling documents for the visas, please if any one know the fastest place for the visa help out, the trip to this countries is close.

Any suggestions on how to get to Vava'u? Plan on backpacking around Tonga for a few days, and I was told Vava'u was the place to be, but it seems pretty expensive to get there. Is it possible to hire a boat? Take a ferry? Thanks!

bonjour je voudré savoir a qui apartien cette hotel et si je pouvé avoir lenuméros et l' adresse de l' hotel merci de rependre sur mon adresse mail daymonsolove@hotmail.fr amicalement solo MAFI

I am hoping you can give me some advice/tips on where to stay in Tonga please ? Basically we have flights ( courtesy of frequent flyer pts to use up before expiry ) to Tongatapu in Feb. next year for a 7 night stay and am now trying to work out where would be best to spend our time. We are keen on snorkelling ....... is there any coral and/or plenty of fish life to view near the shore off the main island of Tongatapu or would we need to head to an offshore island ? Also Tongatapu seems to offer more places of interest to visit than an offshore island : e.g. • The Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs • Ancient Capital of Mu’a • Ha’amonga • Blowholes Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

Hi there I am taking my 8yo daughter over to Tonga for 4 nights in November and were wondering where the best family accommodation would be? I have noticed that no hotels/resorts have kids clubs so need something with plenty of things to do to keep her occupied.

g'day anybody know of any good kayak tour companies by experience? I have seen a few on the internet and they all seem to be very similar. Maybe even the same mob under different names. Any advice will be appreciated, good or bad experiences. Thanks chris

We're staying in Neifu for one night (a Tuesday) in a couple of weeks. By looking at the websites we'll miss all the traditional/kava ceremonies. To keep us entertained I thought Tonga Bob's looked like fun. Do you recommend his "cantina" as a night out for a group of people in their late 20s? We're staying at Puatanave (sic) Hotel. Can you recommend any other activities? (keeping in mind we'll be heading onto a boat the next day so won't be needing any water sports)

We are due to stay at this island, anything I need to know. Can I take food from NZ with me to Tonga. Any advice greatly appreciated Cheers karleen

My family will be there for a few days next year...is that one of the better places to stay in Tonga? Any other suggestions for Tonga would also be appreciated.

Hi everyone, I've got a bit of an unusual question. I work as photographer and journalist and I'm wondering whether I could work at Tonga. I would like to know whether there are any photo agengies at Tonga (if so please let me know the internet address or other contact details). What about newspapers at Tonga? Are there any in English language? Any specially for foreign tourists? Thanks very much in advance.

In July i will be in Tonga. I will be in the hap'ai group for 10 days and hope to move around about 5/6 islands around lifuka (uiha, uoleva). Is 10 days in ha'apai too much? I'l b on tongatapu for around 3 days

Where can I stay in budget accomodation and have great shore snorkelling fairly nearby?

Hi We're going to Tonga for a few days on our way to New Zealand . Any advice on places to visit or things to do ? Thanks

we were wondering what the laws are on moving to tonga? do u have to get a permit or what? do u just go there and stay there for as long as u like? Any info will be useful. thanks!

I thought people would be interested that the latest episode of my travel podcast featured Tonga and swimming with whales. Chris from the Amateur Traveler podcast.

hi, I will be in Tonga for 2weeks at the beginning of Febuary and just need advice on the easiest way around the Islands as a single female who doesnt drive- are the buses easy and safe enough? Any other tips and suggestions would be gratefully received!

Hi all! My fiancee and I are seriously considering spending a few weeks in Tonga in October next year. We want to stay at a few different islands. How far in advance is it adviced to make reservation for hotels, domestic flights etc. if we want to "pick the raisins"? Thanks in advance, Kenneth

We are traveling to Tonga around Christmas and are meeting some friends there. We would like to prepare a sign that says "Merry Christmas" in Tongan. I've looked several places but can't seem to find this in the Tongan language. Can someone help? Thank you!

i am desperately trying to get in touch with some of the residents of pangai. i spent three months living with a family and have lost touch. Moana, Telenisi........? if anyone can help?!

I am very interested in moving my family to Tonga. I am VERY into the way of life there... How do the people of Tonga feel about outsiders? Anyone else done the same thing?

Ho do I get to know what kind of places I can stay in with my family on Vacation in Vavao Dec.2003

when is the best time of the year, to visit tonga?i"m looking for nice dry sunny days,and not too cool in the evening,or am i aiming too high 13th.april.03. 12.12am.b.s.t.

Does anyone know if it is allowed to camp on the Tonga islands, and if so, are there campgrounds, and if so, how much are they (approx.)? Im hopefully going there this winter if the prizes are reasonable. Thanks! //Malin