Destination attractions things to do in tonga

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of about 170 South Pacific islands. Of those, only thirty-six are inhabited. Although only small remnants of its original tropical rain forests remain, Tonga is one of the Pacific regions finest destinations for birdwatching. Depending on the time of year, visitors to Tonga can see over seventy species of birds including two types found only in Tonga, the Tongan Whistler and the critically endangered Polynesian Megapode.

Some of Tongas best birdwatching can be done in the countrys northernmost island, Nuiafoou. Extremely remote and, until recently, accessible only by boat, this is the last native home to the rare Polynesian Megapode. Somewhat easier to visit, however, is the island of Vavau. The native forests on the northern side of this island are home to Tongas other endemic bird, the Tongan Whistler. Nearby are the tiny islands of Taula and Maninita with their seabird nesting sites and land bird breeding areas.

With a focus on wildlife preservation, the Kingdom of Tonga has designated the Eua National Park as the nations only national park. Many species of birds can be seen here, including Grey Noddies, Red-breasted Musk Parrots, and Crimson-crowned Fruit-doves. The Tongan Wildlife Centre, located in Nuku'alofa, is very actively involved in breeding threatened wildlife and releasing it into the wild. In addition to aviaries throughout the complex, the Wildlife Centre also has a number of ferns, indigenous orchids and native Tongan food plants. Exhibits and photos about the countrys wildlife are shown in a traditionally styled thatch bungalow called a fale. Many of Tongas plants and animals are also depicted on its postage stamps. Valued by collectors for their rich variety and attention to detail, these stamps are available from the Tongan Philatelic Bureau in Nuku'alof.

Being an island nation, Tonga has many beautiful white sand beaches. In Tongatapu, a coral reef surrounds the beaches making low tide an unsuitable time for swimming. During high tide, however, some of the best swimming can be found at 'Anahulu, Vai-ko-Latai, and Fua'amotu. To help travelers explore some of Tongas many islands, a number of sailing yacht operators offer cruises which last anywhere from only a few hours to as long as two months or more. The waters of Tonga also provide spectacular fishing opportunities. The large game boats in the countrys growing fleet are all fully outfitted with tackle and are available for charter in both Tongatapu and Vava'u. Small boats are also available for lagoon fishing but you will need to bring your own tackle. Between July and September, visitors may also enjoy whale watching near Vavau either from chartered boats or from the raised limestone cliffs of the Toafa Lookout.

For visitors interested in the culture of the islands, be sure to plan a visit to the Tongan National Culture Centre. The Culture Centre has a number of exhibits of cultural artifacts and contemporary crafts as well as demonstrations of skills such as canoe making and basket weaving. Visitors may also participate in a kava ceremony and a daily fashion show lunch featuring traditional music, costumes, and food. A highlight of the Culture Centre is its weekly dinner show where visitors can experience a genuine Tongan feast which has been cooked underground.

One of the best ways to experience the cultural sites in Tongatapu is by taking a guided tour. While these tours are generally three hours long and can be adapted to suit your interests, most tours include stops outside the Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs, and visits to the Ha'amonga archaeological sites. While at the Ha'amonga, be sure to see the trilithon, a giant stone archway made from three single limestone slabs, each of which weighs over forty tons. Many tours of the island also stop near the famous blowholes. The blowholes in Tonga are some of the most spectacular in the South Pacific. Along the southwest coast of Tongatapu, hundreds of blowholes spout seawater almost one hundred feet into the air.

There is plenty to do in Tonga. Whether you prefer staying in town to visit cultural sites, would rather spend the day boating and fishing, or just like escaping it all and getting closer to nature, this island kingdom has something to suit your desires.