5 Best Places for Bird Watching in Tonga

An uninhabited island in the southern part of the Vava’u island group, Maninita has become a safe haven for Tonga’s endemic and native birds. The island has had pest eradication programs to remove threats from the island so that more than 19 species of bird can reside safely on the island.

Some of the land species include the wattled honeyeater, banded rail, Tongan whistler and white-collared kingfisher, while seabirds include black and brown noddies, white terns, black-winged petrels and red-footed boobies.

Bird-watching tours to the island are available from Mounu Island Resort and Treasure Island Eco Resort if boats are not being used for whale watching.

Location: Maninita, southern Vava'u.

The island of ‘Eua, just a short flight or half-day ferry journey from Tongatapu, is unlike any other island in Tonga in that it’s the oldest island in Tonga and holds ancient rainforest.

That rainforest can be found in the ‘Eua National Park, where it’s possible to spot red shining parrots (koki), Pacific pigeons, crimson-crowned fruit doves, Polynesian trillers, wattled honeyeaters, Polynesian starlings and white-collared kingfishers.

To explore the ‘Eua National Park, there are a number of guided tours available, but the best way to spot birds is simply by hiking through the national park, as explained in 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.

Location: 'Eua National Park, east side of 'Eua.

On the south coast of 'Eua, particularly around Lakufa'anga Cliffs, you can spot an amazing array of seabirds, including brown boobies, brown and grey noddies, white terns and white-tailed tropicbirds.

Many birds nest on the cliffs in these parts, which although difficult to witness nesting, can still be seen swooping overhead.

You can explore Lakufa'anga Cliffs on a self-guided walk or drive, or join a guided tour with Off Grid Tonga or 'Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House (Kiko's) for local insights into the area's birdlife and dramatic coastal scenery.

Again, check out the 5 Best Hikes in 'Eua or Sightseeing on 'Eua: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions for more details.

Location: South coast of 'Eua. Take the main road all of the way south until you reach a gate that you'll need to open (and close behind you). The road turns into well-established grass trails for vehicles to explore the area.

On Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, the Sopu Mudflats are a good site for wading bird enthusiasts.

The mudflats are located west of Nuku’alofa and contain species such as Pacific black duck, reef egrets, black-naped and crested terns, while less common species include white-faced and mangrove herons, white-collared kingfishers and Pacific swallows. The Sopu Mudflats are easy to access by road.

Location: Suburb of Sopu, west side of Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu.

Those lucky enough to make it to the remote island of Niuafo'ou in the far northern reaches of Tonga will possibly be rewarded with fantastic bird sightings.

It’s home to the extremely rare and endemic Tongan megapode, where villagers from Angaha can organise boat transport across the island’s water-filled caldera to see this rare bird.

Learn more about visiting this island in The Complete Guide to The Niuas.

Location: Niuafo'ou, The Niuas.