Sightseeing Tours of Tongatapu
Tongatapu might be the largest island in Tonga but it’s still pretty small at only 257km2 (100 miles2). Combine that fact with the countless historical, royal and natural sights throughout the island and you have the perfect place for a sightseeing tour! Luckily, there are a few tour companies, as well as accommodations, offering guided tours of Tongatapu allowing you to hit the highlights with a knowledgeable guide. Check out some of the tours available in this guide to the best guided tours on Tongatapu!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Best Cultural Shows on Tongatapu.
Accommodations That Offer Island Tours
Before you explore the different guided tours of Tongatapu, check if your chosen accommodation offers island tours! Some resorts, hotels and guest houses offer their own in-house tours or work with locals to create island tours for guests. Tours will take you to some of the free highlights, such as the ones listed in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do on Tongatapu. Accommodations offering tours include:
- Tonga Holiday Villa – Book tour on Viator or Tripadvisor
- Vakaloa Beach Resort
- Toni’s Guesthouse
- House of Tonga
- Blue Banana Beach House
- Backpackers Townhouse
See more accommodations on the island in the 10 Best Resorts on Tongatapu.
(c) Teta Tours TongaTeta Tours & Travel
For those with minimum time (or a short attention span), Teta Tours & Travel can get you to see the highlights of Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu on their half-day tours. Join a local guide who will transport you and share knowledge on the east side of Tongatapu, the west side of Tongatapu or just get you orientated with Nuku’alofa city.
Tours with Teta Tours & Travel
Nuku’alofa City Tour – A 1-hour walking tour of Nuku’alofa visiting sights, such as the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, Talamahu Market and the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
West Coast Island Scenic Tour – A 2-hour driving tour of Tongatapu’s western highlights, including the Three-Headed Coconut Tree, the Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, the Flying Foxes of Kolovai, the Abel Tasman Landing Site and Tsunami Rock. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
East Coast Historical Sites & ‘Anahulu Cave – Discover the eastern side of Tongatapu starting in Nuku’alofa with the royal sights before heading to the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon and taking the time to swim at ‘Anahulu Cave. The tour is approximately 3 hours. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
(c) Tonga Travel TroupeTonga Travel Troupe
Join the Tonga Travel Troupe for one of their full-day tours of Tongatapu, with a small-group tour or a private tour available. The tour company also does transfers and bookings for island day trips and cultural shows within Tongatapu.
Tours with Tonga Travel Troupe
Island in a Day Tour – This 6-hour tour takes you on a driving tour of Tongatapu seeing 10 main highlights across the island. See the Royal Palace and Tombs, the Abel Tasman Landing Site, Flying Foxes of Kolovai, Tsunami Rock, Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Three-Headed Coconut Tree, Hufangalupe Land Bridge, Captain Cook’s Landing Site, the Terrace Tombs, Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon and the Fishing Pigs. Lunch is included. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private VIP Tour – Enjoy an exclusive tour especially for you and your group on the 6-hour Private VIP Tour. Hit the sights on listed on the tour above and hit any other attractions you want to see spending as much time as you want at each on this bespoke tour. Lunch is included in this tour. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
(c) Jones TravelJones Travel
Jones Travel is a local travel agency offering tours of Tongatapu among other types of tours and travel services. The travel agency has been established in Tonga since 1952. As for their Tongatapu tours, they offer pick-ups from any accommodation on Tongatapu.
Jones Travel Tours
Highlights of Tongatapu – Jump on a 6-hour tour to see most of the highlights around Tongatapu. See the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, the Abel Tasman Landing Site, Flying Foxes of Kolovai, the Three-Headed Coconut Tree, Captain Cook’s Landing Site, the Terrace Tombs, Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon and other short photo stops. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tonga – Best of the Eastern Island – Explore the eastside of Tongatapu for 2h30mins, stopping by the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, Talamahu Market, Langafonua Handicrafts Centre, Captain Cook’s Landing Place, the Terraced Tombs and the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tongatapu Western Crossing – See the highlights of the western side of Tongatapu in three hours including the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, The Villa, the Three-Headed Coconut Tree, the Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Flying Foxes of Kolovai and the Abel Tasman Landing Site. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
(c) Hamala Taxi & ToursHamala Taxi & Tours
Explore Tongatapu with an enthusiastic local, Aki Hamala, who offers both transport around the island, as well as private tours. Tours can cater up to seven passengers and includes a bottle of water, as well as your driver and guide.
Tours with Hamala Taxi & Tours
Kingdom Full Island Tour – See it all on this 5-6-hour tour of Tongatapu starting with Tsunami Rock and continuing with the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, Abel Tasman Landing Site, Captain Cook Landing Site, Hufangalupe Land Bridge, the Flying Foxes of Kolovai, Ha’atafu Beach, Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, the Terraced Tombs, the Royal Palace, the Three-Headed Coconut and an in-depth insight into the development of Nuku’alofa. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Half Island Tour West – Spend 3-4 hours exploring the western side of the island seeing the Fishing Pigs, as well as some royal attractions and burial grounds around Nuku’alofa and Mu’a. You’ll make a quick stop at the Three-Headed Coconut before heading to the Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Tsunami Rock, the Flying Foxes and finally the Abel Tasman Landing Site. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Half-Island Tour East – This alternative 4-hour tour take you on an informative exploration of the east side of the island starting with the central area with the Fishing Pigs and royal burial sites around Mu’a. Then you’ll head to the eastern side of the island to see the Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge, Captain Cook’s Landing Site and the Ha’amonga ‘A Maui. Stopping by the ‘Anahulu Cave for a swim can be organised for an additional fee. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hamala Taxi & Tours also offers walking/scooter tours of Nuku’alofa, a snorkelling and sightseeing tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), a cultural and historical tour, a sunset floorshow and banquet tour, and a tattoo and tour.
More About Guided Tours of Tongatapu
