How Long Does it Take to Cycle in Tonga?
If a cycling holiday in the tropics sounds like the dream, make it a cycling holiday in Tonga. With mostly quiet roads experienced at a more natural pace, much like life in the many villages you peddle through, Tonga’s islands are very doable by bike. However, Tonga isn’t Rarotonga; this isn’t a place you’ll want to attempt to cycle in a day. So strap on your helmet and see how long it will take to cycle around Tonga in this guide to the cycling times and distances in Tonga.
How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Tonga?
There are three islands with bicycle rental available in Tonga; Tongatapu, Lifuka (Ha’apai) and ‘Utu Vava’u (Vava’u). Cycling the smallest of these islands, Lifuka and the causeway-connected Foa, takes anywhere between 1 hr 50 mins to 2 hrs 55 mins for a return trip depending on how fast you cycle. Meanwhile, it can take anywhere between 5 to 9 hours to cycle around the largest of the islands, Tongatapu. Needless to say, you’ll need to allow a minimum of 3-4 days to cycle all of Tonga’s cyclable islands but 7 days is the recommended duration to enjoy cycling Tonga at a more relaxed pace.
For a comparison of how long it takes to drive around Tonga, check out our Tonga Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Tonga?
© TongaPocketGuide.comCycling Times on Tongatapu
Tongatapu is Tonga’s “mainland”, home to the capital city and featuring an array of land attractions. With a relatively extensive road network around and across Tongatapu, not to mention mostly flat terrain, the island is easy to cycle around to get between various villages and attractions. Traffic gets a little busier in Nuku’alofa, but at least moves at a slow pace.
How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Tongatapu?
At a relaxed pace (12 kph / 7 mph), it takes approximately 9 hours to cycle around Tongatapu. This is 110 km (67 mi) cycling the outer coastal road. However, this can be reduced to 6 hrs 30 mins if travelling at 16 kph (10 mph) or even 5 hrs if travelling at 20 kph (12 mph).
Check out our selection of full-day and half-day trips in The Best Cycling Routes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Nuku’alofa Town Centre to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Faua Wharf – 3 km / 1.8 mi / 15 mins
Kanokupolu (west coast) – 20 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 40 mins
Mu’a (Terraced Tombs) – 19 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 35 mins
Niutoua (Ha’amonga ‘a Maui) – 31 km / 19 mi / 2 hrs 35 mins
Fatumu (Anahulu Cave) – 21 km / 13 mi / 1 hr 45 mins
Highlights of Nuku’alofa: Capital of Tonga, royal sights, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses. Find out more in The Complete Guide to Nuku’alofa.
Faua Wharf to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Nuku’alofa Town Centre – 3 km / 1.8 mi / 15 mins
Kanokupolu – 23 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 55 mins
Mu’a – 22 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 50 mins
Niutoua – 34 km / 21 mi / 2 hrs 50 mins
Fatumu – 24 km / 15 mi / 2 hrs
Highlights of Faua Wharf: Faua Wharf is where the inter-island ferries arrive/depart, while many water-based tours, restaurants and bars can also be found here.
Kanokupolu to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Nuku’alofa Town Centre – 20 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 40 mins
Faua Wharf – 23 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 55 mins
Mu’a – 35 km / 22 mi / 2 hrs 55 mins
Niutoua – 12 km / 28 mi / 1 hr
Fatumu – 35 km / 22 mi / 2 hrs 55 mins
Highlights of Kanokupolu: Beaches, the flying foxes of Kolovai and the Abel Tasman Landing site are located near here.
Mua’a (Lapaha) to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Nuku’alofa Town Centre – 19 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 35 mins
Faua Wharf – 22 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 50 mins
Kanokuplou – 35 km / 22 mi / 2 hrs 55 mins
Niutoua – 45 km / 28 mi / 3 hrs 45 mins
Fatumu – 5.5 km / 3.4 mi / 25 mins
Highlights of Mua’a: Home to the Terraced Tombs, Captain Cook’s Landing Site and Tukulolo Treehouses.
Niutoua to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Nuku’alofa Town Centre – 31 km / 19 mi / 2 hrs 35 mins
Faua Wharf – 34 km / 21 mi / 2 hrs 50 mins
Kanokuplou – 12 km / 28 mi / 1 hr
Mu’a – 45 km / 28 mi / 3 hrs 45 mins
Fatumu – 11 km / 7 mi / 25 mins
Highlights of Niutoua: The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon is near this eastern side village.
Fatumu to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Nuku’alofa Town Centre – 21 km / 13 mi / 1 hr 45 mins
Faua Wharf – 24 km / 15 mi / 2 hrs
Kanokuplou – 35 km / 22 mi / 2 hrs 55 mins
Mu’a – 5.5 km / 3.4 mi / 25 mins
Niutoua – 11 km / 7 mi / 25 mins
Highlights of Fatumu: Nearby are ‘Anahulu Cave, ‘Oholei Beach Resort & Hina Cave and Katea Retreat.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCycling Times in Ha’apai
Most visitors experience the island group of Ha’apai through Lifuka and the causeway-connected island of Foa. Bicycle rental is available at some resorts to explore these islands and their scattering of historical sites, beaches and resorts. Get inspiration for a cycling route in Ha’apai from the 5 Best Bike Trails in Tonga.
How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Ha’apai?
It takes approximately 2 hrs 55 mins to cycle around Ha’apai if, for example, you are cycling at a relaxed pace (12 kph / 7 mph) from Pangai to the bottom of Lifuka Island to the top of Foa Island and back, which is approximately 35 km (22 mi). However, this can be reduced to 2 hrs 15 mins if travelling at 16 kph (10 mph) or even 1 hr 50 mins if travelling at 20 kph (12 mph).
Pangai to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Hihifo (Velata Fortress) – 1.5 km / 0.9 mi / 7 mins
Salote Pilolevu Airport – 3 km / 1.9 mi / 15 mins
Houmale’eia Beach (north point) – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Hulu’ i Paongo Point (south point) – 4.5 km / 2.8 mi / 25 mins
Highlights of Pangai: Location of Taufa’ahau Wharf, restaurants, Pangai Market, Mystery Cross, Visitor Information Centre, guesthouses and more.
Hihifo to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Pangai – 1.5 km / 0.9 mi / 7 mins
Salote Pilolevu Airport – 5 km / 3.1 mi / 25 mins
Houmale’eia Beach – 14 km / 8.7 mi / 1 hr 10 mins
Hulu’ i Paongo Point – 3 km / 1.9 mi / 15 mins
Highlights of Hihifo: Velata Fortress, Langi ‘o Olovehi Tomb, King Tupou I Birthplace and more.
Salote Pilolevu Airport to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Pangai – 3 km / 1.9 mi / 15 mins
Hihifo – 5 km / 3.1 mi / 25 mins
Houmale’eia Beach – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins
Hulu’ i Paongo Point – 7.5 km / 4.7 mi / 35 mins
Highlights of Salote Pilolevu Airport: Ha’apai’s only domestic airport and near the Port au Prince Memorial.
Houmale’eia Beach to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Pangai – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Hihifo – 14 km / 8.7 mi / 1 hr 10 mins
Salote Pilolevu Airport – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins
Hulu’ i Paongo Point – 17 km / 10.5 mi / 1 hr 25 mins
Highlights of Houmale’eia Beach: Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort.
Hulu’ i Paongo Point to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Pangai – 4.5 km / 2.8 mi / 25 mins
Hihifo – 3 km / 1.9 mi / 15 mins
Salote Pilolevu Airport – 7.5 km / 4.7 mi / 35 mins
Houmale’eia Beach – 17 km / 10.5 mi / 1 hr 25 mins
Highlights of Hulu’ i Paongo Point: Leleno ki Moana Restaurant, Hulu’ i Paongo Beach and Tomb.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCycling Times in Vava’u
‘Utu Vava’u is the largest island in the Vava’u group of islands, Tonga’s second-most northern group. The island is also connected to a number of other islands by causeways. Roads to the destinations mentioned below are some of the quietest in Tonga, so offer pleasurable cycling. Note, however, that there are a few more uphills in Vava’u compared to other island groups.
How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Vava’u?
At a relaxed pace (12 kph / 7 mph), it takes approximately 6 hours to cycle around Vava’u. This is 70 km (110 mi) cycling between the main sights of ‘Utu Vava’u. However, this can be reduced to 4 hrs 20 mins if travelling at 16 kph (10 mph) or even 1 hr 50 mins if travelling at 20 kph (12 mph).
Learn more about our recommended half-day cycling route for Vava’u in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Tonga.
Neiafu to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
‘Utula’aina Lookout – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins
Mt Talau – 2 km / 1.3 mi / 10 mins
Toula Village (Habourview, Billfish, etc.) – 4 km / 2.3 mi / 20 mins
‘Utungake Island (Tongan Beach Resort, Mystic Sands, etc.) – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins
Talihau (Lucky’s Beach Houses) – 12 km / 7 mi / 1 hr
‘Ene’io (‘Ene’io Botanical Garden) – 12.5 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Highlights of Neiafu: Neiafu is the main town of Vava’u. Interisland ferries arrive/depart at the main wharf. Guesthouses, hotels, water-based activities and restaurants are also based here.
‘Utula’aina Lookout to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins
Mt Talau – 11.5 km / 7 mi / 1 hr
Toula Village – 12.5 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
‘Utungake Island – 20 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 40 mins
Talihau – 21 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 45 mins
‘Ene’io – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Highlights of ‘Utula’aina Lookout: Scenic lookout with the ‘Esi ‘o Salote Lookout also nearby.
Mt Talau to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 2 km / 1.3 mi / 10 mins
‘Utula’aina Lookout – 11.5 km / 7 mi / 1 hr
Toula Village – 5 km / 3 mi / 25 mins
‘Utungake Island – 12 km / 7.6 mi / 1 hr
Talihau – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
‘Ene’io – 14 km / 9 mi / 1 hr 10 mins
Highlights of Mt Talau: Mt Talau National Park and lookouts from the mountain.
Toula Village to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 4 km / 2.3 mi / 20 mins
‘Utula’aina Lookout – 12.5 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Mt Talau – 5 km / 3.2 mi / 25 mins
‘Utungake Island – 7 km / 4 mi / 35 mins
Talihau – 8 km / 5 mi / 40 mins
‘Ene’io – 15.5 km / 10 mi / 1 hr 20 mins
Highlights of Toula Village: The Harbourview, Veimumuni Caves and a few accommodations are nearby.
‘Utungake Island to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 30 km / 6 mi / 2 hrs 30 mins
‘Utula’aina Lookout – 20 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 40 mins
Mt Talau – 12 km / 7.6 mi / 1 hr
Toula Village – 7 km / 4 mi / 35 mins
Talihau – 1 km / 0.6 mi / 5 mins
‘Ene’io – 23 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 55 mins
Highlights of ‘Utungake Island: ‘Esi ‘o Lupepau’u Lookout and the base of the Tongan Beach Resort, Mystic Sands and Wolfgramm Beachfront.
Talihau to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 12 km / 7 mi / 1 hr
‘Utula’aina Lookout – 20.5 km / 12 mi / 1 hr 45 mins
Mt Talau – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 45 mins
Toula Village – 8 km / 5 mi / 40 mins
‘Utungake Island – 1 km / 0.6 m / 5 mins
‘Ene’io – 24 km / 15 mi / 2 hrs
Highlights of Talihau: Lucky’s Beach Houses.
‘Ene’io to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Neiafu – 12.5 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Lupepau’u Airport – 13 km / 8 mi / 1 hr 5 mins
Mt Talau – 14 km / 9 mi / 1 hr 10 mins
Toula Village – 15.5 km / 10 mi / 1 hr 20 mins
‘Utungake Island – 23 km / 14 mi / 1 hr 55 mins
Talihau – 24 km / 15 mi / 2 hrs
Highlights of ‘Ene’io: Home of the ‘Ene’io Botanical Gardens and beach.
More About Cycling Times and Distances in Tonga
That’s it for our guide to the cycling times and distances in Tonga. For more tips on planning the perfect cycling holiday, take a look at the following guides:
- The Guide to Cycling in Tonga
- Cycle Tonga: Where to Rent Bikes
- Tonga Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Tonga?
Finally, check out more ways to travel around Tonga in our Tonga Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Tonga.
