The Travel Guide to Nuku’alofa on a Budget

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Getting to and Around Nuku’alofa on a Budget

Well connected to the rest of Tonga by affordable ferry services, and the rest of the world with a nearby international airport, Nuku’alofa is one of the cheapest destinations to get to Tonga in terms of travel costs. Getting around the city is also inexpensive thanks to its compact size making it easy to walk from sight to sight, as well as getting cheap local buses, taxis and more.

Nuku’alofa by Plane

Most international travellers arrive in Nuku’alofa by plane, landing at the nearby Fua’amotu Airport about 30 minutes away. Direct flights to Fua’amotu Airport are available from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. Coming from elsewhere, you’ll need to make connections in Auckland, Sydney or Nadi. For budgeting tips, see How to Book a Cheap Flight to Tonga.

Ferries to Nuku’alofa

Another way to get to Nuku’alofa is via the interisland ferries. Ferries from Ha’apai, Vava’u, ‘Eua and occasionally The Niuas arrive at Faua Wharf on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa. This is the cheapest way to get between the island groups. Find out more in Travelling in Tonga by Ferry.

Airport and Accommodation Shuttles

Often the cheapest way to get between the airport and your accommodation is to use your accommodation’s airport shuttle service. This is usually TOP$15-$30 per person. Be sure to book this service in advance.

Buses in Nuku’alofa

Public buses provide a cheap way to get around Nuku’alofa as well as around the island of Tongatapu. The bus stations can be found on Vuna Road near Vuna Wharf. Bus fares cost approximately TOP$1 to travel within the city. Learn more about taking the bus in Tonga here.

For more information on the transport in Nuku’alofa, see 7 Ways to Get to Nuku’alofa (& Around Nuku’alofa).

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Free and Cheap Activities in Nuku’alofa

Thanks to the array of free sights and cheap activities, Nuku’alofa is an extremely affordable city to visit. Shopping is an experience here where the unique Tongan crafts are bound to take your breath away. Many of the tours and island day trips are also affordable, where it’s easy to find full-day trips for less than TOP$100. Check out the full list of 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Nuku’alofa. Otherwise, here are a few quick ideas…

Nuku’alofa Royal Sights

Delve a little deeper into the monarchial history of Tonga by checking out the royal sights on Nuku’alofa. First on the list should be the Royal Palace, a grand Victorian building standing as a symbol of Tonga. Although the palace grounds are not open to visitors, you can get good views from the palace from the waterfront grassy areas on the west and east side of the palace – better from the west side.

The Royal Tombs are also a must-see, standing in a huge park-like area. Again, it’s not open to the public but you can read about the royals who have been buried here since 1893 on the interpretation panels found along the fences.

Both attractions are free to see and can be walked to within Nuku’alofa city centre.

Handicraft Markets

Even if you’re budget won’t allow purchasing some of the amazing Tongan handicrafts found in Nuku’alofa, they are still well worth checking out. Head to the Talamahu Market on Salote Road for its huge array of arts and crafts, including woven baskets, Tongan clothing, tapa paintings, carved jewellery and ornaments and so much more! On top of that, the market has a huge fresh produce section, which is a cultural experience in itself seeing the pyramids of tropical produce piled up for sale.

Alternatively, check out the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre. All of the crafts are handmade by locals, with each craft as unique as the next. Browse traditional tapa paintings, woven bags, Tongan jewellery, table mats, bowls, fans, coasters, wooden carvings and the list goes on. Find the Langafonua Handicraft Centre in the city centre on Taufa’ahau Road next to Friends Cafe.

Churches in Nuku’alofa

As you will see while travelling around the capital, Tonga is a highly religious country with locals worshipping an array of Christian denominations. Their passion can be witnessed at one of the Sunday church services, where beautiful harmonious singing can be heard, often accompanied by brass bands. The Centenary Church (Sai’one Church) is the choice of the royal family. Other popular options include Centennial Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Paul. Learn more about churches in Tonga in Guide to the Religions in Tonga.

Island Day Trips

Some of the cheapest tours available are day trips to Nuku’alofa’s off-shore islands, as well as tours around Tongatapu itself. Take a Day Trip to Royal Sunset Island Resort on Atata Island to get a taste of Tonga’s idyllic islands. After a 15-20-minute boat trip, you’ll arrive on the island to a welcome drink before having the whole day to do what you like: kayaking, jumping in the pool, walking to the island’s village and meeting the locals, sunbathing on the beach, snorkelling at the nearby reef and more! Find out more about the Royal Sunset Island Resort day trip on Viator and Tripadvisor.

See more island day trips in our 10 Best Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa.

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Dining in Nuku’alofa on a Budget

Eating the local cuisine is all part of the cultural experience of visiting Nuku’alofa. What’s more, it’s especially easy to eat on a budget in the capital!

Try Tonga favourites like ota ika (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) or lu (taro leaves wrapped in meat and coconut cream) in restaurants, such as Mama’s Cafe and Talahiva Restaurant – both serving mains for TOP$5-$10.

Other affordable highlights include super fresh fish & chips and Tongan fish dishes at 12 Seafoods Restaurant, with prices starting from TOP$6. Chef Zero Restaurant offers European-style cuisine starting from TOP$10. Finally, have a drink and burger at the popular open-air Billfish Bar and Restaurant with mains starting from TOP$14.

For more recommendations, check out more Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa.