7-Day Luxury Itinerary for Tonga
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or “just because”, a week in Tonga on a luxury getaway provides an amazing alternative experience in the South Pacific. Tonga might not be known for its five-star accommodation and services, but it is a five-star destination with premium experiences. Think yachting in some of the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific, blue water fishing for GT or marlin, scuba diving in crystal clear waters, and, of course, swimming with giant humpback whales. Get inspired for your one week in paradise with this Tonga luxury itinerary for 7 days.
Note that this itinerary is for the traveller who would prefer to travel to see different places. For a more relaxing itinerary, take a look at How to Spend 7 Days on a Luxury Tonga Vacation TI053.
How to Get Around Tonga in 7 Days
Ah, the joys of the South Pacific! You’ll be using both the roads of Tonga’s main island and waters between islands as your highways for getting around. While we provide some transport advice within the itinerary, here’s an overview about getting around Tonga on a luxury getaway.
Road Transport in Tonga
The main islands in Tongatapu and Vava’u both have roads where taxis, accommodation transfers, guided tours and car rentals are available. The most convenient way to get to your chosen resorts is through resort transfers organised with your accommodation before arrival.
Overwater Transport in Tonga
Flights are the most convenient, scenic and fastest way to get between the island groups of Tonga. Note that no flights operate on a Sunday. For getting to island resorts, resorts offer their own boat transfers, which need to be arranged prior to arrival.
Learn more about transport in Tongatapu and Vava’u in the following guides 10 Ways to Get to Tongatapu (& Around Tongatapu) and 10 Ways to Get to Vava’u (& Around Vava’u).
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 1 – Fua’amotu Airport to Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 30 minutes
Malo e lelei! And welcome to Tonga and the Kingdom’s main island, Tongatapu. After landing at Fua’amotu Airport, you’ll be whisked away with an accommodation transfer to your luxury apartment in the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa. Recover from the flight by dining at one of the fabulous restaurants as listed in the 5 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa.
Luxury Accommodation in Nuku’alofa
While there are no five-star hotels in Nuku’alofa, here are our top recommended four-star accommodation recommendations for your first two nights in Tonga:
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Villa Apartments Eastside
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
- Emerald Hotel & Restaurant
- Seaview Lodge & Restaurant
- Waterfront Lodge
- Captain Cook Apartments
Find out more about each place to stay in our 7 Best Luxury Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 2 – Explore Tongatapu
Today, we recommend exploring the amazing natural wonders and historical sites of Tongatapu. See the fascinating Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, otherwise known as the Stonehenge of the South Pacific. Go for a dip in the ‘Anahulu Cave or see the spectacular natural water feature of the Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes! There are plenty of tour options available, including a private tour of Tongatapu with Tonga Travel Troupe (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
If that doesn’t sound like you, then you could enjoy a round at Tonga’s only golf course or shop for unique arts and crafts at the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre. Alternatively, some of the most sustainable and eco-friendly whale swimming tours can be found in Tongatapu, while scuba diving excursions to Cathedral Cave at ‘Eua Island is also a must-do! Otherwise, they’ll be time to do more amazing water activities in Vava’u.
Luxury Activities in Tongatapu
- Play at Tonga’s one and only golf course
- Enjoy a private fishing charter from Nuku’alofa
- Indulge in an island massage
- Swim with majestic humpback whales
- See the sights of Tongatapu on a private tour
- Shop for unique arts and crafts at the Langafonua Handicraft Centre
- Dine at one of Nuku’alofa’s delectable restaurants
- Experience a Tonga feast and cultural show with private transfers
- Go scuba diving among caves and coral reefs
- Enjoy a full-day private boat charter with island-hopping and snorkelling
Discover more about each experience in our 10 Luxury Activities on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 3 – Nuku’alofa to Vava’u
Travel time: 1 hour, 15-55 minutes transfer depending on where you stay
Arrange with your accommodation provider to transfer you to Fua’amotu Airport’s domestic terminal where you’ll enjoy a scenic 1-hour flight over the scattered islands of Tonga on your way to Vava’u. Vava’u is a watersports paradise, where sailing and fishing are the main highlights here, as well as, of course, whale swimming!
For a luxury stay in Vava’u, you could choose a luxury apartment near the main town, Neiafu, or opt for a stay in a stunning island resort. Either way, you can arrange with your accommodation provider to pick you up from the airport and provide the road and overwater transport necessary. Note that Vava’u is definitely a destination of “rugged luxury” where boat transfers might be basic (you might get wet) and accommodation isn’t exactly five-stars. Nevertheless, there are some superb three-star and four-star resorts in five-star landscapes.
Luxury Accommodation in Vava’u
- Tonga Beach House
- Mandala Resort
- Reef Resort
- Mala Island Resort
- Treasure Island Eco Resort
- Mouna Island Resort
- Hakula Lodge
- Lupetea Apartment
Learn more about each accommodation in the 8 Best Luxury Accommodation in Vava’u. Alternative accommodation could be one of the sailing yachts that you can charter for a few days. Check out your options in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismDay 4 – Vava’u
Vava’u is definitely a destination for getting out on the water. The waters are renowned for providing excellent conditions for sailing, kitesurfing, scuba diving at exciting dive sites, snorkelling in vast sea caves and fishing for highly-sought game fish like giant trevally and blue marlin. Of course, there’s also the option to indulge in a massage or rejuvenate in a yoga session. Trying some of the freshest South Pacific cuisines is also always a treat.
Luxury Activities in Vava’u
- Scuba dive in crystal clear waters
- Hire a sailing charter and explore the South Pacific’s best sailing grounds
- Catch marlin and GT on a fishing charter
- Swim with beautiful humpback whales
- Indulge in some delightful Tongan-inspired cuisine
- Do an island yoga session
- Relax with a soothing massage at your resort
- See the sights on an island cruise
- Hone your skills is some amazing kitesurfing grounds
- Shop for unique arts and crafts in Neiafu
See more activities like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Vava’u.
(c) PxhereDay 5 – Vava’u
Today, you have more time to experience Vava’u! It could be the second day of your sailing charter or staying in a tranquil island resort. Either way, you’ll have time to do some of the activities you may have missed out on yesterday.
If you need more inspiration for things to do in Vava’u, be sure to check out our 10 Must-Dos in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 6 – Vava’u to Tongatapu
Travel time: 1-hour flight, 50-minutes resort transfer
It’s time to leave the islands of Vava’u behind, which we recommend arranging the day before your flight out of Tonga to leave you enough time to reschedule flights in case they are cancelled (which happens frequently in Vava’u).
Arrange with your accommodation to transfer you back to Lupepauʻu Airport. Enjoy a scenic flight landing back at Fua’amotu Airport. From here, we recommend experiencing a different side of Tongatapu, such as one of the beachfront resorts along Ha’atafu Beach! Ha’atafu Beach Resort is your most luxurious, offering all-inclusive packages. Otherwise, find other resort recommendations in the 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu. Resorts in Tongatapu offer a wealth of complimentary activities, from kayaking to snorkelling. You might even be able to catch a Tongan cultural show and buffet feast.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 7 – Tongatapu to Fua’amotu Airport
Travel time: 50 minutes
Your luxury getaway to Tonga finally comes to an end, but you’ll likely still have the morning to enjoy the glorious beach of your resort. We recommend having some food at your resort before making your way to the airport to avoid not-so-flash airport food. Arrange an airport transfer with your resort.
Nofo a (goodbye) from Tonga!
More Tonga Luxury Itineraries and Trip Ideas
- The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week
- Tonga Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days
- Tonga Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days
- The Luxury Travel Guide to Tonga
That’s it for our Tonga luxury itinerary: 7 days. Discover more exciting itineraries in the following compilations: The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Tonga Itineraries for a Weekend.
