The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Tongatapu

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How to Get to Tongatapu

Most couples arrive in Tongatapu via an international flight. On the other hand, Tongatapu is also connected to the rest of the world via a cruise ship port, as well as the outer islands of Tonga with a ferry terminal in Nuku’alofa. Find out more about transport on Tongatapu in our Tongatapu Transport Guide. Meanwhile, here are some ideas for getting around on a honeymoon or couple’s retreat.

Flights to Tongatapu

Tongatapu is connected to the world via Fua’amotu International Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from Nuku’alofa. Direct flights to Fua’amotu Airport are available from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, which you can learn more about in Which Airlines Fly Straight to Tonga? Domestic flights between Tongatapu and Tonga’s other islands are also available at the domestic terminal, as described in The Guide to Domestic Flights in Tonga. As for getting to Nuku’alofa or your accommodation from the airport, check out Tonga Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options.

How to Get Around Tongatapu

Tongatapu is well-connected by roads across and around the island, with most transport connections made in Nuku’alofa. Car rentals and bicycle rentals are an option for independent travel. Alternatively, bus services, taxis and guided tours are also available. Find out all you need to know about transport in our Tongatapu Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tongatapu.

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Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Experiences

Tongatapu is an island of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, gorgeous island landscapes and rich island culture. Here are just some of the more romantic ways to enjoy the island together…

Swimming with Whales

An experience you’ll be talking about for the rest of your lives is that time you went swimming with humpback whales in Tonga… These gentle giants come to Tonga’s waters between July and October each year to breed and calve. See them in their element on a whale swimming tour, also including coral snorkelling and an island lunch. Check out some of the best operators in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours on Tongatapu and learn more about the experience in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.

Beaches

It’s cliché, but long walks on the beach are actually a pretty romantic way to spend your time together on Tongatapu. What’s more, the beaches here are often deserted or at least extremely quiet, setting the mood right for the feeling of paradise all to yourselves. Find hidden gems like Keleti Beach and its stunning lagoons or enjoy a fantastic beach lookout over Hufangalupe Beach. For more ideas, check out the 25 Best Beaches on Tongatapu.

Couples Massage

Share a state of mind in a blissfully relaxing experience, such as a couples massage. Island Glow (Taufa’ahau Road) in Nuku’alofa offers a wide range of heavenly spa treatments, including couples treatment. The 2 hrs 30 mins experience includes a raw cane sugar scrub followed by a deep and relaxing massage, concluding with a rejuvenating facial. Learn more about the spas on the island in The 5 Best Spas in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

‘Anahulu Cave

Ok, so they are not so secret, but ‘Anahulu Cave (Haveluliku) is a tourist attraction that’s often secluded or at least usually pretty quiet for you to discover together (other than perhaps public holidays). After ducking under the cave entrance, a huge limestone cave with unworldly formations opens up. Follow a well-formed trail through the caves and down some steps to a refreshing cave pool. It’s a good way to get out of the heat of the day, as well as an adventure together. What’s more, access to the caves also gives you access to ‘Anahulu Beach.

Island Day Trips

That’s right, those postcard-perfect islets of the tropics can be found just off the shores of Tongatapu. Hop on a boat and glide across the waters to idyllic islands, such as ‘Atata Island or Pangaimotu Island. On whichever island you choose, you’ll have the day to experience it as you desire, whether it’s snorkelling above the reefs, long walks on the beach, sunbathing or finding a shady spot under the coconut tree for a picnic (just watch your head!) What’s more, it’s an activity that you can do on a Sunday when the rest of the country shuts down. Compare island trips in 10 Best Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa.

More Things to Do on Tongatapu

On top of all the activities mentioned, Tongatapu also has incredible historical and natural sights, scuba diving and much more. We go over them all in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do on Tongatapu and 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Nuku’alofa. For more experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the “romance” category but are still just as amazing, take a look at the 50 Best Things to Do on Tongatapu.

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Dining on Tongatapu

Casual dine-in experiences with mouthwatering cuisine are what dining on Tongatapu is all about. Try some of Tonga’s local delicacies, such as ota ika (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) or lu (meat and coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves). Alternatively, European and Asian cuisine is well represented across Tongatapu’s restaurants should you want to mix things up. Alternatively, couples on a budget will find that self-catering is a viable option.

Romantic Restaurants on Tongatapu

Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, presents an array of romantic dine-in experiences. Gaze at the Nuku’alofa city skyline as you dine on international favourites at The TOP Restaurant (Taufa’ahau Road). Indulge in Tongan cuisine, from lu to pan-fried mahimahi, on impeccably presented plates at The Waterfront (Vuna Road).

Alternatively, be transported to Italy while enjoying waterfront dining at Little Italy (Vuna Road). A little further along from Little Italy, Seaview Lodge & Restaurant (Vuna Road) offers an upmarket dining experience and cocktail deck overlooking the waterfront. Finally, for a fine dining night in, Lunarossa Deli (Salote Road) serves up five-star restaurant cuisine to takeaway.

See more of our top recommendations in the 20 Best Restaurants on Tongatapu, while some options for lunch are listed in the 10 Best Cafes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

Tongan Umu Feasts and Floor Shows

An unmissable dining experience on Tongatapu is the Tongan umu feast and floor show. Resorts like ‘Oholei Beach Resort (Lavengatonga) and Katea Retreat (Nakolo) host elaborate buffets of traditional staples slow-cooked by hot stones, international favourites, and a Tongan favourite – a spitroast pig. Once you’re full to the brim, a floor show begins with traditional dancing and costume performed with grace and vigour – all depending on the dance style. A Tongan floor show is not a floor show without the fire dance finale! Learn more about these experiences in the 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.

Self-Catering

A surefire way to save money on food, not to mention have a romantic night in, is to cook your own meals. Stay at one of the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu and pick up groceries from the many convenience stores, fale koloa and roadside produce stalls to whip up your own sustenance! Check out The Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Tonga for more tips for a self-catering trip.

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Getting Married on Tongatapu

Many couples dream of an island wedding in the South Pacific. Unlike other destinations in the South Pacific though, Tonga presents some hurdles for couples wishing to elope. For instance, couples who are both non-citizens of Tonga must reside in Tonga for at least one month before applying for a marriage license. Only then can you apply to a Principal Immigration Officer to get permission to marry in Tonga then you will need to provide several legal documents to the Immigration Office along with a few-hundred-Pa’anga fee – see more details at How to Organise Your Wedding in Tonga.

But not all is not lost, as there is a legal act in process in the Tongan Government aiming to change some of these conditions for couples wishing to elope in Tonga. This article will be updated when appropriate.

Wedding Venues on Tongatapu

For couples lucky enough to get married on Tongatapu, there are a few stunning venues to celebrate your special day, especially in Nuku’alofa. Check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Nuku’alofa to learn more about these venues.