See the Highlights of Tonga on these Sightseeing Tours!
With so many historical and natural sights to see in Tonga, it makes sense to join a sightseeing tour. Sightseeing tours are available in abundance, especially on the island of Tongatapu, while boat tours and 4WD tours allow you to see the hard-to-reach places in the island groups of Vava’u and ‘Eua. Let a local give you some context to the amazing places you get to visit, providing a much richer (and less stressful) experience than trying to figure it all out on your own. Check out some of our top recommended sightseeing tours in Tonga in the list below.
1. Teta Tours & Travel (Tongatapu)
Whether you’re looking for a short trip, a full-day escapade or even a culture and cave tour, Teta Tours & Travel does it all! Their “West Coast Island Scenic Tour” is a 2-hour driving tour of Tongatapu’s western highlights, including the Three-Headed Coconut Tree, Mapu‘a Vaea Blowholes, the Flying Foxes of Kolovai, the Abel Tasman Landing Site and Tsunami Rock. Alternatively, the “East Coast Historical Sites & ‘Anahulu Cave” starts 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.
Better yet, combine it all in the 4/5-hour “Full Island Tour“. Note that lunch is not included, but your guide will stop for you to buy some (bring cash). We highly recommend Teta Tours’ “Culture Tour“, as described in the 10 Best Culture Activities in Tonga.
Location: Pick-ups are available around Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Kiko’s Land Tours (‘Eua)
Kiko’s, also known as ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House is a homestay-style accommodation on the island of ‘Eua offering a selection of exciting 4WD tours to some of the island’s hard-to-reach yet breathtaking sights! There are two main tours available: Tour #1 is approximately a two-hour tour to Matamahino Hopo Lookout and Fangatave Beach and Caves. This is quite an adventurous tour with a steep guided hike through caves and cliffs. Tour #2 is a full-day tour to see the sights of the ‘Eua National Park and south coast, including Lakufa’anga Cliffs, Rock Gardens and Wild Horses, Li’anga Huo ‘a Maui Natural Archway, The Smoking Cave, Big ‘Ovava Tree #2, Rat’s Cave and Lokupo Beach Lookout.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour. Kiko’s also offers whale swimming tours, as listed in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga.
Location: Tours depart from ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guesthouse, Angaha, central ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Steven’s Island Tour/Hansen Tours (Vava’u)
Explore the causeway-connected islands of Vava’u with a local on Steven’s Island Tour (also known as Hansen Tours). Either curate an island tour visiting your selected sights and attractions or choose from three preplanned tours. Tour #1 is the “Capital Tour“, taking you to the top sights in and around the main hub of Vava’u, Neiafu. Tour #2 is the “Local Points Tour“, which also takes you to some more active highlights of the Neiafu area, such as Mt Talau and Veimumuni Cave. Tour #3 is the “Beach Tour” to explore Vava’u’s best beaches and stop by some lookouts along the way.
Tours last approximately 3-4 hours, are suitable for groups of up to eight guests and include refreshments such as local fruit and a drinking coconut. Taxi services are also available – see The Guide to Taxis in Tonga.
Location: Tours are based in Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u. Vava’u. Pick-ups are available from Neiafu and the main island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Raea’s Taxi & Tour Services (Tongatapu)
Meet Loa, your friendly Tongan tour guide who is passionate about his island and showing visitors Tongatapu’s breathtaking sights. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a group of up to six, Raea’s Taxi & Tour Services offers a range of rates and itineraries to suit. The more people on the tour, which can be shared with other sightseers, the cheaper it is!
A typical tour has you heading up west to the Abel Tasman Landing Site, then following the coast down to Ha’atafu Beach and Tsunami Rock. Be amazed by the ocean’s power at Mapu’a Vaea Blowholes and Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge. Then, it’s time to head east to the Terraced Tombs, Fishing Pigs, Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon and finally, a dip in ‘Anahulu Cave. Tours include a drinking coconut, smiles and good times – you bring the rest. Tours last approximately 5/6 hours.
Location: Tours depart from the corner of Laifone Road and Tu’i Road (at the gate for the Royal Tombs), Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© Raea's Taxi & Tour Services5. Tonga Holiday Villa Tours (Tongatapu)
Operating out of the popular guesthouse, Tonga Holiday Villa, Tonga Holiday Villa Tours provides an easy way to see the sights of Tongatapu. Half-day and full-day tours are available with a local guide taking you to see highlights, such as the Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon, Captain Cook’s Landing Place, ‘Anahulu Cave, Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, as well as sights across Nuku’alofa if you choose, as their tours are fully customisable. The tour also includes bottled water, tropical fruits and refreshments throughout. They offer group rates, as well as rates for solo travellers. For more tours of the main island, check out the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Tongatapu.
Location: Departs from Tonga Holiday Villa, Popua, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu or pick-ups from Nuku’alofa are included.
© Tonga Holiday Villa6. Blue Water Retreat Island Tour (‘Eua)
Making their guests’ stay all too easy, Blue Water Retreat offers island tours of ‘Eua in their beasty and very capable 4WD vehicles, which are necessary to get to the island’s hard-to-reach sights. Their signature tour is a half-day escapade to Lakafa’anga Cliffs, Rock Gardens and the Li’anga Huo a Maui natural archway all the way at the bottom of the island. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses among the rock formations.
For a full-day excursion, you’ll venture into the ‘Eua National Park to see the likes of the Big ‘Ovava Tree which is an 800-year-old banyan tree, a sinkhole called the “Smoking Cave”, and the Lokupo Lookout and Rats Cave – see Sightseeing on ‘Eua: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions for more information on these attractions. As for more tours for exploring the island, check out The Best Guided Island Land Tours of ‘Eua.
Location: Tours depart from Blue Water Retreat, Tufuvai, west coast of ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Riki Tiki Tours (Vava’u)
That’s right, you can go sightseeing by boat too, especially for island-hopping and snorkelling in Vava’u with Riki Tiki Tours! One of the few activity providers in Vava’u that is open all year round, Riki Tiki offers boat trips for snorkelling, scuba diving and island resort transfers. With that in mind, you could be sharing the boat with a group of different people doing different things, which often takes you to interesting spots around the islands! Those wishing to do a bit of snorkelling will get the opportunity at Swallows’ Cave, the Coral Gardens and/or one of the other snorkelling spots in the right conditions. Note that it’s best to head down to the wharf to book face-to-face (before 9 am or after 4 pm) or with one of the local accommodations when you arrive, as he doesn’t check his emails. See more tours like this in the 10 Best Boat Tours & Day Cruises in Tonga.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Tonga Travel Troupe (Tongatapu)
Enjoy an exclusive tour, especially for you and your group of up to four on the 6-hour “Private VIP Tour” with Tonga Travel Troupe. Hit the sights on a suggested itinerary, such as 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 and the Fishing Pigs – whew! Otherwise, hit any other attractions you want to see spending as much time as you want at each on this bespoke tour. Lunch is included.
Location: Includes pick-up from Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© Tonga Travel Troupe9. Grace City Taxis/Vava’u Taxi Council (Vava’u)
Most taxi companies in Vava’u double up as island tour guides, which is especially the case for Grace City Taxis. This guided island tour of Vava’u is the perfect option for those who haven’t got a plan and want a suggested itinerary. The four-hour tour takes you to the likes of Mt Talau, Pouono, Veimumuni Cave, ‘Esi ko Salote, ‘Utula’aina Lookout and Hila ki Tapana Lookout. They sometimes have fruit and light refreshments but it’s recommended to bring your own water (or they will stop for you to buy refreshments). Tours are suitable for up to six people. Of course, they also offer taxi services. For more tours of Vava’u, head to the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u.
Location: Tours are based in Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u. Pick-ups are available from Neiafu and the main island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Toni’s Island Tour (Tongatapu)
Operating a selection of well-established guesthouses across Nuku’alofa, Toni and Leni from Toni’s Guesthouses also offer island tours! The Tongan/palangi duo have been operating their tourism business for more than a decade, showcasing the sights and sounds of Tongatapu with all of the usual 10 Best Sights & Natural Attractions on Tongatapu included on the tour. This is a full-day tour, lasting anywhere between five to seven hours depending on your group and what you want to do. This is another tour where the price is cheaper per person the more you tour with, so it’s ideal if you can get a group together. Otherwise, this tour is a popular option with cruise ship passengers, as showcased in the 10 Best Tonga Shore Excursions. However, you’ll need to bring your own lunch.
Location: Pick-ups are available in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Sightseeing Tours in Tonga
That’s it for the best sightseeing tours in Tonga. For more tours to discover, take a look at the following:
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
