Tonga Surf Travel Guide
The Kingdom of Tonga is an independent archipelago of three main islands located in the South Pacific between Fiji, Hawaii and New Zealand. Tonga is relatively unaffected by mass tourism and unlike some of its neighbours, you won’t find the 5-star luxury resorts lining its coastline. However there are a stack of classy reefbreaks that break close to shore and in two distinct surf seasons. That makes it a year-round destination great for hardcore surfer and families alike.
Quick Facts
Best surf is from May to October when large swells are generated from winter storms in the Tasman Sea
Stack of classy reefbreaks that break close to shore
July to October Humpback Whales pass through the islands
169 islands, 96 of them inhabited, stretching out over a distance of 800 kilometres
Best Waves
Motels
Consistent Ha’atafu left that breaks either side of high tide. Both barrel and turn sections and holds up to six foot.
The Pass
User friendly wave in front of Otuhaka Beach Resort that picks up any available swell, though does closeout on bigger swells.
The Bowl
A fickle beast, but one of the better waves on Tonga and has been compared to Hawaii’s famous Ala Moana’s when the swell is from the right direction.
When to go
The best surf tends to be in the winter from May to October when with large, yet clean swells generated from winter storms in the Tasman Sea near New Zealand crash into the south shores and the island’s quality breaks. The beauty of its location however means that in the summer months from November to March it also catches north swells generated by South Pacific cyclones as well as from winter storms in the North Pacific. The two seasons, and different swells, make for consistent conditions for most of the year.
Attractions
Tonga is unpolished, underdeveloped and authentic. That’s a good thing as the beautiful beaches, great snorkelling, diving, yachting and kayaking opportunities, hiking trails, rugged coastlines and friendly locals provide plenty of pre or post surf entertainment. Also from July to October Humpback Whales pass through the islands while keen divers can expect to see Manta Rays and Eagle Rays, as well as many shark species.
The Country
Tonga is in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands, 96 of them inhabited, stretching out over a distance of 800 kilometres. The islands lie south of Samoa and are about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. The islands are also known as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain Cook on his first visit in 1773. About two thirds of the islands’ inhabitants live on the island of Tongatapu in the south. The other main islands are the Vava’u Group a little further south, the Ha’apai Group in the middle and Niuas in the far north.
Getting There
Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) is the international airport, a three-hour flight from Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL).
Travel Information
Time Zone
GMT +13
Currency
The Paʻanga (TOP
Calling code
+676
Electric
240V – Plug I