Things to Do in Beyond Nuku'alofa
Things to see and do in Beyond Nuku'alofa, Beyond Nuku'alofa highlights, Beyond Nuku'alofa activities and attractions, and points of interest in Beyond Nuku'alofa - the ALL NEW Jasons Beyond Nuku'alofa Things to Do Guide is your complete guide to sightseeing in Beyond Nuku'alofa.
Blowholes (Mapu'a'a Vaca – Chief's Whistles)
Along Tongatapu’s rocky southern coastline near the village of Houma, 14.5km from Nuku'alofa, ocean waves crash onto the coral rock, creating spectacular water spouts up to 30m high. The blowholes stretch for 5km along the coast, and are best seen at high tide, when the spouting geysers create one of the most impressive sights in the South Pacific. Catch the south-west bus to Houma from Nuku’alofa, and the blowholes are a kilometre south of the village. - Captain Cook’s Landing Place
At Captain Cook’s Landing Place near Mu’a stands the ‘Ovava (banyan) tree – an offspring of the original tree under which the famous navigator is alleged to have rested after anchoring the Endeavour offshore in the lagoon.
Day Trips to Offshore Island Resorts
There are daily excursions to the offshore islands, where you can relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, join in the daily activities, and return later in the afternoon. The islands are very close – it is only a 15 minute trip to Pangaimotu (the nearest), and less than an hour to Royal Sunset (the farthest). There are bars and restaurants available. - Ha'amonga
Dubbed the Stonehenge of the South Pacific, this massive Polynesian monument is located near the village of Niutoua at the island's eastern end. Known as the Stonehenge of the South Pacific, the mysterious Ha’amonga was erected in 1200AD. It consists of two upright coral stones about 5m high, topped by a horizontal connecting stone 6m long. Each stone weighs some 40 tonnes. The monument is now part of a 23ha protected reserve.
Ha'atafu Beach Reserve
Located on the western tip of Tongatapu, 2km west of Nuku’alofa, the reserve is home to more than 130 different species of tropical fish and a variety of soft and hard corals. Ha’atafu is the only marine reserve accessible by road, and offers safe swimming and good snorkelling at high tide. A good dive site can be reached from the shore, with a large cave to explore. - Hufangalupe (The Pigeon’s Doorway)
This is one of Tongatapu’s most scenic areas with a huge natural coral bridge under which the seawater churns, steep cliffs overlooking the sea, and a beautiful beach.
- Kolovai Flying Fox Sanctuary
These massive native bats with fox-like heads cling in their hundreds to casuarina trees at the village of Kolovai, 18km from Nuku'alofa. The bats have a wingspan of up to a metre.
- Limestone Caves
There are some impressive underground stalactite and stalagmite caves of unknown length, located on the south-east coast about 20km from town. A deep underground river flows through the caves. A local guide and a strong torch are recommended when visiting.
- Terraced Tombs (Langi)
Located about 10km from the Ha’amonga, towards 
Nuku’alofa, are the Terraced Tombs or ‘Langi’. The first of the tombs was built around 1200AD for an ancient dynasty. They are formed by quadrilateral mounds faced by huge blocks of coral rock, rising in terraces to a height of 4m. It is claimed the massive stones were brought from Uvea (Wallis Islands) which lies hundreds of kilometres to the north. The pyramid-style stone memorial closest to the main road is known as the Platform of Tele'a (a 16th century king).
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