Nuku'alofa Travel Guide
Tonga's waterfront capital - Nuku'alofa - is the kingdom's centre of Government and business, and home to the Royal Palace - the official residence of Tonga's monarch, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. Many of the Nuku'alofa's wooden colonial buildings date from the Victorian era, including the fine palace - Tonga's most photographed icon.
The hub of Nuku'alofa is the busy waterfront and the wharf, while the colourful Talamahu Market is an ideal place for visitors to sample local produce and culture. Nuku'alofa is easy to explore on foot, and there is a good selection of bars and restaurants for dining out. In the evenings, the nightclubs in Nuku'alofa stay open till the small hours except on Saturdays, when clubs wind up at midnight (Sunday is a day of rest).
Population: 30,000
Area: Located on the northern coast of
Tongatapu Island.
Climate: Pleasant and slightly cooler than most tropical areas.
The mean annual temperature is 23.7ºC.
Wet Season: December to March.
Major Attractions: The Royal Palace, The Royal Tombs, Talamahu Market, Heilala, Kolovai Flying Fox Sanctuary, Game Fishing, Sailing, Snorkelling.
Attractions:
- The Royal Palace
Surrounded by large lawns and giant Norfolk pines, the palace dominates the seafront. This large Victorian timber building was prefabricated in New Zealand. It was completed in 1882, when the upstairs verandah was added. The coronation of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV took place at the Royal Chapel behind the palace in 1967. It's not open to the public but there is a good view from the waterfront on the west side.
- The Royal Tombs
Tongan sovereigns, their wives, husbands and close relatives have been buried at the tombs at the Mala'ekula (a large park area) since 1893. It's not open to the public but there is a reasonable view from the fence.
- Talamahu Market
Tonga's major fruit and vegetable market is open every day except Sunday, with colourful local produce for sale including papaya, mango, sweet potatoes, taro, yams and plantains.
- Tongan National Centre
The centre, 2km south of the town, has displays of Tongan history and monarchs, a museum of artefacts and demonstrations of Tongan arts, including weaving, tapa (bark cloth) making, carving, painting and kava preparation. A traditional Tongan feast, with dancing, a stringband and a kava cermony, is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (T$20). Lunch time features a traditional lunch and fashion show of Tongan ceremonial dress (T$12). Bookings essential.
- Heilala
A week-long celebration coinciding with the King's Birthday in July, and featuring parades, workshops, a beauty pageant, music arts, feasting and sports competitions.
- 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.
- Game Fishing
Two game-fishing charter companies operate out of Nuku'alofa - Royal Sunset Sport Fishing and Palm Travel & Tours. The fishing grounds are off the northern coast of Tongatapu.
- Sailing
Nuku'alofa is a hub for international yachts, particularly from March to October. Faua Harbour has basic facilities but there are more extensive facilities at the The Nuku'alofa Yacht & Motor Club, where visiting yachties are welcome.
- Snorkelling & Diving
Yellow Pier (at the end of Tupoulahi Road) is a good spot for swimming and snorkelling, with lots of small fish and the occasional ray. There is also superb diving in the islands north of the capital. Dive operators include Beluga Diving, Deep Blue Diving and Royal Sunset Scuba Diving.
- Island Nights
Evening island buffets featuring traditional food and dance are held at the International Dateline Hotel on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Tongan National Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at the Good Samaritan Inn in Kolovai on Fridays.