Map of Tonga

Here's a map showing the islands of Tonga, 20 degrees south of the Equator. Currently (25/4/09) the temperature is 23 degrees C with 94% humidity.

We will be arriving in the capital city of Nuku'alofa to be cleared by customs officials and obtain a visa to tour the islands.

The inset map at the top left shows how far it is from New Zealand to Tonga, a distance of 2003 kms (1245 miles), 1082 nautical miles!

We hope to stop at the Minerva Reefs, 905 nautical miles from Auckland, on the way there. The north and south minerva reefs have no dry land at high tide, but are used as anchorages and provide an opportunity for enjoying scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and clamming if the weather conditions are right.

Tonga is an archipelago of 176 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 7,700 sq km (3,000 sq miles). The major island groups are 'Eua, Ha'apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava'u. Tonga's high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava'u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island which disappears when the eruption is over. Nuku'alofa, on Tongatapu Island, has a reef-protected harbour lined with palms. The island is flat with a large lagoon, but no running streams, and many surrounding smaller islands. 'Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Ha'apai Islands, a curving archipelago 160km (100 miles) north of Tongatapu, have excellent beaches. Tofua, the largest island in the group, is an active volcano with a hot steaming lake in its crater. The Vava'u Islands, 90km (50 miles) north of Ha'apai, are hilly, densely wooded and interspersed with a maze of narrow channels. They are known for their stalagmite-filled caves. We intend to cruise up to and around the Vava'u Islands. Such a lot to explore!