Nuku`alofa Audio Tours

Fua'amotu International Airport is about 21 kilometres from the city centre. Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand operate the main international routes, with connections through Fiji, Auckland, and Sydney. The drive from the airport to the city takes about 30 minutes. Local taxis are available and reasonably priced.

The city centre is flat and walkable. The Royal Palace, waterfront, main market (Talamahu), and the main church all sit within comfortable walking distance of each other. The streets are quiet by the standards of most capital cities. Roads can be rough in outer areas and the heat and humidity make water essential for any daytime walk.

Tonga is a deeply religious society where Sunday observance is taken very seriously; most businesses are closed and public activity is limited. Dress modestly outside resort areas, particularly when near churches. Tongans are generally warm and welcoming to visitors who show respect for local customs. Remove shoes when entering private homes if asked.

Lu pulu is the signature Tongan dish: corned beef with coconut cream and taro leaves wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an underground oven (umu). Ota ika, a Polynesian raw fish ceviche-style dish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream, is lighter and excellent. Tropical fruits including papaya, mango, and breadfruit are inexpensive at the Talamahu Market.