Situated midway in the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti and Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga is comprised of 171 islands in four distinct groups: Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and Niuas.Due to current regulations Tonga charters may not start or end on a Sunday.
This Travel Notes page provides useful information about Tonga. From airport procedures to currency exchange it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and worry free.
Base Manager: Martin Craig
Tel: 00 676 70016
Email: TongaAdmin@moorings.co.nz
Address
Moorings, Tonga LTD
P.O. Box 119
Neiafu Vava’u
Kingdom of Tonga
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.
(closed on Christmas day, December 25th)
Base Facilities
The Moorings base is well stocked with water, fuel, ice, showers, restaurant, provisioning store, boutique, phone and fax, laundry, customs, and VHF.
Base Map
How to Get There
Vava’u Airport – to be booked by client at time of charter booking and flight details advised. The Moorings Tonga will collect clients from the airport if transfers are prearranged. If you are spending time in a hotel prior to arriving at the base then you need to arrange with your hotel for transfers to The Moorings base on the day of your charter.
Servicing Airlines into Tongatapu
Air New Zealand
Air Pacific
Polynesian Air
Guests may fly into Fuamotu Airport on Tongatapu (TBU), then to Lupepa'u Airport (VAV) either direct or via the Ha'apai Islands on Chathams Pacific Airlines www.chathamspacific.com
Major airlines to the South Pacific area include Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, and Quantas.
Polynesian Airlines flies direct from LAX to Samoa to Vava'u.
Polynesian Airlines also flies from Sydney direct to Tonga Tapu once a week.
Due to the number of flights which we organize, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact your Vacation Planning Specialist before you book your flights.
Customs / Immigration Information
A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED ON ALL MOORINGS VACATIONS Expiration date must be no earlier than 3 months after your planned return.
A travel visa is not required for US citizens. Please confirm requirements pertaining to all other nationalities with the local tourist bureau or on checking the following link www.tongaholiday.com
Airport
Guests may fly into Fuamotu Airport on Tongatapu (TBU), then to Lupepa’u Airport (VAV) in Vava’u
Airport Transfers
Transfers from the airport to the base are not included. It is recommended to purchase roundtrip airport transfers (airport/base) in advance. The taxi transfer takes about 15 - 20 minutes from the airport (approximately 15 km).
Arrival / Departure Procedure
Embarkation: Charters start at 12 noon or 6 pm (with evening start).
Briefing Times:Boat/chart Briefings are scheduled at: 12 noon or for evening starts 9:00 am the following day, 7 days a week. All head charterers are required to attend the briefings.
Disembarkation: All charters end at 12 noon at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.
Late Arrival Procedure
You need to advise the base if arriving after office hours. The Base staff will meet you, settle you onboard with a briefing the following day.
Taxes / Departure Tax
Departure tax: The airport departure tax is TS$ 25. Exempt are 24-hour transit passengers and children under the age of 12 years.
Car Rental
Car rental companies are available in Tonga for around T$70/day (US$39).
Full country name: Kingdom of Tonga
Area: 748 sq km
Population: 120,898
Capital City: Nuku'alofa
Official Languages: Tongan, English
Ethnic groups: Polynesian, Europeans
Religion: Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Industries: tourism, construction, fishing
Tipping: Tongans do not expect tips, though no offence will be caused if special service is rewarded in this way.
Currency: Pa'anga
Electricity: 240V 50Hz. The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v or 220v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter
Time: UTC/GMT +13 hours
Festivals & Holidays
1 January: New Year's Day
25 April: Anzac Day
4 May: Crown Prince's Birthday
4 June: Emancipation Day
4 July: King's Birthday
4 November: Constitution Day
4 December:King George Tupou Day
Hotels
The Tongan Beach Resort
The Balcony
The Port Wine Guest House
Hilltop Hotel
Restaurants
Ana’s Waterfront Café
Paradise Hotel
Tongan Beach Resort
Dancing Rooster
Bounty Bar
Ika Lahi
Papau Village Resort
Post Office
Post Office: A post office is located in Uturoa, 5 KM from the base.
Monday to Friday: from 7.30 am to 3.00 pm during the week and from 8.00 am to 10.00 am during weekends. Stamps, post cards, and letterbox are available at The Moorings base.
Internet Connectivity
Available at Aquarium Adventures located next door to our base.
Cellular Phones
Your cell phone will NOT work in Tonga. Phones are available locally to rent.
Tourist Information Centres
Tongatapu
P.O. Box 37
Nuku'alofa
Tel: (676) 21 733 or 23 507
Fax: (676) 22129
Banks
The Bank of Tonga has branches in Tongatapu and in Vava'u. Westpac and ANZ Banks in Vava’u have ATM’s. There is also a currency exchange at Nuku'alofa airport. Banking hours are 09.30 am to 3.30 pm - Monday through Friday. On Saturdays the MFB Bank is open in Neiafu town 09.30 am to 11.00 am. Banks remain open throughout the day. They do not close for lunch.
Currencies / Money Exchange
Currency: The Tongan Dollar is called the Pa’anga.
Pa'anga (T$) = 100 seniti. Notes are in denominations of T$50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 seniti.
Exchange Rate valid as of: 21/8/2009
US $1 =1.98 TD
UK £1 =3.26 TD
€1 = 2.80 TD
Accepted Forms of Payment: Tongan currency is called Pa'anga. Foreign currencies are not readily accepted in Tonga except at the charter base. Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only) are accepted at a few restaurants in Neiafu town and at The Moorings base. In general, the shops in Neiafu do not accept credit cards.
In addition to exploring the Vava'u group under sail, the following list may prove helpful in planning other aspects of your time with us in Tonga. We are happy to arrange any extra activities for you at the base.
Fishing
No Fishing permits are required for fishing. No spear fishing allowed. Fishing equipment is not supplied at the base, but can be hired locally.
Snorkeling or Diving
Snorkeling gear is provided at this location and is included in the charter price. Please check availability for children’s sizes. You may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear. Scuba diving packages are available through local dive operators. Make arrangements either in advance with Beluga Diving or Dolphin Diving (acquire contact information from your Vacation Planning Specialist). Reservations can also be arranged on arrival at our base.
Water Sports
Kayaks can be added to your charter contract.
Marina Information
Local Dockage Facilities
The marina has full facilities. The following facilities are on the Moorings marina or within a short walking distance:
-provisioning
-fuel
-ice
-laundry
-boutique
-restaurant
-hotel
-shower
There are NO shops or stores on any of the outer islands.
Fuel - the only place that clients can fuel the boat and refill their water tanks is at the base.
At any stage throughout the cruising ground, clients will be no further than 20 miles from the base; therefore returning to the base to refill the fuel and water tanks will not be a problem.
The cost of fuel is $3.00 Pa'anga per litre)
Electricity Information
Ashore, 220V, 50 cycles. 110V is available at the base office using US two-prong outlets.
No shore power for yachts.
There is a 12V cigarette lighter outlet by the chart table on the majority of our yachts.
Sailing Area Restrictions
Restricted Zones
This information is covered in the chart briefing.
Cruising area for this base is limited to the Vava'u Group (which is a very large area!).
We ask that clients stay away from the windward (east side) of the Group.
Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page for more of the best places to visit on your trip. While you are in Tonga take the opportunity to visit these other cultural attractions.
Tonga's main island is Tongatapu, the home of the Royal Family and the capital of Nuku'alofa. Highlights include the Royal Palace and tombs, the spectacular blowholes in the southwest, and the ancient Lapaha area in the east.
Vava'u Group - With its beautiful beaches, sheltered anchorages and steady trade winds, Vava'u group is a sailor's paradise. There are numerous offshore islands to explore, excellent diving and fishing, and whalewatching in season.
Other thing to do: Tongan Feasts; Whale Watching; Surfing; Historical Sites; Caving.
Moorings Provisioning
If you don't want to spend your holiday in supermarkets or buying food, Moorings offers a fantastic range of Food and Drinks packages which can be pre-ordered and will be on your boat when you arrive. In Vava'u, provisioning your own yacht can be a bit of a challenge, so we recommend that you pre-order your provisioning 30 days prior to the charter start date to ensure your order can be properly filled.
Supermarkets
The nearest supermarket is located in Uturoa village.
Travel Insurance
Moorings offers 'Charter Care' which is a comprehensive travel insurance scheme for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.
Vaccination and Immunization Information
Tonga is generally risk-free of contagious disease.
At time of publication, an International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory
Clients wanting more information on vaccinations and immunizations should contact:
The Centers for Disease Control's International Travelers' Hotline in the USA at 404-332-4559.
Detailed traveler's advice on traveling abroad can also be found at www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. This website is in English.
For Americans, useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
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