TONGA TRAVEL TROUPE Robbies’ VIP Private Fully Flexible Tongatapu Shore Excursion Instructions
- June 1, 2024
- TONGA TRAVEL TROUPE
Table of Contents
Robbies’ VIP PRIVATE FULLY FLEXIBLE
Tongatapu
Shore Excursion – BEST GUIDE IN TONGA!
Nuku-alofa, Tonga
Robbies’ VIP Private Fully Flexible Tongatapu Shore Excursion
LED BY THE BEST GUIDE IN IN TONGA! This tour is perfect if you want the flexibility to see the island in private and at your own pace. We can tailor a specific tour just for you or your group. We have a few suggested itineraries, but these are just guides for you and we would love to work with you to create the best tour tailored just for you!
| Small group (max 14)| | Duration: 6 Hours
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| Lunch included| | Refund Gurarantee*
| VIP Meeting point| | Air-Conditioned vehicle
Contact Us
0434 004 558
www.tongatraveltroupe.com.au
info@tongatraveltroupe.com
- Refund Guarantee: Have full peace of mind that you will receive a full refund if your cruise ship does not dock in Tonga.
“You won’t be sorry when you have Robbie”
Our exclusive and renowned local guide Robbie (aka Lopeti) will go above and
beyond to ensure you make magical memories.
Unlike traditional tours, Robbie will tailor to each day’s unique offerings,
ensuring you experience the very best of what the island has to offer. From
must-see sites to hidden gems, Robbie’s personalised touch guarantees an
unforgettable adventure.
QUICK ITINERARY
- Meeting Point: Friends Café and Tourist Centre
- See Ha’atafu Beach:West Coast
- Flying Foxes at Ha’atakatolo: West Coast
- Lunch at the Mapu’a Vaea Blowholes: South West Coast
- 3 headed coconut tree: Central Tonga
- Captain Cook Landing Site: East Side
- Paepae o Tele’a Histrorical Tombs: East Side
- Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon: North East Coast
- Finishing Point: Friends Café and Tourist Centre
** Potential bonus sites, weather and time permitting
- Fishing Pigs at Navutoka Beach
- Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge
- Abel Tasman Landing Site
- Talamahu Markets
DETAILED ITINERARY
Meeting Point
Friends Café and Tourist Centre
Friends Cafe is a popular meeting place for visitors and locals in the
capital Nuku’alofa and is just a short 5-minute walk from your cruise ship.
There you will find a table reserved just for you! Enjoy a complimentary tea
or coffee while you have a chance to meet your awesome guide Robbie (aka
Lopeti) and other travellers before heading to your comfortable, air
conditioned van to explore the the beauty of Tonga coast to coast.
Ha’atafu Beach
The West Coast
Embark on a scenic drive to the tip of the island, where you’ll encounter
the solemn beauty of Ha’atafu Beach. This sightseeing gem serves as a poignant
reminder of the tragic aftermath caused by the catastrophic tsunami resulting
from the volcanic eruption on
January 15, 2022.
Triggered by the underwater volcano, the devastating tsunami left a horrible
mark, shrouding several Tongan islands in a veil of volcanic ash.
Your knowledgeable guide will intimately recount the events of that fateful
day, offering first hand narratives that bring the story to life.
Flying Foxes at Ha’atakatolo
The West Coast
Thanks to our expert guides, we’ve arranged a brief visit to Ha’atakatolo
Cemetery, where a recent influx of migrating flying foxes adds a unique touch
to the serene surroundings.
Delight in the rare opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their
natural habitat, as our guides provide fascinating insights into the local
ecosystem and the significance of these enchanting, winged residents.
Visit Tsunami Rock
The West Coast
As we explore the Tsunami Rock, you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of
scientific theories and captivating local folklore.
While scientific studies propose that this colossal coral boulder was
propelled inland by an ancient tsunami, according to local legends, the
Demigod Maui hurled this giant rock from his celestial realm to silence a
rooster who did not stop crowing!
Lunch at the Mapu’a Vaea Blowholes
The South West Coast
Discover the awe-inspiring Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, a must-see attraction in
Tonga. Relax and unwind as Mother Nature unleashes her mesmerizing display,
creating a symphony of water and air across 5km of shoreline!
Indulge in your complimentary packed lunch, savouring a moment of tranquillity
while capturing stunning photographs and crafting unforgettable memories.
Your knowledgeable guide will ensure a convenient stop just steps away from
the viewing platform, allowing you to relish the panoramic views and replenish
your energy for the next chapter of our exhilarating adventure.
3 Headed Coconut Tree
The South West Side
Did you know that coconut trees typically bear just a single head?
This makes the remarkable anomaly you will encounter one of the rarest coconut
trees on the planet.
Nestled alongside the roadside, this resilient tree has weathered numerous
cyclones over the years, standing as a testament to the enduring power of
nature.
Our guide will make a brief stop near the tree, allowing you to capture a
quick photo memento. Whether you’re traveling solo or with companions, our
guide will gladly help immortalize this unique moment, ensuring you have a
cherished keepsake to remember your journey.
Captain Cook Landing
The East Side
Prepare to step foot on the historic landing site of the famed British
explorer, Captain James Cook. Discover the commemorative plaque, a testament
to the former presence of a majestic Banyan tree that graced this hallowed
ground back in 1777.
Notably, this iconic landmark holds a special place in history, having hosted
a visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1970, a poignant tribute to the island’s
significance as the “Friendly Islands,” a title bestowed upon it by Captain
Cook himself.
Engage your guide for further insights into the events that unfolded before
capturing a brief yet memorable photo stop at Captain Cook’s Landing.
Ancient Terrace Tombs
The East Side
A brief 10-minute drive from Captain Cook’s Landing will lead us to the
Lapaha’s Paepae ‘o Tele’a tombs, also known as the ‘Ancient Terraced Tombs,’ a
testament to Tonga’s rich ancient stonework heritage. Unique to the Pacific
region, these remarkable monuments stand as a singular marvel found nowhere
else on Earth.
Dating back over a millennium, the Terraced Tombs bear striking resemblance to
the construction techniques employed in the Egyptian Pyramids, yet their
intricately joined hard-coral slabs showcase an unparalleled craftsmanship
that defies the use of mechanical tools.
Tentatively recognized by UNESCO as a potential World Heritage site, the
Lapaha’s Paepae ‘o Tele’a tombs hold a place of utmost significance in
Polynesian history. Unlike our previous stops, you’ll have the opportunity to
approach the Terraced Tombs and feel the ancient coral slabs that have
withstood the test of time for centuries.
We kindly ask our guests to respect the sanctity of this historical site and
refrain from walking or sitting atop the tomb.
Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon
The North East Coast
Prepare to be intrigued by the enigmatic Ha’aomga A’Maui, boasting three
mammoth 40-ton coral limestone slabs steeped in centuries-old legend. Believed
to function as a seasonal calendar, this trilithon is said to have marked the
solstices and equinoxes by aligning with the position of the sunrise, akin to
a Polynesian rendition of the renowned Stonehenge.
While you’ll have the opportunity to approach and photograph this ancient
wonder, we kindly ask our guests to respect its cultural significance and
refrain from climbing atop the structure.
Facilities at this stop include restrooms and a selection of local vendors
offering traditional crafts and trinkets.
Finishing Point
Friends Café and Tourist Centre
Your guide will conveniently escort you back to the Friends Café, allowing for
a brief 5-minute stroll back to the cruise ship.
Rest assured, we prioritise punctuality and ensure all guests are back on
board one hour before the designated departure time of the cruise ship.
POSSIBLE BONUS SITES
Although we strive to include this site in our itinerary, we cannot guarantee a visit to this location. Rest assured that every effort will be made to accommodate this as a potential bonus site, based on favourable timing and weather conditions.
Abel Tasman Landing
- Potential Bonus Site *
Step onto the historic grounds of the Abel Tasman Landing Site, a pivotal location marking the encounter between European explorers and the untouched beauty of Tonga’s shores. Transport yourself back in time as Robbie unveils the tale of Dutch navigator Abel Tasman’s momentous landing, which forever linked Tonga to the annals of maritime history.
Fishing Pigs at Navutoka Beach
- Potential Bonus Site *
One of Tonga’s most peculiar attractions—the renowned Tonga fishing pigs! Hopefully you can get a chance to witness the spectacle of these curious creatures as they forage in the Pacific waters, their submerged snouts eagerly seeking out delectable treats. A local favourite for their naturally savoury taste, the Tonga fishing pigs hold a special place in the hearts of the island community.
Please be aware that sightings of the fishing pigs are subject to the timing of low tide and the pigs’ inclination to fish on the day, so sightings are not guaranteed.
Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge
Potential Bonus Site
Discover the amazing Hufangalupe, a natural land bridge nestled on the
picturesque main island of Tongatapu in Tonga. Crafted by the remarkable
collapse of the roof a sea cave, this stunning formation offers a mesmerizing
display as the crashing waves accentuate its rugged beauty. Yet according to
local legend, Maui’s mighty spear punctured the Earth, leaving behind a
magnificent gaping hole!
A very special attraction that can only be seen when there has been no wet
weather, as any sign of rain can make this a muddy and dangerous destination.
Talamahu Markets
- Potential Bonus Site *
Indulge in the vibrant sights and scents at Talamahu, the bustling heart of Tonga’s fresh-produce market. Meander through the bustling aisles adorned with an abundance of tropical delights showcased in traditional, woven-frond baskets.
Discover a kaleidoscope of fresh produce, from luscious branches of bananas to artfully arranged pyramids of colourful fruits. Amidst the lively atmosphere, uncover a treasure trove of affordable Tongan arts and crafts, adding an authentic touch to your market experience.