Tonga

Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, will be almost certainly your first taste of the kingdom. With about a third of all Tonga’s population living here, Nuku’alofa can be a surprisingly bustling place but its size also means there’s a great array of restaurants, nightclubs and dynamic cultural shows. There’s plenty to see too, such as the Talamahu Markets with its mounds of fresh produce and selection of handcrafts, including wood carving and jewellery. Although the Royal Palace is not open to visitors, you can admire this white-timber 19th century building from the waterfront. Try to time your visit to town to include a Sunday. Tongans are ardent churchgoers and their singing is legendary. Everyone’s welcome but make sure to pack your Sunday best. (Image: ©Tonga Tourism)

Ha’apai, on the other hand, has no towns at all. It’s a faraway world of atolls, lagoons and white sand – an untouched slice of pure Polynesia, where most islands are tiny and uninhabited. The main centre is the friendly village of Pangai on Lifuka, with a lone bank and a few small stores. Ha’apai is way off the beaten track, and if you’re looking for somewhere untouched by time, you’ll love it here. Sea-kayaking, either for short island-to-island hops, or multi-day adventures, is an ideal way to explore these islands. Whale watching, swimming with whales and kite-surfing are on offer and there’s history too: it was in these islands that the Bounty Mutiny took place. Life is simple in Ha’apai so accommodation for visitors is also no-frills. But there’s nowhere better for that back-to-nature island experience and for a genuine introduction to traditional Tongan culture.

If you’re in search of empty white sands and brilliant blue waters, Vava’u is your perfect choice. This tropical archipelago has one large island and a host of smaller ones, all with shimmering lagoons, hidden coves and superb diving sites. Neiafu, the main centre, lies on the shores of the Port of Refuge, a magnificent deep-water harbour. It’s the prettiest town in Tonga, and has a Saturday market, plus shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is spectacular diving and snorkelling among coral gardens, shipwrecks and in mysterious sea caves. With a reputation as one of the best game-fishing locations in the Pacific, Vava’u has boats available for exhilarating searches for marlin and tuna. While Vava’u is a magnet for lovers of the outdoors, there is no need to rough it as accommodation ranges from camp sites to comfortable resorts. (Image: ©James Blackwood)