Tongatapu is the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga and known as the ‘Sacred South’. Expect a warm welcome at one of the world’s most easy-going international airports before journeying north across the island to the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa. The harbour-side town is the center of Tongan commerce and government and also the residence of the Royal Family in the South Pacific’s only monarchy. Around 70,000 people live on Tongatapu, and Nuku’alofa – ‘Abode of Love’ – is a vibrant introduction to the Kingdom.

Tongatapu has a rather cooler climate than the rest of the Tonga as it is the southernmost group of islands in the country. Because of this, fruit production is lower in Tongatapu than it is in the warmer islands in the north.