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Destinations - South Pacific - Tonga 
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga (Tongan for "south"), is an
independent archipelago in the
southern Pacific Ocean. It lies about a third of the way between
New Zealand and Hawaii, south of
Samoa and east of Fiji.
The islands are also known as the
Friendly Islands, the name given by Captain Cook because of the
friendly
reception he received. He happened to arrive at the time of
‘inasi festival, the yearly donation of the first
fruits to the Tu‘i Tonga and was invited to the festivities.
The 176 islands ranging from high volcanic to low coral terrain create scenic variety seldom matched elsewhere in the world. The islands are divided into four groups and bordered on the east by the deep Tongan Trench. Nuku'alofa, the capital, is located on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more developed than its neighbors but still maintains an unhurried and peaceful lifestyle. The island of 'Eua lies just a few kilometres off the south- eastern tip of Tongatapu. Niuatoputapu is surrounded by magnificent white beaches. The most beautiful beaches are on the north-west side of the main island. Along the sandy beaches of Niuatoputapu one can walk for hours. There is no traffic, no crowds and no queues - just peace and tranquility. Yet there is a variety of accommodation and you can enjoy a sumptuous lobster meal, if that is to your liking. 
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