Best fares and tips

brtata21:28 UTC02 Oct 2007

Hi, I live in South America and was wondering if anyone knows what's the best way to reach Tonga (and cheapest). Via New Zealand? Which companies fly there? Also, if people could inform me if there are flights from Hawaii or SF, how much do they cost in general I'd appreciate a lot!

Also, is it doable to do Tonga on a backpacker's basis? I am also an advanced diver so, I'd like some tips on the best sites to see too!

Thanks so much!

silvanocat21:40 UTC02 Oct 2007

From the U.S. you can fly to Tonga from LAX (not SFO) via Air Pacific (possibly from Hawaii also) and Air New Zealand. Check their web sites for prices.

brtata01:46 UTC03 Oct 2007

Thanks! Silvano!

raro02:12 UTC03 Oct 2007

From South America you'd pretty much have to get to NZ, then do a RT from there to Tonga (about US$400-600 or so). Check Air New Zealand, and then that and Virgin Blue from NZ to Tonga.

wmd06:25 UTC03 Oct 2007

Sometimes you can get good deals online with virgin blue/pacific blue. It cost me about 350 dollars return from Auckland. Prices vary, but sometimes you can get lucky. Air New Zealand do some OK prices too.

Diving in Vavua is great and there are a few diving centres there. A British guy Alistair is a good bet and I think his dive centre is Dolphin. Did this amazing underwater cave dive which is not to be missed. Alitair also has Zigalo's and this is a not to be missed day trip on these fun water machines.

There is a youth hostal/ backpackers on vavua, but it is not the cheapest in the world. it is in a great location and handy for Alistairs diving place and cafes.

Tonga is OK when it comes to prices, but it is not like parts of Asia. Prices possibly like New Zealand???

brtata20:38 UTC03 Oct 2007

Thanks so much!!!!! Also, how much does a dive costs?

dadams05:52 UTC04 Oct 2007

If you are going to go diving then you should go to either the vavau or haapai island groups. Tongatapu is not that great for diving.

Best fares and tips Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
brtata21:28 UTC02 Oct 2007	Hi, I live in South America and was wondering if anyone knows what's the best way to reach Tonga (and cheapest). Via New Zealand? Which companies fly there? Also, if people could inform me if there are flights from Hawaii or SF, how much do they cost in general I'd appreciate a lot! Also, is it doable to do Tonga on a backpacker's basis? I am also an advanced diver so, I'd like some tips on the best sites to see too! Thanks so much!
silvanocat21:40 UTC02 Oct 2007	From the U.S. you can fly to Tonga from LAX (not SFO) via Air Pacific (possibly from Hawaii also) and Air New Zealand. Check their web sites for prices.	1
brtata01:46 UTC03 Oct 2007	Thanks! Silvano!	2
raro02:12 UTC03 Oct 2007	From South America you'd pretty much have to get to NZ, then do a RT from there to Tonga (about US$400-600 or so). Check Air New Zealand, and then that and Virgin Blue from NZ to Tonga.	3
wmd06:25 UTC03 Oct 2007	Sometimes you can get good deals online with virgin blue/pacific blue. It cost me about 350 dollars return from Auckland. Prices vary, but sometimes you can get lucky. Air New Zealand do some OK prices too. Diving in Vavua is great and there are a few diving centres there. A British guy Alistair is a good bet and I think his dive centre is Dolphin. Did this amazing underwater cave dive which is not to be missed. Alitair also has Zigalo's and this is a not to be missed day trip on these fun water machines. There is a youth hostal/ backpackers on vavua, but it is not the cheapest in the world. it is in a great location and handy for Alistairs diving place and cafes. Tonga is OK when it comes to prices, but it is not like parts of Asia. Prices possibly like New Zealand???	4
brtata20:38 UTC03 Oct 2007	Thanks so much!!!!! Also, how much does a dive costs?	5
dadams05:52 UTC04 Oct 2007	If you are going to go diving then you should go to either the vavau or haapai island groups. Tongatapu is not that great for diving.	6