Tongatapu

Hi everyone,

We spent only four days in Tongatapu.  The weather and our expiring visas dictated we leave.  On arrival we anchored at the SE end of the harbour.  The next day we moved over to Big Mamas.

Big Mamas used to be a popular resort but was mostly destroyed in the tsunami a few years ago.  Happily no one on the island was injured.  Since then Big Mamas has been gradually rebuilding.  Currently they have a small bar and can put on Tongan feasts by arrangement.  They also run a ferry to and from Nuku'alofa.

In Nuku'alofa, capital of the Kingdom of Tonga

We had a lazy weekend at anchor off Big Mamas.  That included a sundowner ashore at the bar with the Thestrals and Silhouette.

Big Mamas Ferry

Beers at Big Mamas with Thestral and Silhouette

On Monday we ferried into town to do our domestic clear-in and to shop.  We had a good walk around town with a nice lunch at Friends restaurant.  There are great markets, bakery and butcher.

On the ferry

Nuku'alofa Port

Dinghy and Ferry Dock

Catholic Church

Church Interior

Great Coffee

Awesome Bakery with Lamingtons!

Ice cream at Friends

Friends Restaurant

Produce Market

Craft Market

It's always good to find the local Aussie HIgh Commission/Embassy.

Aussie HIgh Comm

Leaving Nuku'alofa

On Tuesday we returned to town for our international clear out.  Nice and easy once you find the correct offices.  We cleared out for Opua, New Zealand but will visit Minerva Reef on our way.  We can wait there for a weather window for NZ.

We had a great two months in Tonga.  Each island group is different and well worth exploring.

Trust all's well where you are!