
The rocky terraced coastline at Houma features
one of the South Pacific's most impressive natural spectacles.
There are miles of white, sandy beaches fronting clear lagoons,
which hold some of the most beautiful and varied reefs in the
world.
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Tonga is a miniature Kingdom, made up of
a group of 170 islands, 45 of which are inhabited. They form
a necklace just west of the International Dateline. The main
island of Tongatapu in the south is the home of the Kingdom's
capital, Nuku'alofa.
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North lies the Ha'apai group, a chain of
low lying atolls surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Beyond
Ha'apai lies the Vava'u group, a paradise of lush tropical landscapes,
a deep-water harbour, rock islands and limestone caves.
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Other major centres are Eua Island, an ideal
retreat for hikers, adventurers and naturalists, and Vava'u
island which has two beautiful beaches on the main island and
a scenic drive around the west coast with stunning views of
Port of Refuge Harbour and the numerous outer islands.
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There's Pacific good times all round in this
wonderful and versatile country. On Tonga you can party and
drink kava at festivals till you drop, be impressed by the Sunday
church turnouts, and then escape to deserted beaches.
Where, between snorkelling in untouched coral
gardens and sipping coconut juice, the most you need do is watch
the waves slap against the shore.
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The majority of Tonga's 96,000 people live
on Tongatapu. Ha'apai village is a favourite with visitors who
are invited to stay in the village and participate in all aspects
of village life from 'kava' ceremonies, feasting and dancing
to hunting 'feke' octopus with village fisherman in outrigger
canoes.
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Peace,
Harmony and Friendship
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