The Tonga archipelago, also known as the Friendly Islands, lies scattered east of Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean. Nuku'alofa, the capital, is about 690 km (430 mi) from Suva, Fiji, and about 1,770 km (1,100 mi) from Auckland, New Zealand. Consisting of 171 islands of various sizes, only 45 of which are inhabited, Tonga has a total area of 748 sq km (289 sq mi), including inland waters as well as Teleki Tokelau and Teleki Tonga (formerly the Minerva Reefs). Comparatively, the area occupied by Tonga is slightly more than four times the size of Washington, D.C. It extends 631 km (392 mi) NNE–SSW and 209 km (130 mi) ESE– WNW. The major islands are Tongatapu and 'Eua, Ha'apai, Vava'u, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi, and Niuafo'ou. Tonga's total coastline is about 419 km (260 mi). The capital city of Nuku'alofa is located on Tongatapu.
Placement of this geocache has been approved by Rob Rossmanith, Park Biologist. Please remember, all wheels off the paved road when parking. Do not block any gates or trailheads, and follow the posted speed limits.