Abel Tasman Landing Site
Abel Tasman Monument
A monument marking Dutch navigator Abel Tasman's 1643 arrival on Tongatapu, the first European landing in Tonga.
In January 1643, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman led his fleet to the northwest coast of Tongatapu, becoming the first European to visit. He named the island 'Amsterdam' in Dutch. Today a monument stands at the northwest tip of the island, surrounded by a quiet coastline and scrubland. The site is small, making it a good stop on a western loop around the island. Admission is free. Nearby is Haʻatafu Beach.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Ha'atafu Beach
- Kolovai Flying Fox Sanctuary
- Tsunami Rock (Makamotu)
- Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes
- Centenary Church (Free Wesleyan)
- Mala'e Kula Royal Tombs
- Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa
- Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua