Three Peaks challenges in Tonga

The landscapes of Tonga

Tonga's archipelago includes low islands built from uplifted coral limestone, alongside islands with volcanic foundations. These different origins produce contrasting relief, so the country cannot be represented by one uniform mountain landscape. Sea channels separate the individual island settings.

Trade winds influence the tropical climate, with warmer and cooler parts of the year rather than a continental winter and summer. Much of the landscape remains low and coastal. Any exploration of Tonga's higher ground therefore needs to be understood alongside the much more extensive limestone and maritime environments of the archipelago.