Tonga's campaign ended with a 34-10 semi-final defeat to New Zealand at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The Kiwis will play their first World Cup final in 13 years next Sunday in Brisbane.
Their opponents will be Australia or Samoa, who meet in Sunday's other semi-final.
Kalyn Ponga returned 23 days after breaking his arm, setting up three of New Zealand's six tries and making a crucial try-saving tackle.
"He's a freak of a player but you see the defensive mindset he had tonight, where he saved a couple tries there," said Kiwis skipper James Fisher-Harris.
New Zealand also brought back hooker Phoenix Crossland after his lengthy suspension.
For Tonga, fullback Lehi Hopoate made five errors, while the halves struggled with the conditions, particularly the strong wind after halftime.
Jason Taumalolo, described as the architect of Rugby League's Pacific revolution, may have played his final World Cup.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said: "You can feel the disappointment in there and there's a bit of a missed opportunity with what the group's been able to do and how talented the group is."
Jojo Fifita scored twice for Tonga, but Dane Gagai's try gave New Zealand a 12-10 halftime lead before four second-half tries sealed the Kiwis' place in the final.