Niue

Quick Facts

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Capital

Alofi

Population

2,100

Government

Self-governing Parliamentary Democracy in free association with New Zealand

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

Nieu, English

Calling Code

+683

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

Diving, also, is exceptional in these parts. Beveridge Reef is an ideal spot, but since it's a whopping 300km away from Niue, self-governing yachtees are probably the most likely to enjoy its treasures. Niue Island itself awards travellers with a fiery nightlife on weekends and inviting walks, hikes and cave expeditions. Snake Gully offers supreme snorkelling, but as the name suggests, you won't be the only creature enjoying its waters.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Cities

• Alofi - Is the largest city and capital.
• Hikatavake
• Mutalau
• Lakepa
• Liku
• Avatelle

Sights and Activities

Avaiki Cave

Avaiki Cave is the place where the first people that settled Niue arrived. It is name named after the Polynesian homeland. Ther is a narrow gorge leading to a coastal cavern cradling a heavenly rock pool but unfortunately swimming is forbidden at Avaiki on a Sunday and when the kaloama (goatfish) spawn, so plan your trip carefully if you do want to have a swim. Palaha Cave is nearby (only 200 meters away) and has some fantastic stalagmites and stalactites.

Hio Beach

Hio Beach is the longest beach on Niue and also has the finest most beautiful stretch of sand anywhere on the island. It can be reached by a wooden stairway down the cliffside. Here you can actually walk instead of swim across the reef, but only at low tide. There you can find a marvellous snorkelling pool, but be sure to get back in time again or you will need to swim back. The chasm is full of tropical fish and is fringed with coral and it also has small overhangs, caves and swim-throughs.

Vaikona Chasm

Vaikona Chasm can be reached by a short hike through the forest and coral pinnacles. From here you can descend into through a sloping cave to the chasm floor and nearby is a small freshwater pool as well. A larger pool is yet further away and both are fringed by lush and green ferns. To swim under a wall is just great and the area is pretty dark inside the cave as well, which only adds to the charm. There are even more caves to explore, but don't offer better experiences. You will need to be guided though and you can rent an underwater light, mask and snorkel which really are required to enjoy the Vaikona Chasm to the max.

Whale Watching

From June to October it is possible to see Humpback Whales only 50 m (150 ft) from the coast! You can see both pods and individual whales that shelter in the bays around Avatele and Tamakautoga. This is one of the few places on the earth that you can actually watch whales from the shore. For the more adventurous traveller, due to the few people visiting Niue, there is an option to actually go swimming, snorkeling or diving with whales.

Dolphin Watching

There are many dolphins that live permanently around the island. Although the dolphins will not do tricks, like at a zoo, you will get to see dolphins in there natural habitat, which is quite nice. It is also possible to go swimming with dolphins, which is much safer then swimming with whales.

Diving

Niue's clear waters, with visibility of 50 to 70 m, make for great diving. Because Niue has no lakes or rivers, the water filters into the ocean threw a network of amazing caverns, caves and cathedrals. The corals have many different kinds of wildlife to explore and see. Because, the island juts out of the ocean it is only a short distance to go experience deep water diving.

• Niue Dive - Is a local dive operator, but due to limited gear it is best to contact them before going to Niue.

Other Sights and Activities

• Cycling - With a mix of sealed road, dirt track, slow drivers and almost no traffic makes the island a great place for cycling. Also every May there is an annual cycling race that circuits around the islands ring road.
• Hiking - Walk around the virgin rain forest and experience the natural beauty of the island.
• Caving - Explore some of the best caves in the South Pacific, which are actually more amazing then their underwater cousins. These caves are so large and numerous that until the 19th century the majority of the residents on the island actually lived in them. The best guide to find is Tali Magatogia and it is possible to contact him at the Niue Tourism Office in Alofi. Cave tours can be arranged for any difficulty level.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Niue has a warm tropical climate with humid conditions year round. Temperatures usually are 26 to 30 degrees Celcius during the day and well above 20 degrees at night. The April to October period is slightly cooler but has drier and sunnier conditions and this is when waters are calmer as well. November to March has much more rain and the occasional typhoon can hit the island, although years can go by without any severe storm.

Getting there

By Plane

Flights arrive at Hanan airport. Airlines serving Niue are Air New Zealand from Auckland and Polynesian Airlines from Samoa.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

There are no regular ferries or other boats making the trips to Niue, so your only option are by private yacht which can enter at Alofi wharf.

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

The best way to get around the island is by car or if you feel a little more active, by bycicle. Both can be rented at several offices near the airport or Alofi. Even motorcycles and scooters are an option. There is one circular road and several unpaved road in the interior. You need to get a 10 dollar local driver's licence first. Remember that driving is on the left as well and speeds over 60 km/hour are forbidden.

By Bus

There is no public transport on the island, but taxis travel between the airport and the island's tourist destinations. Most accommodations will arrange private airport transfers as well.

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

See also Money Matters

The official currency in Niue is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins. Bills are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

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