Niue

Alofi and all the other villages are small enough to walk around. There's no harm in walking around the villages and in town as it is perfectly safe and a good way to catch and interact with the Niuean culture.

Hire a motor vehicle or bicycle on arrival if you don't want to walk. There is no public transport system.

English (often with a distinctive New Zealand accent) is spoken by almost all residents. The local Niuean language is mainly spoken in the home but you'll win the hearts of many locals by learning a few Niuean words. Visit the Niuean phrasebook for the basics.

Niue is dotted with many caves and limestone arches. There are a lot of 'sea tracks' that lead from the road to the coast. Wandering down one and seeing what you find at the end is a lot of fun.

The two attractions in the village of Hikutavake, the Matapa Chasm and Talava Arches, start at the same trail head at the north end of the village. Both trails are signposted.

There is an accessible sea track at the far end of the village green overlooking Hikutavake Bay. The steps will take you down to the reef area and huge pools teeming with tropical fish, snorkeling is great for first timers during low tide however a guide is always recommended.

1 Matapa Chasm, In the village of Hikutavake (Take the trail to the left.). Fabulous swimming and snorkelling area, encased by steep 10 m cliffs that overhang a deep long cool pool full of fish. It's next to the sea, but isolated from its currents by large boulders at the ocean side. The drumming noise from the ocean waves is quite a treat and can be deafening as you near its mouth. Taking a refreshing dip here is rewarding after visiting the Talava Arches.

2 Talava Arches (Take the trail to the right.). A massive rock archway noted by Captain Cook in the late 1700s, and surrounded by a network of complex caves. The clearly marked pathway ends in some rock scrambling - take care on the sharp rocks and it can be slippery inside the cave also. Well worth the effort. Allow 30–45 min return and take plenty of water. It's a hot and steamy walk; visit the Matapa Chasm afterwards for a swim. Dolphins and whales can be seen off the coast.

Huvalu Forest Conservation Area. This huge pristine tropical rainforest occupies 20% of Niue's land area! A major source of wildlife and traditional foods, and a major focus of conservation efforts, especially from the adjoining village of Hakupu. Teeming with diverse flora and fauna, though nothing deadly, harmful or poisonous. While the terrain is largely flat it is very uneven and reflects its volcanic origin. Please do not explore alone or you will get lost and there aren't enough people on Niue to come and look for you!

3 Liku Sea Track and Cave, Liku. On Niue's East Coast, this sea track is about 500 m from Liku Village. Access is via a large open cave and the view at dawn - as can be seen from the photo - is stunning. Gaze east and reflect that there are hardly two grains of sand between you and Chile! At low tide, the coastline around here is full of tiny little private 'beaches', little sandy coves varying from 5 to 15 metres long! Lie down and sunbathe, or explore the numerous reef pools. Do be careful to leave well before the tide returns over the outer sea wall, and do take water, sturdy footwear, and some food.

4 Anapala Chasm, Hakupu. Adjacent to Hakupu Heritage Park, a deep sharp descent (there are steps and a chain rail) into the very cool depths reveals a fresh water spring. Traditionally very important, for it gave access to the fresh water source beneath our island's land-mass; remember, Niue has no rivers or lakes.

5 Togo Chasm. Halfway between Hakupu and Liku (or about 4km north of Hakupu) is a 45 min track that leads through bush and jagged coral pinnacles into a secluded beach with coconut trees and a rock chasm. To reach the chasm and the beach, you need to take a tall ladder down.

6 Avaiki Cave, Makefu (7 km north of Alofi). Limestone cave with excellent swimming options (at low tide) after a short walk through. Beautiful swimming option at sunset - the peaceful pool is within a large cave that is open to the reef on one side. Good reef walking at low tide here too. Swimming is prohibited on Sunday and during the koloama spawning season.

7 Uluvehi Sea Park, near Mutalau. This sea track is a wide concrete path, making it easy for those with mobility issues to take in the sights. There are two caves just past the road. (updated Jan 2024)

Fupiu Fort, Fisiga Caves, Vaiopeope Caves, Oneone Reef, Tuo Mirrors, Patuoku, Tuo, Vaitafe

There are many activities in Niue. All you need to do is venture out. Have a keen and energetic attitude towards everything. Be positive and able to try anything and everything that comes to offer in Niue, so you are able to uncover the interesting facts and interest that Niue can offer.

These are just some of the activities, as the rest you must uncover yourself as there is more to it, with self-discovery. Bringing your own reef shoes and snorkeling equipment is highly recommended since these can be hard to find on the island.

Kayaking, fishing, diving (Niue Dive offers PADI certified dives), golf, cycling, etc. Niue is different to all the other Pacific islands in the sense that there are no beaches. Go spelunking in one of the many caves around the island.

If you're wanting to play a bit of touch, what better way to do it, than versus the locals. About every village has a green and most evenings the residents come out and play a friendly game of touch. So if you feel like mingling and playing a bit of sports, just ask around and you'll surely find a game.

Niue Dive, ☏ +683 4311, buccaneeradventuresniue@gmail.com. Go on dives in many of the underwater "cathedrals." Niue has some of the world's best diving. They run two-dive trips for $170 and a four-day open water course is roughly $650. Credit cards are accepted (when the system isn't down) but to be safe, bring enough cash for a dive. An opportunity not to be missed! Note that there is no decompression chamber on Niue, so you'll need to schedule dives so that you're not diving the day before your flight

Snorkelling is an alternative to diving. The Utuko Reef in Alofi and the reef pools at Hio Beach are excellent for beginners. Further north from Hio there's a pair of giant natural pools at Matapa that are best at low tide. Around the island there are places to snorkel outside the reef but these should only be attempted by confident swimmers; in any case, seek local advice and check water conditions before venturing off on your own. To be completely safe, go with a partner or take a tour. Niue Dive operates snorkelling trips to sites around the island, including Snake Gully. You can also snorkel and swim with spinner dolphins (April to December) and humpback whales (June to October).

Fishing trips are run by Nu Tours (4hr trips $280) for one or two people. Fish with Fishaway Charters (4 hr trips $250) and you can personally barbecue your catch at the Washaway Cafe. Contact Willy Saniteli for info. Of course it's also possible to fish on your own, but remember that fishing is prohibited on Sundays.

Weaving is a popular traditional pastime on Niue. Most of the older ladies on the island go to a weaving group once a week. If you want to try it, try:

Peniamina's Ladies Weaving Group, Makefu. Tuesday, all day. These very friendly ladies love to have visitors and will show you with extreme patience how to weave pandanus. You can take what you make home, or visit the shop next door to buy some traditional Niuean weaving straight from the lady who made it. If you do come here remember to bring some food for everyone to share as when the ladies have lunch they are intent on sharing it with you! Free!.

The Uluvehi landing is the landing place of Christianity on Niue and a very nice spot for relaxation. There is a recreation and eco-tourist building there with a bar and toilet/bathroom facilities. There is also a kitchen there with plans to open for service at certain days and hours to serve visitors to the area. The Mutalau Village Fiafia Night tour is held on Saturday afternoons, depending on bookings. There are also plans to build traditional style accommodation in the area, as the basic services (rest rooms, bar and cooking) are now available in the main recreation/eco-tourist building. You can drive down to Uluvehi from the village green.

Tour scenic sites, swim at Uluvehi, visit caves, bush walks, fishing, making umu, talk to people, sunbathing.

Fishing and other activities are prohibited on Sunday.

Don't expect McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, and KFC... unless you want to fly to New Zealand or Australia to get your fix. Bring a sense of culinary adventure. Local specialities include uga (coconut crab), anything with coconut, and the like. If you love tropical fruit you'll have fun in Niue; passion fruit, cassava, taro, vanilla, kumara, and various other fruits are available but it can be a bit hard finding where to buy them - try the Tuesday or Friday morning market in Alofi, or various roadside stalls. The supermarket has a limited selection.

One suggestion for eating out on Niue is to plan - book ahead, that way the restaurant will know you are coming and will be sure to stay open for you.

All the main eating places are in Alofi and there is a variety of food from fish and chips, to Indian food, paninis, pizza, etc.

In the town centre is Tavana's Cafe, which offers fish and chips and others.

1 Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi, ☏ +683 4653. M-Th 08:00-16:00, W 18:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00. Open early: choose from either the "Big Uga" or "Little Uga" breakfast. Also serves pita wraps, sandwiches, coffee, and fruit smoothies. Iced chocolate is to die for! Good views of the reef and sea. Open on Wednesday nights for dinner.

Katuali Coffee House - Peta Hill, Alofi South. They sell sandwiches, pizza, sweet slices, etc.

Gill's Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, Alofi South (Opaahi), ☏ +683 4180. M-F 11:00–21:00, Sa Su 17:00–21:00. Serves beef, lamb, or chicken curry with rice and roti. Vegetarian and fish options available. Open on Sundays (a rarity on Niue)

2 Jenna's De La Cuisine, Alofi (across from Niue Backpackers), ☏ +683 4316. M-F 10:00-14:00, Tu 18:30-21:30, F Sa 18:00-21:00. Despite the name, there isn't an owner called Jenna, nor is it French. Family-run, but the owners have day jobs and this is an additional one. It also has local cultural events in terms of dancing and occasional fire dance shows. There is a Tuesday night buffet and booking is essential.

Talo's Restaurant & Buffet, Paliati, Alofi South, ☏ +683 4067, +683 4077. Th F 18:30-23:00, Sa 12:00-23:30. Thursday nights special buffet dinner and entertainment; again, bookings essential.

3 Kai Ika, Alofi, ☏ +683 4628. M-F 11:00-14:00, M-Sa 18:00-21:00. This restaurant serves amazing sushi, using fish caught by the owner's fishing company - access to the best fish on the island. The quality is right up there. If sushi is not your thing, they also do good pizza (2 toppings, add extra toppings for $2). Located in South Alofi. Take a look at the heavy wooden red door on your way in - it is the last surviving door from Mt Eden Prison in Auckland.

4 Falala Fa Cafe & Bar, Main road, Alofi South, ☏ +683 4697. M 18:30-21:00, W-F 11:00-14:00 and 18:30-21:00, Sa 18:30-21:00. Popular favourite, serving fish and chips, burgers, paninis etc. Friendly staff. Fully licensed Bar for a variety of cocktails. Mains from $15.

Most visitors to Niue self-cater for most if not all the time. Most shops are closed Sunday and open limited hours on Saturday; therefore it is advisable to stock up on food on Friday.

Double M Butchery, Alofi, ☏ +683 4139. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 16:00-19:00. Sells fresh meats and cheeses. Excellent selection of spices, vanilla beans, and other food items

Makete (market), Alofi. Tu F 06:00-11:00. Best place to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Coconut porridge for $3 makes a fantastic breakfast. Locally caught uga (coconut crab) are also sold here. Niuean handicrafts like weaving and tie dye are also for sale. Located next to the Visitor's Centre.

Garden of Nur Bakery, next to RockET. Sells a good range of breads at low prices. Also has a small selection of pies and basic groceries. Two pool tables are available for use for a few dollars.

You can also import almost any food from New Zealand. The main exceptions are honey and salami.

Coconut water is very refreshing and naturally rehydrates you on a hot and humid day.

For the really adventurous, try Noni juice at the Vaiau Farm. Anything that tastes that bad has to be really good for you!

1 Customs & Bond Store (behind the shopping centre), ☏ +683 4122. M-F 09:00-16:30, Th 13:00-15:30, Sa 14:00-18:00. Visitors can purchase up to three bottles of duty-free wine and spirits within four days of arrival. Bring your boarding pass.

2 Washaway Cafe, Avatele village. Su 11:00-23:00. Open on Sunday evenings with a serve-yourself bar and the best focaccia bread on Niue; run by Willy.

3 Clayton's Bar, Alofi South, ☏ +683 4395. W 17:00-01:00, F 17:00-00:00, Sa 17:00-00:00.

4 Pacific Way Bar, Alofi South, ☏ +683 4139. M-Sa 16:00-late.

You must book your accommodation before arrival or you may be sent back to New Zealand.

Most places to stay are in or near Alofi, and there are one or two options going toward Avatele. Accommodation is non-existent on the eastern side of the island unless you have friends or are fortunate enough for a local to invite you in. Camping is permitted as long as you're not on private land but is strongly discouraged due to mosquitoes and, like in many Pacific islands, locals can take it like you're rejecting their hospitality.

There is one small campus, a branch of the Fiji-based University of the South Pacific and only one high school and one primary school. However, you can learn a lot about the history and culture of Niue just by speaking with older people who are in the know.

Opportunities to work on Niue are extremely limited.

Teaching positions may be available at some of the primary schools, and if you are interested in investing, Niue encourages investment in new and existing businesses.

Niue is a very safe island. The only jail is located next to the only golf course and is considered an open prison. Crime is extremely minimal if not non-existent, and it's not uncommon for tourists to meet the Premier. If you want to meet your first head politico, this is the place!

Wear a helmet whilst cycling because an accident would be catastrophic and the nearest major medical facilities are in New Zealand and Australia. Seatbelts in vehicles aren't obligatory but it's advisable to wear one anyway.

Emergency services and in-patient care for surgical conditions are provided at the sparklingly clean and newly re-built Niue Foou Hospital in Alofi, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.

For some of the caves, especially Vaikona, it is strongly advised to go with a guide unless you're experienced because people have been lost and injured in some of the island's caves.

The emergency phone number in Niue is 999.

There are no land snakes (sea snakes do ply waters off the coast) or poisonous insects. There is no malaria but there are mosquitos which peak between December and March. In 2012 there were reported cases of Dengue fever, with one death, though these were the first cases in a number of years. Take proper precautions to avoid being bitten by the Aedes mosquito.

Herbalists and traditional healers (taulaatua) are also patronised by locals.

Reef shoes are strongly recommended if snorkelling because coral cuts can easily become infected. If you cut yourself rinse the cut straight away with generous amounts of soap and water.

The tap water is drinkable.

Sunday is a special day reserved for Niue's strong church-going population. Fishing, kayaking and diving are prohibited by law on Sunday. Swimming is also prohibited on Sunday but, in practice, you can swim at many locations away from villages without any offence to the locals.

Swimming gear is okay in swimming areas but not in villages. Don't swim nude or topless, and don't swim where locals are fishing during the spawning season.

Wave to everyone when they pass by. Niueans are among the friendliest people in the world. If they're able to help you, they will. Refusing an offer of dinner or a cuppa is considered rude.

Niue is a very conservative island. Don't get drunk, as locals (especially police officers) don't look kindly on people getting drunk and then causing trouble. There have been reports of people being deported for these types of offences. Furthermore, much like the rest of Polynesia, open displays of affection between partners regardless of sexual orientation may offend.

While Niue has been called a "WiFi Nation," internet access is not as widespread or fast as in more developed countries. Free WiFi hotspots exist, but access may be restricted to certain websites. Many guesthouses, villas, and resorts offer WiFi, but speeds can be slow and affected by weather. Some accommodations provide free WiFi with limitations, such as time or data caps. The airport has good free Wifi and some public areas provide free or paid WiFi. Bars and restaurants may offer WiFi, but reliability is inconsistent.

Niue does not support international roaming, so visitors must rely on local options. Telecom Niue is the island’s sole telecom provider, offering prepaid data plans. Purchasing a local SIM card is necessary for mobile data access. MiFi rentals allow multiple devices to connect to the 4G network. There is a limited mobile phone service on the island, which generally only works around Alofi and the villages. You can buy a SIM card from the Telecom Office at the airport for $34 (plus $5 credit).

The New Zealand High Commission is in Alofi on the airport road.