Biking
Are you a cycling enthusiast? Even if you are just keen for a leisurely bike around, Niue has a load of options for you. With numerous mountain bike tracks riddled around the island and our handy pocket guide to help you discover them you will be sure to have a good time. There are bicycles available for hire on island or you can bring your own.

Caving
According to some European cave experts, Niue possesses the most spectacular and extensive cave system in the entire South Pacific.

Niue’s coastline is punctuated by literally hundreds of magnificent caves and chasms. All are unique and some, where the sea no longer invades, are used for the storage of canoes while others have been used as ancient burial places or homes in the past. Many are still being formed, with stalagmites and stalactites in all stages of formation and can be explored self guided.

Dining
A variety of Polynesian and European food is available in Niue. Naturally, many tropical fruits grow and depending upon the season most can be bought at the local market or ‘makete’ which runs every Tuesday and Friday morning in central Alofi, right next door to the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre. Traditional local foods such as coconut crab ‘uga’, taro ‘talo’, breadfruit, cassava, shellfish are also for sale – but be early!

Niueans have high standards of quality and preparation of food is traditionally very high, and they are extremely proud of this; using it as yet another way to distinguish themselves from neighbouring countries.

The very best range of traditional local food is found at the annual village showdays – each of Niue’s fourteen villages hosts a show-day every year to showcase local cooking, craft, sporting, cultural skills and performances. A large earth oven, or ‘umu’, is prepared, and visitors can sample some rarely found and delicious treats. Try to co-ordinate your visit with one of these show-days, for it will expose you to the full fabric of Niuean life.

Diving & Snorkelling
Diving in Niue is easy yet rewarding with an interesting mix of caverns, caves, pristine coral walls and drop-offs to explore. Whether you are a frequent underwater visitor or just starting out, your dives in Niue will be unforgettable. Niue’s greatest feature is its incredibly crystal clear water unlike anywhere else in the world, with visibility that can reach up to 80 metres and rarely falls below 30 metres. Mix all this with a wide variety of friendly marine life and you have a dive destination that you will want to explore time and time again.

DIVING
As Niue is made entirely of porous limestone, it has no lakes or streams. This means that rain quickly filters through the island into the sea below, there is no sediment in the water and visibility (a divers favourite word) can be up to 80 metres. This clarity is ranked amongst the very best in the world and, with the warm water, makes for an exceptional dive experience!

Divers can explore caverns, caves, and chasms, that provide sanctuary to a huge variety of marine life. Niue’s pristine hard coral reefs are home to several endemic species and as you glide above them you’ll know you’re one of only a handful of people to dive these undisturbed sites and each have something unique about them.

SNORKELLING
Imagine being able to offer people the choice of small private beaches, swimming caves, coves and chasms where the likelihood of someone disturbing you is almost nil. Niue has dozens of these on offer for you to discover – and while you won’t be interrupted by people, you will be examined by the array of curious marine life!

Some of these hidden chasms were formerly reserved exclusively for ancient Niuean Kings, so they come with a rich history. Many of the areas are well equipped with information boards, picnic areas and are well signposted, so you can discover them with ease.

If you are daring you can explore the outer reef by snorkel – however do ensure that you have checked the weather and the tides before heading out. Guided trips are also available.

Dolphins
Large pods of spinner dolphins are permanent residents in Niue and swimming with them is an emotional experience for many. While the dolphins are free to roam where they like, their habits are reasonably predictable so finding the large pods sometimes requires only a little patience; they can also often be seen giving acrobatic displays just outside the reef.

Fishing & Spearfishing
Fishing in Niue is legendary with fishing media describing Niue as a “fisherman’s secret paradise.” Very, very deep water is accessed almost immediately from launching so you’ll spend most of your time fishing, not travelling. You can even stay on land and target fish off the rocks. For those that are really keen you can even try fishing the traditional way from a vaka (canoe) or head out for a flying fish netting session.

Black, blue and striped Marlin; Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna; red Bass, Mahimahi, Sailfish, Wahoo and Giant Trevally, amongst many others, are commonly encountered.

Whale watching
If you plan your arrival to Niue with that of the annual Humpback whale migration you may well get the opportunity to experience something that very few people in the world can say they have done… swim with the whales.

Generally from July to October each year Humpback whales arrive in Niue’s waters to nurse their young. Niue is one of only a handful of places in the world where you are allowed to swim with the whales. Mother nature of course doesn’t guarantee an experience so whale interactions are strictly dependent on the whales being around, within range, settled and the weather conditions being safe.

For those not so keen on the swim, these gentle giants can be viewed from the land at dedicated viewing areas, where their gymnastics provide a spectacular show sometimes only 20 metres from shore. Niue is a signatory to the South Pacific Whale Sanctuary and fully supports the conservation of whales so all interactions are conducted from a distance that respects their privacy and your safety. Niue have adapted international best practice guidelines with regards to whale interactions.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Niue when the whales are there it’s common for diners at the Matavai Resort to watch the whales performing from their table. At night, you can sometimes hear the whales slapping their giant fins against the water and you may even be kept awake by their calls, unlike anywhere else in the world – they can come that close because the water is so deep.

Organised viewing or swimming tours can be arranged – self guided experiences are not allowed. Whale interactions are very dependent on mother nature so if you don’t get to see them close up don’t be disappointed… you will still have a great time on the water with some spectacular coastal views.

Niue Golf and Sports Club
A well maintained 9 hole course is located near the Hanan International Airport. Visitors are welcome to play at any time and costs are $30 per round. An honesty box system operates every day other than Saturdays, when there is a tee off time of 1pm for a weekly tournament.

Please be advised there are no golf clubs for hire, so you’ll need to bring you own.

Weekly tee off times:
Saturday 1pm
Tuesday “Chicken Run” 4pm – 9 hole weekly social event for club members and non golfers where you play for a frozen chicken! $10 entry fee required.

Mini Golf
An 18 hole mini golf course right on the cliffs looking out to the Pacific Ocean. This course is a whole lot of fun, and the superb cafe Vaiolama is the perfect place for lunch, coffee or a sundowner, before during or after your round.

Dotted around the entire island are well signposted, well maintained tracks with a range of scenic walks. All tracks hold a very special surprise at the end – whether it be rain forest, jagged coral pinnacles, steep descents or spectacular caves, you will come across scenes that could feature in a movie set.

All fitness and adrenalin levels are catered for and guides can be arranged for bike, cave, bush and reef tours through the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre in Alofi… or you can safely explore most yourself.

Please note: due to damage from Tropical Cyclone Tino, in February 2020, some tracks may be closed or damaged. Please take extra care when on tracks and read the signs, fakaaue.

SCENIC AND HISTORICAL SITES
Niue’s coastline is adorned with unique geological landmarks, spectacular limestone formations and extensive cave systems. Many of Niue’s historical land marks and sites are clearly signposted and make for a great trip of self discovery on your visit to Niue. Local tour operators are also available for guided tours to places of interest.

REEF WALKS
Niue is ringed with a raised reef that at low tide can be safely explored; the clean waters, lack of industry and small human population ensure the coastline is exactly as nature created it, and it’s a fascinating trip.

Anapala (moderate)
Descending 155 steps into a well known chasm and pool of fresh water situated near the track leading from the village of Hakupu to the sea, Anapala was a main source of fresh water for residents of the surrounding village.

Avaiki (moderate)
A historical place in Niue as this was where the first canoe landed. It is advisable to visit Avaiki during a low tide as there is an amazing swimming cave to the north of the main cave and perfect for a sunset swim.

Limu (easy)
One of the most beautiful swimming and snorkelling areas on the northern coast of the island, the crystal clear waters of Limu hold a wide variety of fish life and caves to explore. The mixture of salt and fresh water flowing out from the island provides a refreshing and unique snorkelling experience. The track to Limu is clearly marked at the northern end of Namukulu Village and has wonderful picnic areas available. A visit to Limu is a must for all visitors to the island.

Hio (moderate)
Located just on the outskirt of Tuapa village heading north is a small secluded sandy cove. At low tide a cave to the north of the cove can be accessed. It was here that the Peruvian ‘black birder’ Irole wrecked in 1877, locals took possession of the liquor that was salvaged from the wreck and poured it into the sea despite the protests of the Captain.

Matapa Chasm (easy)
Noted for its expansive cliff face and historical importance as a reserved bathing place for Niue’s traditional kings, Matapa Chasm is reached by a track which branches off from the main road at the foot of Hikutavake Hill and beside the start of the trek to Talava Arches. Matapa Chasm provides a sheltered snorkelling, swimming place for all.

Opaahi (easy)
This was the site Captain Cook’s second landing attempts in June 1774. Cook’s landing party was challenged by the locals, who retreated after several volleys were fired, and the landing party returned to the ship.

Palaha (moderate)
Located south of Tuapa village, along the North West coast of the island, Palaha is notable for its limestone formations in varying shades of green and red. The reef flat is accessible at low tide, with small pools to snorkel in. The rock formations can get quite slippery so do navigate them with caution.

Peniamina’s Grave (easy)
Located in a small clearing on the left hand side of the road 5km north of Alofi is the burial site of Peniamina, the first Niuean to bring Christianity to the island. In his honour Niue also observes an annual public holiday in October.

Talava Arches (moderate – hard)
Branching off to the right of the access track to Matapa Chasm is a clearly marked trek to Talava Arches. Traditionally used as a lookout point to keep watch for impending raids or foreign vessels, Talava is now home to one of Niue’s unique land marks – the Arches.

Togo (moderate to hard)
Everyone should make at least one trip to Togo which is reached by a track starting about 4km north of Hakupu. After leaving the bush the track descends through a mass of jagged coral pinnacles to a grassy flat, where a passage leads off to the edge of a chasm. At the foot of the chasm there is a beach of fine golden sand from which some coconut trees rise, almost reaching to the rim of the chasm.

Tomb Point (easy)
An easy walk next to church in Alofi, opposite the main shopping centre and with a lookout and 180 degree views of the Alofi bay. There are picnic areas nearby and two of Niue’s former kings are buried within the grounds of the church.

Ulupaka (hard)
Located 800m south of Lakepa village is Ulupaka Cave which appears to have been used as a traditional dwelling place. It’s filled with a vast array of limestone formations – great clusters of stalactites and stalagmites, huge pillar formations where they have joined and giant stone curtains draped from the ceiling. This is a guided only trip as the cave is located on private land.

Uluvehi (easy)
1846 hailed the arrival of Christianity to the island through Peniamina. In 1863 Peruvian Slave traders arrived at Uluvehi and carried away 109 young Niuean men in 3 ships to work in the guano mines of Chile. None ever returned. Uluvehi was also used as a landing site by trading schooners. Today, Uluvehi offers a great view of the ocean and with a coconut stop at the start of the road it’s a great way to refresh yourself before continuing on with your journey.

Vaila (easy)
The rock pools of Vaila in Alofi North are a snorkeler’s delight and is also an access track into the Alofi North Marine Protected Area. The marine protected area is a ‘no-take’ area however visitors are welcome to use the picnic facilities.

Niuean culture and craft are key components of our ‘Taoga Niue’ and mean everything to a Niuean.

If possible, try to co-ordinate your visit with one of the many annual village festivals, each a memorable experience of dance, food, sport, traditional arts and fun.

Niuean women are renowned for their artistry and skill with weaving and you will find some exquisite bags and hats for a bargain price at the local show days or at the twice weekly market.

The traditional Vaka or canoe is still used to source food from the ocean. Visit a local Vaka shed to experience traditional canoe making and carving and maybe even try it out yourself.

TAHIONO ART GALLERY
The Tahiono Gallery has been the face of contemporary art and jewellery produced in Niue since its establishment in 1995. The Tahiono Gallery exhibits the work of all those with an association with Niue, including the works of local resident Mark Cross. The gallery now operates as a business run by Ahi Cross and its main products are the fine art and photographic prints produced by Cross Publishing in Niue.

HIKULAGI SCULPTURE PARK
Visit the Hikulagi Sculpture Park, 2 kilometres south of the village of Liku. This park was established in 1997 by several local artists as a platform to create large format public sculptures and in particular work that discusses environmental issues of today with the idea that an island is a microcosm of the world. Created with voluntary labour, donations and the support of Niue Tourism, visitors are also invited to leave their small mark on Niue by adding to the large, found object assemblage entitled “Protean Habitat”.

FALE TAU TĀOGA – NIUE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Fale Tau Tāoga, The Niue National Museum, which opened in October 2018, houses a collection of artefacts salvaged from Cyclone Heta in 2004 including new items acquired from 2005 to date. The former items were on display and some in storage, at Niue’s very first National Museum, Huanaki (and Cultural Centre) which opened in 1987 by the NZ Governor General, Sir Paul Reeves.

On display are various artefacts including family treasures from WWI, items of cultural and historical significance and spectacular woven wares produced by women and using resources gathered from the environment after Cyclone Heta. One notable collection are the hats selected from a competition held in 2005 and travelled to NZ for display, together with Niue weavers there.

VILLAGE SHOW DAYS
If possible, try to coordinate your visit with one of the 14 annual village show-day festivals. Scheduling cannot be precise, but it’s a memorable experience of dance, food, handcrafts and fun.

Niuean women are modest artists whose incredible weaving is renowned for its artistry and skill. You don’t have to buy anything to form wonderful friendships, but if you’re going to relent and purchase something, do it fast. These rare works are not mass-produced for souvenir shops and frequently vanish quickly.

Generally a large ‘umu’ or earth oven is prepared by villagers, and pigs and chicken are cooked alongside root vegetables and other local delicacies of game, fish and fruit – it’s the ideal place to sample a wide variety of fabulous traditional food. For the latest confirmed dates, check the events page or contact the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre.

Some villages also hold Marine days, during their village show day week. This is an excellent opportunity to join the local community at their sea tracks to share the catch of the day during evening barbecues. If you do attend don’t forget to bring a contribution to the meal!

1. TAKE IT EASY
Although Niue is a world apart, the island is easily accessible via a nonstop flight from Auckland on Air New Zealand, the currency is NZ Dollars, and English is almost universally spoken.

2. WARMTH
With an average water temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, a typical tropical climate and kind, caring people, you will feel the warmth year round.

3. CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER
Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or simply gazing at the ocean while enjoying a cool drink, the water clarity will amaze you. And Niue’s abundant supply of fresh water is drinkable.

4. CORAL REEF ON YOUR DOORSTEP
The reef shelf is narrow and falls off into deep ocean very quickly, so fishing, diving or whale watching can take place just hundreds of metres from shore.

5. BREATHTAKINGLY UNIQUE
Swim with dolphins, see whales close up, relax at an honesty bar, visit the biggest little yacht club in the world, catch an uga [coconut crab], or snorkel in warm, safe rock pools teeming with colourful fish. Niue will take your breath away with its unique geology, landscape and marine life.

6. AVOID THE CROWDS
With a land area of 260sq. kms there is space for you here. When out exploring you often feel like you are the first one to discover the many secluded coves, caves and pools.

7. WELCOME
Niueans are welcoming and genuine people. You can find yourself immersed in a vibrant culture, sharing and enjoying celebrations and the everyday lives of our locals in a manner that is hard to find elsewhere.

8. RECONNECT
Niue is the perfect place to reconnect with family or friends with its relaxed environment.

9. ENJOY WHAT NIUE DOES NOT HAVE
Come and share our world apart, with no crowds, no queues, no traffic lights, and a pace of life many yearn for.

10. BELONGING
You will arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend, with a true sense of belonging, already planning your return visit.