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Niue [1] is an island in Oceania. It is located approximately halfway between Tonga and the Cook Islands

[edit] Villages

• Alofi - the capital
• Avatele
• Hikutavake
• Liku
• Lakepa
• Mutalau
• Makefu
• Hakupu
• Tamakautoga
• Namukulu
• Tuapa
• Vaiea
• Toi

[edit] Understand

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have led to it being separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to about 2,100 in 2002) with substantial emigration to New Zealand, 2,400 km to the southwest. It is self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974, with Niue fully responsible for domestic affairs, and New Zealand asked to retain responsibility for foreign affairs and defense.

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and a financial services industry.

The word "Niue" is not used in the local language to refer to this island, meaning in fact "Look! There's a coconut". Captain Cook called it "Savage Island", thinking (incorrectly) that the natives who came to greet them were painted in blood.

Niue's timezone is GMT-11 mainland New Zealand is GMT+13 in daylight saving time. So Niue is one day later than the mainland.

[edit] Climate

Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds.

[edit] Landscape

From the sea approaches Niue is flat with its cliff faces resembling a large ‘Swiss cheese’ composed of coral limestone rock peppered with caves, hidden caverns and chasms, buried grottoes and other subterranean natural fissures that are yet to be discovered and developed into tourist attractions.

The island is approximately 73km in circumference with two distinct terraces. The upper terrace, 60m high at its highest point, slopes steeply to a 0.5m coastal terrace ending with high cliffs, some over 20m above sea level. A rugged fringing reef, which in places over 100m wide, surrounds the island.

Steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau. Unlike most Pacific islands, there are no beaches.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The easiest way to arrive in Niue (IATA: IUE) is by plane from Auckland. Be careful not to schedule your flights around religious holidays such as Easter, as seats are often at a premium since many Niueans return home at these times.

Air New Zealand [2] is the only airline to fly into Niue using scheduled services with only one flight a week. Huge crowds gather at the airport to meet every flight. Everyone (including New Zealanders) must have a return ticket. There is a $34 departure tax upon leaving (not included in price of plane ticket)

Hanan International Airport is about 2 km southeast of Alofi. Taxis meet the flight and many accommodation options include free transfers. If you don't have accommodation booked, just about anyone will give you a lift

[edit] By boat

There are no ferries from foreign ports. Outside of the cyclone season you can sail your own yacht to Niue. Check out Niue Yacht Club for information. Harbour fees are $15 per day. If you flew in during sailing season it's possible to hitch on a yacht off of Niue

[edit] Get around

Hire a vehicle or bicycle on arrival at one of several rental shops (e.g. Alofi Rentals) There is no public transport system. Getting around the island by car takes approximately 40 minutes. A Niue drivers license is required and can be obtained from the Police department for $11.30 when you present your home license. There are two petrol stations on Niue; all are in Alofi. One is in Alofi North and the other in Alofi South.

Hitchhiking is very easy on Niue; almost anyone will pick you up. Don't hitch on top of cars like I did, but riding in the back of utes is OK, but be careful not to get an eye poked out by a palm leaf as you pass by.

Alofi and all the other villages are small enough to walk around. Cycling around the island takes around three hours. Theres 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 itself.

[edit][add listing] See

Niue is dotted with many caves and limestone arches

Dolphins and whales can be seen off the coast

• Huvalu Forest Conservation Area. is a huge pristine tropical rainforest that occupies 20% of Niue's land area! A major source of wildlife and traditional foods, and a major focus of our conservation efforts, especially from the adjoining village of Hakupu. Teeming with diverse flora and fauna, there is nothing deadly, harmful or poisonous in our forests! 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!  edit
• Matapa Chasm, North of Makefu. Fabulous swimming and snorkeling area, encased by steep 10 m cliffs that overhanging a deep long cool pool full of fish. It is 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  edit
• Liku Sea Track and Cave, Liku. On Niue's East Coast, this sea track is about 500 metres from Liku Village. Access is via large open cave and the view at dawn - as can be seen from the photo - is stunning. Gaze east and reflect that there's 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 and shoes.  edit
• Talava Arches. A massive rock archway noted by Captain Cook in the late 1700’s, and surrounded by a network of complex caves. Difficult to get to without a guide, but well worth the effort. Allow 30-45 minutes return and take plenty of water. It's a hot and steamy walk; visit the Matapa Chasm afterward for a swim  edit
• 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.  edit
• Avaiki Cave, Makefu. Limestone cave with excellent swimming options after a short walk through. Swimming is prohibited on Sunday and during the spawning season  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

There are many activities to do in Niue. All you need to do is adventure out. Have a keen and energetic attitude towards everything. Be positive and able to try anything and everythin 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. 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 your wanting to play a bit of touch, what better way to do it, by versing 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 abit of sports, just ask around and Im sure you will find a game.

• Niue Dive, P.O. Box 140, Alofi, Niue, ☎ (683) 4311, [3]. Go on dives in many of the underwater "cathedrals." Niue has some of the world's best diving. 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!  edit

Snorkelling is best at Limu Pools and Matapa Chasm

[edit] Talk

English (often with a distinctive New Zealand accent) is widely spoken. The local Niuean language is increasingly falling out of favour but you'll win the hearts of many locals by learning a few Niuean words

[edit][add listing] Buy

Few souvenirs are available. Postcards are available at the post office and there are two souvenir shops in Alofi. There is also an art gallery at the Niue Commercial Centre. Niuean weaving is among the finest in the Pacific and make great souvenirs.

Cash is essential just about everywhere! There are no ATMs. No businesses accept EFTPOS and a very small handful of upmarket hotels and Niue Dive accept credit cards. You can get a cash advance on a Visa card only at Bank South Pacific for a $10 fee + 3.5% commission.

Even though some places accept credit cards the system is often down. If you run out of money you will be stuck. Take the hint, do not show up in Niue without more money than you'll think you'll need!

There is a Western Union transfer service at Bank South Pacific.

[edit] Money

Niue uses the New Zealand dollar

[edit] Costs

Due to the fact that just about everything has to be imported, Niue is a bit more expensive than New Zealand. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheaper, though. Tobacco products are much cheaper due to the lack of taxes. Alcohol is prohibitively expensive, except if you buy it at the duty-free shop

[edit][add listing] Eat

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 specialties include uga (coconut crab), anything with coconut, and the like. If you love tropical fruit you'll have fun in Niue; passionfruit, cassava, taro, vanilla, kumara, and various other fruits are abundant

We have many delicious places and could say better then commercial food aye.

• Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi, ☎ (683) 1277. Choose from either the "Big Uga" or "Little Uga" breakfast. Also serves pita wraps, sandwiches, coffee, and fruit smoothies. Great views of the reef and sea. Open on Tuesday nights for dinner.  edit
• Gill's Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, Alofi South, ☎ (683) 4180. Mon-Fri 11AM-9PM Sat-Sun 5PM-9PM. The only "international" option on Niue. Serves beef, lamb, or chicken curry with rice and roti. Vegetarian and fish options available. Open on Sundays (a rarity on Niue)  edit
• Jenna's De La Cuisine, Alofi (across from Niue Backpackers), ☎ (683) 4316. Tues-Sat 6:30PM-9PM. The host, Vivi, is the nicest! Tuesday night buffet (booking essential)  edit

we have a variety, from fish and chips to umu food and takeaway. To suit anyones food wants and needs.

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.

• Swans Supermarket, Alofi. 9AM-4PM Mon-Fri. The island's only supermarket. Sells a moderate range of fruits and vegetables, canned goods, hygiene items, etc.  edit
• Double M Butchery, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4139. 9AM-5PM Mon-Fri 4-7PM Sat. Sells fresh meats and cheeses. Excellent selection of spices, vanilla beans, and other food items  edit
• Makete Market, Alofi. 6-11AM Tues & Fri. Best place to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Coconut porridge for $2 is served in a shell and makes a fantastic breakfast. Locally caught uga are also sold here  edit
• Bakery, next to RockET. Sells a good range of breads at low prices. Also has a small selection of pies and basic groceries  edit
• Israel Mart, Avatele. Has Niue's best range of ice cream (15 flavours). Israeli owner, Avi has a collection of more than 3000 DVDs for hire  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Coconut water is very refreshing and a natural rehydrant on a hot and humid day.

Frosty Boy serves great vanilla bean shakes and ice cream. Run by the fabulous Brian and Ira Merrifield

• Washaway Cafe, Avatele. open on Sunday evenings with a serve-yourself bar and the best focaccia bread on Niue  edit
• Falala Fa Bar, Main St. Alofi, ☎ (683) 4697. Open 7 days. Fully licensed bar  edit
• Clayton's Bar, Alofi South.  edit

Visitors can purchase up to three bottles of duty-free wine and spirits within four days after arrival from the Customs and Bond Store behind the shopping centre. It is only open until noon on weekdays. Bring your boarding pass.

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

[edit][add listing] Sleep

It's advisable to make a booking in advance but not necessary.

Most places to stay are in or near Alofi, and there are one or two options going toward Avatele. Accommodation is nonexistent 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 not recommended due to mosquitoes and, like in many Pacific islands, locals can take it like you're rejecting their hospitality

[edit] Budget

• Niue BackPackers (ira.merrifield@gmail.com), Alofi Niue, ☎ (683) 4074. Four bedrooms , one with ensuite , BBQ on Deck , Shared kitchen & dining lounge. close to shops and the reef. Room rate NZ $25.PP night.  edit

[edit] Midrange

• Kololi's Guesthouse, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4258. Centrally located. Communal kitchen and DVD room.  edit
• Peleni's Guesthouse, Alofi.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Matavai Resort (matavai@niue.nu), ☎ (683) 4360. Niue's only resort. Restaurant with fully-licensed bar, and two swimming pools. Great views of the reef. Turtles and dolphins have been seen from here. Free use of golf clubs and bicycles for guests. $160-190 per night.  edit
• Namukulu Motel, Namukulu, ☎ (683) 3001, [4]. Three spacious bungalows, each with fully equipped kitchen. Barbecue and picnic tables outside. Very close to Limu Pools. Free internet access  edit
• Stone Villa's (stonesolutions@niue.nu), ☎ (683) 4023. Niue's only accommodation made from pure natural Limestone. The villa features a double bedroom with private patio, fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge, microwave. Lounge area with TV, DvD, CD & Radio Player. Dining area has its own private patio. Separate bathroom with shower, separate toilet, laundry facilities with washing machine & dryer. Wireless internet, private phone with international access. Villa comes with a private car. Private transfer from the airport on arrival $150-$200 per night.  edit
• Lanutahi Holiday Apartments, Tamakautoga, ☎ (683) 4317. Self Contained holiday apartment, each with fully equipped kitchen. 2 minutes walk from Matavai Resort for fully licensed Bar and Restaurant. 5 Minutes walk to Tamakautoga swimming pools and Avatele Beach  edit

[edit] Learn

Visit Niue and you'll learn a lot!

There are no universities and there is only one high school and one primary school. Although Niue has Schools, learning does not stop at school. Learning continues at home, in the bush, on the streets, at church and most of all with the people of Niue, especially the older generation.

The older generation has so much knowledge that they can never keep it to themselves. They are forever talking about the history and the culture of Niue to the younger generation. So if you are a visitor or a Niuean living overseas with full of unanswered questions and of course questions, just come to Niue and find out for yourself. Ask and you will recieve.

[edit] Work

Opportunities to work on Niue are extremely limited. Teaching positions may be available at some of the primary schools. Though do not let that stop you from coming to Niue. If you have the mind and money to develope Niue with your product, by all means come to Niue and start a business. Look at all the opporunities in helping and developing Niue to all.

People that work in the private sector earn their own money on their own time, it could be from making jewelery, food, building houses, hair dresser or just selling many items in a shop. Their is great potential in Niue. Work is all around, just need to open and take what is available.

[edit] Stay safe

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 nonexistent, and it's not uncommon for tourists to meet the Premier. If you want to meet your first world leader, 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. The only hospital is little more than a general practitioner's office, and combined with the fact that there is only one flight a week this is NOT a good place to have an accident or major illness. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Seatbelts in vehicles aren't obligatory but it's advisable to wear one anyway

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

[edit] Stay healthy

There are no snakes or poisonous insects. There is no malaria or dengue fever but the mosquitoes are awful during the wet season (December-March).

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

[edit] Respect

Sunday is a special day reserved for Niue's strong church-going population. Fishing, kayaking, and swimming is prohibited by law on Sunday

Swimming gear is OK 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 can be considered offensive

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 type of offenses. Furthermore, Homosexuality couples need to be mind full to the culture and older the generation.

[edit] Contact

Visitors pay a one off fee of NZ$25 to RockET who register their computer MAC address onto a single wireless base station of their choice. Connection speed seems poor and is a frustrating experience if previously used to broadband. If you don't have your own laptop there is an internet cafe next to the bakery at NZ$12 an hour. Some accommodation options offer internet access.

Skype doesn't work anywhere and there are no phone cards. Mobile phones from other countries won't work. Your best bet is to contact any and all friends/family from New Zealand (or your home country) before leaving for Niue because it's about NZ$2 a minute to call New Zealand, NZ$2.50 a minute to call Australia and about NZ$4.50 a minute to call everywhere else. Conversely, Niue is one of the most expensive countries to call, costing about NZ$2.20 a minute via Skype and NZ$6.50 a minute via landline. If you need to call from Niue the Telecom Office is open 24 hours.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!