Niue

Location Flag Quick Facts Capital Alofi Government self-governing parliamentary democracy Currency New Zealand dollar (NZD) and niues dollar Area 260 km2 Population 2,166 (July 2006 est.) Language Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English Religion Ekalesia Niue (Protestant) 75%, Latter-Day Saints 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist) Country code 683 Internet TLD .nu Time Zone UTC-11 Niue is an island in Oceania. It is located approximately halfway between Tonga and the Cook Islands. Villages Map of Niue Alofi - the capital Avatele Hikutavake Liku Lakepa Mutalau Makefu Hakupu Tamakautoga Namukulu Tuapa Vaiea Toi 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 and about 1,200 in 2011) with substantial emigration to New Zealand and Australia. 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. The locals had eaten a native red banana, called the hulahula 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. Climate Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds. The average daytime temperature is 27 C from May to October and 30 C from November to April. December to March is the cyclone season 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 73 km in circumference with two distinct terraces. The upper terrace, 60 m high at its highest point, slopes steeply to a 0.5 m coastal terrace ending with high cliffs, some over 20 m above sea level. A rugged fringing reef, which in places over 100 m wide, surrounds the island. Steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau. Unlike most Pacific islands, there are no long, white sandy beaches, only tiny, secluded, white sand beaches that might be yours for the whole day. Time difference from mainland New Zealand You need to cross the Dateline (west to east) on travelling from Mainland New Zealand to Niue, so Niue is as much as 23 hours behind the mainland (winter) and 24 hr (the whole day) behind in the summer time. So be careful about the date when you communicate between Niue and Mainland New Zealand, because Auckland is one day ahead of Niue. 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. Get in By plane The only 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 or Christmas, or the October Constitution celebrations, as seats are often at a premium since many Niueans return home at these times. Air New Zealand [1] 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. By boat There are no ferries from foreign ports. Outside of the cyclone season you can sail your own yacht to Niue. Niue Yacht Club has information online [2]. Harbour fees are $15 per day. If you flew in during sailing season it's possible to hitch on a yacht off of Niue 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 NZ$22.50 when you present your home license (it's a cool souvenir). There are two petrol stations on Niue; both 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. Traffic on the eastern half of the island is very light and you could be in for a long wait, so take extra water. Riding in the back of utes is OK, but be careful because palm leaves can get your eye poked out if you're not careful. Alofi and all the other villages are small enough to walk around. Cycling around the island takes around three hours. 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 itself. See 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. 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, In the village of Hikutavake. 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, sturdy footwear, and some food.  edit Talava Arches. A massive rock archway noted by Captain Cook in the late 1700’s, and surrounded by a network of complex caves. 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 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. Beautiful swimming option at sunset - 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  edit 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. 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  edit 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 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 (4hr 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!.  edit Learn 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. Work Opportunities to work on Niue are extremely limited. Teaching positions may be available at some of the primary schools, and success in business is also a possibility. 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. Money Niue uses the New Zealand dollar. 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 rather expensive, although not as much so if you buy it at the duty-free shop. Once you have bought your food and paid for your rental car and its fuel, there is not much else to spend your money on, though a couple of tours could be worthwhile and most are good value. Exploring the caves, chasms and sea tracks on your own is free. If you bring you own snorkelling gear with you, snorkelling in is free too. 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 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. 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. Iced chocolate is to die for! Good views of the reef and sea. Open on Wednesday nights for dinner.  edit Gill's Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, Alofi South, ☎ (683) 4180. M-F 11AM-9PM Sa-Su 5PM-9PM. 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, Veve, is the nicest! Tuesday night buffet (booking essential)  edit Talo's Restaurant & Buffet, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4067 or 4077. Again, bookings essential.  edit Kai Ika, Alofi. 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.  edit Falala Fa, Alofi, [4]. Popular favourite, serving fish and chips, burgers, paninis etc. Friendly staff. Mains from $15.  edit 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. Swan-sons Supermarket, Alofi. 9AM-4PM M-F. The island's only major supermarket. Sells a limited range of fruits and vegetables, canned goods, hygiene items, etc. Sells Rockbak Bakery bread fresh on Tuesdays and Fridays.  edit Double M Butchery, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4139. 9AM-5PM M-F 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 $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.  edit 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.  edit 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. Washaway Cafe, Avatele. 11AM-11PM Sun. 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. Tues-Sat only. Fully licensed bar. Great burgers, fish & chips and sashimi. Generally considered the best restaurant on the island.  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! 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 Budget Niue BackPackers (ira.merrifield@gmail.com), Alofi, above the Yacht Club, ☎ (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 Midrange Kololi's Guesthouse, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4258. Centrally located. Communal kitchen and DVD room.  edit Peleni's Guesthouse, Alofi, ☎ (683) 4317.  edit Coral Gardens Motel, Makefu, ☎ (683) 4235 (coralgardens@mail.nu), [5]. checkout: 10AM. Run by the kooky New Zealander Stafford and his Niuean wife Salome. Five fales overlook the ocean, with occasional dolphin and whale sightings from the balcony (in season). A steep rocky track takes you to a private swimming cave at the base of the property. Sails Bar is also in the motel, serving drinks and a sausage sizzle/pub quiz on Wednesday night.Wi-fi access is available at the bar and in fales 1-3.  edit Splurge Lanutahi Fales, 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 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 Cottages & Spa (namukulu_cottages@niue.nu), ☎ (683) 4533, [6]. Three spacious self contained cottages, each with fully equipped kitchen. All cottages have sea views. Complementary BBQ facilities. Chlorine free Swimming Pool. Whale watching lookout point. Very close to Matapa Chasm, Talava Arches, Limu Pools, Hio Beach, Palaha Cave and Avaiki Cave. Day Spa Facility offering Massage, Facials and Body Treatments. Mountain Bikes, laundry facility, free internet access to all Cottages.  edit Stone Villas (stonevillas@niue.nu), ☎ (683) 4023, [7]. 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. Ida and Albert are really lovely and helpful to their guests. NZ$150 per night which includes use of a car.  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 Stay healthy Niue Foou Hospital is a basic hospital is located near the airport. Medical evacuations can be arranged to New Zealand if needed, but use common sense and take out travel insurance. There are no snakes or poisonous insects. There is no malaria but the mosquitoes are awful during the wet season (December-March). Dengue fever does exist on Niue, and the High School's art teacher passed away from it. Take proper precautions. 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. Respect Sunday is a special day reserved for Niue's strong church-going population. Fishing, kayaking and diving is 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 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, homosexual couples should be mindful to the culture and older generations. 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 audio or video calls don't work effectively due to the slow connection but Skype IM is OK. There are no phone cards available. 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. There is now a limited mobile phone service on the island, which only works in the capital city of Alofi. You can buy a SIM card from the Telecom Office for $34 (plus $5 credit), however there is limited sizes of SIM cards so make sure it fits into your mobile phone first. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. 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