Namukulu

Understand

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the Cook Islands, have led to it being separately administered. 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 defence. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to 1,611 at the last census in 2011) with substantial emigration to New Zealand and Australia. The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures used to exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that were used to pay wages to public employees. However in 2016, Niue paid off all of its national debt. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. The sale of postage stamps and coins to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. Tourism has been identified as the main economic driver for Niue moving forward.

Niue's time zone is GMT-11 while New Zealand's is GMT+12 (GMT+13 during Daylight Saving Time). Therefore Niue is one day behind New Zealand when New Zealand has Daylight Saving Time, and 23 hours behind New Zealand at other times of the year.

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, the approaches to Niue are flat with its cliff faces resembling a large ‘Swiss cheese’ composed of coral limestone rock peppered with caves. There are hidden caverns and chasms, buried grottoes and other subterranean natural fissures are yet to be discovered and developed into tourist attractions. The island is approximately 73 km in circumferenc

Getting there

Visa No visa required for tourists staying less than 30 days. Visitors will require sufficient funds, confirmed reservation for accommodation and return/onward plane ticket. Couchsurfing and camping are not allowed. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months from arrival date. New Zealand citizens who are Niueans or descended from Niueans do not require a visa.

By plane 1 Niue International Airport (IUE IATA also known as Hanan International Airport) (is about 2 km south-east of Alofi). There is no public transport or taxis to meet the flight though almost all accommodation options include free transfers. If you don't have accommodation booked, just about anyone will give you a lift. Air New Zealand has scheduled flights from Auckland twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays (arriving in Niue on Tuesday and Friday) and is the only airline that flies to Niue. Everyone (including New Zealanders) must have a return ticket. There is a $34 departure tax upon leaving (included in price of the Air New Zealand plane ticket). You might want to avoid flying in 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.

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. Harbour fees are $15 per day. If you fly in during sailing season it's possible to hitch on a yacht out of Niue.

Getting around

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.

By car The rental agencies have stands and their cars at the airport. Getting around the island by car takes approximately 75 minutes. A Niue driver's licence is required and can be obtained from the Police department for $22.50 when you present your home licence (it's a cool souvenir). Since the police station is not open on weekends, you may have to wait until Monday to get your licence if you land on a Friday (on a Friday the police will be at the airport rather than the station). Driving without a Niue licence in the meantime is allowed. There is only one petrol station on Niue: 1 Central Services 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.

By bike Hire a bicycle for NZ$15 at Alofi Rentals and $10 at Niue Rentals. Cycling around the island takes around three hours.

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.

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

Do

There are many activities in Niue. All you need to do is venture out. Have a keen and energetic att