SNORKELLING
There are several stunning in-shore swimming areas like Matapa Chasm and Limu that offer a gentle introduction to the marine world beyond the outer reef. Some were formerly reserved exclusively for Niuean Kings, so you’ll be keeping good company in these waters. Gear can be hired, but please be careful what you take for souvenirs. Under the UN convention of CITIES, only small fragments of washed up bleached coral can be carried back to your home. Best to leave it on Niue so you can see it when you return.
DIVING
There’s simply so much to explore under water. Niue has no lakes or streams
because it’s made of porous limestone. All rainwater filters quickly through this rock into the sea and has carved out an exquisite and unique environment to explore.
Caverns. Cathedrals. Caves.
Niue seems to burst out of the deep Pacific ocean and the island’s shelf sharply drops off within a hundred metres from dry land in places, so you don’t have to travel far to be in very, very deep water.
Diving is a spectacular encounter with a mind-boggling array of marine life. Better still, Niue Dive is professionally operated by PADI Course Instructors capable of catering from novices to experts. It offers full PADI courses right up to Divemaster level.
Immerse yourself!
FISHING
We take it for granted, but Niue is legendary among fishermen. Several operators run established, safe and reliable charters and with fishing grounds just metres off-shore you’ll spend most of your time fishing, not travelling.
This, our distance from any other major landmass and the wide range of in-shore fish combine to attract the big ones fishermen dream of.
Big fish like the Wahoo, or Paala as they are known locally, which are the speedsters of the sea and have been timed at 78kmph when striking the bait. Their tough jaws have razor sharp teeth that mesh together like overgrown pinking shears so wire traces are definitely essential.
Tuna await the keen fisherman as well, and are often caught just on daybreak but they can be enticed to strike at anytime of the day when they are on the bite.
There are even some FAD’s within easy distance and they provide you with the chance to really test your gear, your resolve and your muscles. If you’re up to it, of course.
DOLPHIN & WHALE ENCOUNTERS
Huge men have been reduced to tears by the experience of swimming amongst a pod of dolphins. Women afraid of water have leapt in and had to be dragged out, hours later. Clearly this is not a retail experience – ‘dolphins on demand’ is something that only happens in zoo’s. Ours are free to roam & have habits that make finding them reasonably easy.
Between June to October, migrating humpback whales pass by and some perform gymnastics very close to shore. If you’re brave, Niue Dive can get you out nearer to them. But from that point…. it’s up to you!
CULTURAL
If possible, try to coordinate your visit with one of the 14 annual village festivals. Scheduling is not 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.
LEISURE
For those who can’t handle the pace, there’s a café by the sea, even golf! Set among palms, the greens actually vary in colour depending on the season, but this nine hole course hires clubs, and a round in these surroundings is anything but a handicap. There’s even a tennis court as well, but bring your own racquets to be sure of a game. We’re not that organised!
CAVING
You don’t really want to just lie on a beach do you? Yawn… Look what you’d be missing out on! The spectacular underwater caves are dwarfed by the ones you’ll be able to explore on land. They’re easier to get to as well. Some you can walk to yourself, for others you’ll simply need a guide, easily found at the tourism office in Alofi.
The key man is Tali. He’s been running very special tours for years and can take you places that will make your spine tingle.
What’s more, there are so many caves within Niue that up until the mid-1800’s most people lived in them. Why build houses when Nature’s already provided four stable walls and a roof?
GETTING AROUND
Getting around Niue is easy. Driving is on the left and a local Niuean drivers licence may be obtained from the police station on presentation of your current drivers licence for $10.
There are rental companies who will hire out anything from pushbikes ($6 per day) and motorbikes ($25 per day) to small rental cars ($37 per day). Taxi services are also available for that quick trip to the shops or the International Airport.
And no matter where you go on Niue, you will find the crowds are just… not... there. Ever. And yes! Even though we have almost no beaches you can sit in a swimming pool with a drink in your hand and gaze over the sea or the sunset. Now add a breaching whale or pod of dolphins to this scene. It does happen! In Niue. |
TRAVELLER'S FACTS
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