The small South Pacific Island of Niue is famously known as the ‘Rock of Polynesia’. Albeit it is the kind of destination that is off the beaten track. The current population of Niue is less than 1500 residents. But don’t be fooled by the population figures – there is PLENTY to see and lots of cool things to do in Niue!
Travel to Niue is a unique Pacific Island destination. Not many people have even heard of Niue!
But this beautiful island – albeit well off the beaten travel path – is absolutely worth a visit.
Read on for 10 unique things to do in Niue plus tips for how to get around the island, where to eat and where to stay.
- About Niue
- Travel to Niue
- Transport
- Things to do in Niue
Togo Chasm
Talava Arches
Avaiki Cave
Matapa Chasm
Limu Pools
Hio Beach
Niue National Museum
Alofi Market
Port of Alofi
Tomb Point - Arriving in Niue
- ATMs
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
About Niue
Niue is a self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand. It is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of Polynesia.
The current population that resides on the island is less than 1500 spread across 14 villages.
Which for travellers is a special experience to find a destination that you can explore literally all around!
Niue has the food, culture and natural beauty all with an unrivalled freedom to explore at a relaxed pace, without fear of missing out on anything.
The island of Niue is famously known as “The Rock of Polynesia” or simply “The Rock” due to its unique landscape of porous limestone formations and tropical vegetation.
It makes for an ideal tropical getaway that truly feels far removed from tourism, and with a pace of life that is even further removed from what you and I both call the norm..
Traveling to Niue
Logistically, you can either visit Niue for three, four, or for seven days. (Unless you are lucky and can stay even longer!).
This is simply because the only way to travel to Niue is by air.
There is one airport on the island and the only scheduled flights are with Air New Zealand to Auckland on Tuesdays and Fridays.
There are no other flights.
- Tip: Don’t forget when booking travel to Niue that Niue is actually one day behind New Zealand. So those same flights arrive back on different days when you account for the change in time zone!
10 Things to do in Niue
Here are 10 things to do in Niue and tips for how to get around the island, where to eat and where to stay.
1. Togo Chasm – Things to do in Niue
The trek out to Togo Chasm is one of the most famous things to do in Niue.
The chasm is better known as an ‘inland beach’ on the island.
The pathway starts out through island jungle. Then as you get closer to the ocean, the track emerges into a single file, well-trodden pathway over the high reef-clifftops.
As the trail up top heads towards the ocean, it veers off and steers you back through rocky cliff walls.
From there you reach the drop off to what is in fact an inland beach!
Note that the beach is only accessible by a huge wooden ladder.
We didn’t quite know what to expect from an ‘inland beach chasm’ on setting out.
It turned out to be a bit like a tropical oasis, protected from the extremes of the ocean only twenty metres away!
You definitely feel pretty small down inside, and it makes you wonder at Mother Nature. Especially for an island without really any coastal sandy beaches. Though instead there a beautiful inland tropical beach!
2. Avaiki Cave
Avaiki Cave is on the same stretch of the island as Hio Beach and Limu Pools.
The cave is a historical place in Niue as this was where the first canoe landed.
It is best to visit Avaiki during the low tide as there is a swimming cave to the north of the main cave.
- Tip: You will need to wear strong shoes or sturdy reef shoes as the track is predominantly over the Makatea (hard coral).
3. Talava Arches – Things to do in Niue
The walk to Talava Arches makes for an adventure!
It was one of my favourite highlights of Niue.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the cave at the end of the track. From there you will need to use the handholds and ropes to make your way through and out to view the striking arches.
As for getting down into the water? There’s a rope to hold on to and climb down to a clear swimming hole if you are keen. I told you it was an adventure!
Otherwise, you if you’ve timed your visit for low tide you can wade or walk across the reef to view the sea arches.
We stopped for a coconut and cold drink at Sails Cafe, Coral Gardens near Hio Beach on our way back. This made it doubly worth it!
4. Niue National Museum – Things to do in Niue
The Fale Tau Tāoga Niue is the Niue National Museum. It is home to a variety of traditional artefacts showcasing Niue’s unique culture and heritage.
Albeit the museum is small. So, it doesn’t take long to visit.
But it is one of the best things to do in Niue to get more of an understanding of community life on the island nation. Plus, your visit supports the local community so that they can continue to uphold the traditional way of life.
- Tip: It costs $10 NZD per person to visit the Niue National Museum.
5. Matapa Chasm
The Matapa Chasm is a must-see.
This chasm has a renowned history as a place that was once reserved as a bathing place for Niue’s traditional kings. [And you will see why!].
Its easy to access and signposted from the road.
From the carpark it is only a 5-10 minute walk down to the chasm.
- Tip: Don’t forget to bring some kind of reef or swimming shoes to enter the water in. Although it is virtually swimmable at any tide, you are swimming on the ‘Rock of Polynesia’ and it is rocky!
6. Hio Beach – Things to do in Niue
Due to the shape of the island of Niue, there aren’t the same typically white sandy beaches of the other South Pacific nations.
Niue is known as the ‘Rock of Polynesia’ for its black coral shape that drops off into the deep ocean. However, there are numerous small coves and secluded beaches.
Hio Beach is just on the outskirts of Tuapa village heading north.
At low tide a cave to the north of the cove can also be accessed.
This beach is famously historic as It was here that the Peruvian ‘Black Birder’ Irole was wrecked in 1877. Apparently, locals took possession of the liquor that was salvaged from the wreck and poured it into the sea – despite the protests of the captain!
- Tip: Try Hio Café just near Hio Beach.
7. Limu Pools
This is a beautiful collection of coral rock pools protected from the ocean swells.
It’s kind of like a giant natural swimming pool. Swimming or snorkelling here is often rated as one of the best things to do in Niue – and I would have to agree!
8. Port of Alofi
The Niue sea port, Sir Roberts Wharf in Alofi is the main port for the country.
Because of the shape of the island – known as ‘The Rock of Polynesia’ – the port is only used by flat-bottomed sea vessels. But it is a busy place to see on shipping days!
9. Alofi Morning Market – Things to do in Niue
If you have been to any market in the Pacific you will know the early start is most definitely worth it.
The market in Alofi runs from 6:00am on Tuesdays and Fridays.
This is timed perfectly with the only days that schedule an international flight back to Auckland. So it’s almost a guarantee your travel to Niue can include Alofi Market.
You can enjoy one last island breakfast before you fly back to New Zealand!
There is all kinds of locally grown fruits and vegetables, coconuts, seafood, and handicrafts all made on the island.
Though my favourite tables were the array of tasty hot foods that have been steamed or cooked in an ‘Umu’ or ground oven.
- Tip: Definitely get there early so you don’t miss out on THE BEST ‘Nane Pia’ (coconut porridge) AND some steamed Pitako coconut bread!
10. Tomb Point – Things to do in Niue
This is one of the short walks to do on Niue.
Tomb Point is an easy walk next to church in Alofi, opposite the main shopping centre. Though the end lookout has a fantastic 180 degree view of Alofi Bay.
There are picnic areas nearby and two of Niue’s former kings are buried within the grounds of the church.
Getting around Niue
The road that loops around the entire island of Niue is only 64km in total length, so it won’t be surprising that there isn’t really the option of public transport on the island.
It’s straightforward to hire a car from one of the few rental companies on the island and an easy option to pick it up and meet a representative at the airport.
Having our own mode of transport made it easy to get around and check out all the highlights of Niue at our own pace.
The speed limit in the villages in only 40kmph and 60kmph for the open roads. Though otherwise Niue follows the same road rules as New Zealand.
In order to drive you will need to get a Niuean drivers licence from the Niue Police Department in Alofi for a small fee. Though this was actually not open during the days that we were there – more disappointing perhaps as it would have been a cool souvenir to take home!
- Tip: We hired our car through Niue Rentals.
Arriving in Niue
Arriving at the Niue International Hanan Airport is an experience in itself, with a small airport building and a relaxed island vibe as soon as you arrive.
From the air even the runway stands out – its a white colour and visible as soon as you spot the island.
It is made out of the islands own coral-based concrete mix – which is rather fitting, for the Rock of Polynesia!
Currency and ATMs
One of the most important tips for travel to Niue is to arrive prepared with cash when you land.
The island trades everything with New Zealand dollars but there aren’t actually ATM’s on the island.
It is possible to withdraw money from the Kiwi Bank in Alofi. Albeit some of the businesses do use EFTPOS and accept Debit cards. But for ease of travel bring sufficient cash with you – and don’t forget to keep the $34 NZD departure tax on leaving the island.
- Tip: Make sure to be prepared and bring some cash for your travel to Niue. It is possible to withdraw money on the island but it is better to be prepared.
Restaurants, Bars and Cafes – Where to eat in Niue
Aside from the Alofi Market for a taste of hot Niuean breakfast, there are several other stops for food you need to make.
There is an outdoor restaurant at the Scenic Matavai Resort overlooking the ocean that I recommend a visit for a swim and lazy afternoon.
But my most important suggestion – be sure to try a pineapple pie from the bakery or one of the small stores around the island!
- Vaiolama Café: Good food and a great spot looking out over the Pacific Ocean to watch whales from the coast – July to September.
- Kai Ika: This is a Japanese restaurant on the island, serving up the freshest seafood. We ate here twice and highly recommend! Delicious sushi and pizza with fresh seafood served in a traditional Japanese way with the perfect Pacific balance.
- Hio Café: Try the fresh fish tacos with sweet and spicy mango salsa served from the humble looking shipping container turned taco restaurant.
- Washaway Café: Only open on Sundays serving great pizza at Avatele Beach.
- Scenic Matavai Resort: This is the only resort on the island, and it boasts a great restaurant with cocktails and bar food served at the poolside bar.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Niue
Despite the small size of the island, there is a pretty good range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets in Niue.
Though note although there is a variety of accommodation, you do need to book in advance as they sell out fast.
There is one resort on the island, many self-catering Fale or cottage style units; guest-houses and motels.
For the full range of options available check the Niue island website here.
- Tamakautoga: Matavai Apartments & Villa
Self-contained accommodation with cooking facilities set in lush tropical jungle with clifftop ocean views. Located 1.5 km from Scenic Matavai Resort Niue.
- Tamakautoga: Scenic Matavai Resort
This is Niue’s only full-service Resort. Check out the ocean view studio rooms above the swimming pool, restaurant and poolside bar.
- Avatele: Aleki’s Guesthouse
Self-contained units and rooms in Avatele Village.
- Alofi: Aliutu Guesthouse
A refurbished spacious family home situated in Alofi with sea views.
- Alofi: Peleni’s Guesthouse
Peleni’s is a former family home with 2 Twin or Double Rooms and 1 Family Room that has 1 queen and 2 single beds.
We stayed with friends on the island for our visit, but we had meals at the Scenic Matavai Resort and at Sails Restaurant and Cafe at Coral Gardens. Both options cater to different budgets, and I would recommend either.
The verdict? Do we recommend travel to Niue?
The adventure of travel to Niue plus the highlights and unique things to do in Niue make it well worth a trip to this beautiful – albeit small – South Pacific island.
I have no doubt you will fall in love with the pace of island life, the taste of Niuean culture, and the beauty of the Rock of Polynesia!
Read more about travel in the South Pacific
- 15 Things To Do In Samoa: Upolu and Savai’i.
- A Different Side Of Fiji: Holidaying In Fiji Without Resorts.
- Vanuatu: A Kid-Friendly Week In Vanuatu.
- Rarotonga: A Family Christmas In Tropical Paradise.
- 10 Things To Do In Tonga.
- Rarotonga With Kids: Travel Guide.
More about travel to Niue and planning for the Pacific and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the things to do in Niue!