Any Travels

The Country Niue is affectionately known as 'the rock' and is reputedly the largest upraised coral atoll in the world. A single land mass in the center of a triangle of Polynesian islands, made up of Tonga, Western Samoa and the Cook Islands, Niue is located 2400 km north-east of New Zealand, on the eastern side of the International dateline and is 11 hours behind Greenwich meantime.

The island isolation and coral makeup create an exciting rugged coastline and reef which provides intimate swimming coves as opposed to the typical long stretches of sandy beaches so predominant elsewhere in Polynesia. The landmass of Niue is 259 sq. km, and 13 villages are found along Niue's 67-km circle island road.

The whole island is two tiered but is dotted with a myriad of caves that have yet to be discovered. Shaped like a saucer and rising only 65 meters above sea level, Niue is without streams or rivers, and therefore after rain the water filters through the porous coral out into the ocean completely devoid of any silt run-off. This allows the surrounding sea to be crystal clear with dive visibility often up to 70 meters. The flora and fauna are spectacular with butterflies everywhere, and an abundance of bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and orchids. A variety of ferns and profusion of "crows nest" grow amongst wild rhododendron and poinsettia. There is a rich bird life with weka, swamp kens, parakeets and white tailed terns.

Places of Interest:

Alofi
Niue's capital is little more than just one long street stretching for several kilometres along the rocky coastline. The waterline is marked by a number of traditional canoe-landing spots, including Opaahi Landing, the place where Captain Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to come ashore in 1744.

There are a couple of handkerchief-sized beaches, notably at Utuko and Omahi. The biggest attractions for divers lie directly offshore - the Chimney, Opaahi and Faka Laina (aka the Toilet Bowl). A drop down into the crystal-clear depths is rewarded by a twisting series of gullies, ravines, chasms, caves and reef ridges. If bad weather hits, head indoors to learn the story of the island's history and culture at the Huanaki Cultural Centre, or visit the Ekalesia Church on Tomb Point. The two headstones outside the church mark the graves of two island kings, Tuitoga (ruled 1876-87) and Fataaiki (1888-96).

Limu Pools
Niue's most popular swimming and snorkelling spot would have to be these lambent freshwater and saltwater pools, 10km (6mi) north of the capital. Swimming on a Sunday is permitted here, and also further north at Matapa Chasm. The awesome Ana Mahaga twin caves dive is just offshore, with some of the island's most spectacular scuba diving: two chimneys plummet down through the reef before turning through a 90-degree angle to emerge as huge caves on the reef edge, joined by a horizontal tunnel.

Peniamina's Grave
The grave of Nukai Peniamina, the Niuean credited with introducing Christianity to his homeland in 1846, is 4.5km (2.5mi) north along the coast from Alofi. Peniamina was converted to Christianity by the London Missionary Society while in Samoa and, with the assistance of a Samoan missionary named Paulo, he managed to convert the majority of Niue's population in just a decade. You'll see many gravestones scattered around Niue, as the islanders are usually buried on their family land.

Two dive sites (Namoui and Anono) are just offshore from the grave site, along with a marine reserve for a turtle encounter or two. A little further north, 7km (4mi) from the capital, a signpost leads to the Avaiki Cave, an impressive coastal cavern sheltering a beautiful rockpool - according to local legend, it was the landing point of Niue's first settlers. Further still there's the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled Palaha Cave. The best beach on the island is nearby Hio, reached by a wooden stairway down the cliffside. Offshore there's a chasm full of tropical fish and fringed with coral, offering the perfect opportunity for snorkelling.

Culture

Niueans take pride in their many cultural traditions have been handed down from generation to generation.

Women weavers are highly respected for the original design and quality of their craft and a fine array of hats, mats, and baskets made from local materials are readily available.

The Kaloama Season is observed when seasonal sardine-like fish visit Niue's shores. When the Kaloama run, some reef areas are closed from public swimming but there are still numerous other swimming pools and coves that can be used during that short period. You need only ask for guidance from locals or at the Niue Information & Booking Centre.

Niue's unique traditions and festivals include haircutting (for boys) and ear piercing ceremonies (for girls). These gatherings are usually held on a Saturday in private homes. Families welcome visitors to these occasions when permission is asked beforehand. It is an opportunity to see and witness a local tradition and share in that experience with the host family.

Sunday is a day of rest and worship and visitors are asked to be considerate of the Sunday observations. Fishing and boating are not undertaken, but many play golf or go sight seeing. Anyone not sure of Sunday protocols are welcome to check at the Niue Information Office in Alofi for guidance.