Things to see and do in Niue

Attractions in Niue

Alofi

Explore Alofi: take a look at the Women's Club Town Hall with its handicraft shop, and peruse Alofi Market on Fridays.

Avaiki Cave

Take a peek into the huge, gaping Avaiki Cave, reported to be where the first settler's canoe landed here. It is most accessible at low tide, and has a deep pool overhung by large stalagmites.

Explore by bicyle

Explore the coastline and frangipani-scented interior on two wheels. Cycling is easy and enjoyable thanks to a good network of quiet, sealed and relatively flat roads. If you're game, there is an annual race around the island's ring road in September.

Game fishing

Take advantage of Niue's sheer drops from reefs into deep ocean, which make land-based game fishing a unique experience here. Red bass, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin abound. Traditional outrigger canoes and motor boats can be arranged for line-fishing expeditions.

Go caving

Niue has an extensive cave system, both under and over the sea. Some caves were even used as homes by islanders until the mid 1800s. Some can be found without help, but for the better ones take a guide.

Matapa Chasm

See Matapa Chasm with its fabulous swimming and snorkelling area, encased by steep cliffs overhanging a deep pool. Niueans sometimes jump from the overhanging cliffs into the deep water.

Niue traditions

Catch a glimpse of Niue's oldest traditions. Every month there are traditional coming-of-age haircutting and ear-piercing ceremonies held in various locations. However, prior permission must be sought to witness these.

Palaha Cave

Brave the slippery entrance to Palaha Cave, a dramatically sculpted and oddly coloured cavern that joins with many smaller caves; there is also a delightful little pool at its mouth, which locals recommend as the best spot to enjoy a romantic sunset (provided there is a low tide).

Reef walk

Go on a reef walk around Niue's raised reef at low tide.

Rich marine life

Enjoy the clear and unpolluted waters, rich marine life and beautiful underwater landscape by scuba-diving. Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, water snakes, whales and all manner of fish. For further information, contact Niue Dive (www.dive.nu).

Swim and snorkel

There are good swimming and snorkelling locations at Vaitafe, Avaiki and Limu, with its colourful coral, rich marine life and nice beach. Avatele Bay is another excellent location, and visitors can watch fishermen in their canoes and dinghies.

Talava Arches

Visit the Talava Arches at low tide. These are a group of extraordinary arches and caverns, many containing stalactites and stalagmites, which may be visited at low tide. The archway was noted by Captain Cook in the 18th century.

Togo Chasm

Visit Togo Chasm, on the island's eastern side, which is a beautiful area with tropical rainforest, towering coral pinnacles, white sand, palms and a hidden pond reputed to be home to a monstrous eel.

Tropical rainforest

Take a walk on the wild side: Venture into the tropical rainforest within Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, full to the brim with flora and fauna, none of it poisonous or harmful to visitors.

Whale watching

Have a close encounter with whales: Humpbacks shelter in the bays around Avatele and Tamakautoga between June to October, sometimes as close as 50m (150ft) from the water's edge. It is even possible to go swimming, snorkelling or diving with them.

Tourist offices

Niue Tourism Office