Niue's top 10
Here are the top 10 things you didn’t know about the country the world forgot about, Niue.
10. That it existed
Niue is just a tiny spec on a map of the Pacific Ocean… One solitary island inside the Polynesian Triangle made up of Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, this is not a place that many people have heard of, let alone visited. This is truly the place that the rest of the world has forgotten about. The island itself is a large, raised coral atoll offering rugged coastlines and spectacular snorkeling and diving on the outside with the Huvalu Rainforest on the inside of the island which is a designated conservation area home to many native trees and indigenous flora and fauna. Niue is 3 hours flying time in a North-Eastern direction from Auckland and has one flight in and one flight out with Air New Zealand each week. In high season (May-October) the flight scheduling is increased to two flights per week to encourage more visitors to this unknown tropical paradise.
9. That they forgot the letter ‘S’
The Niuean bible does not now, nor has it ever included the letter ‘S’. When the missionaries first arrived in Niue and decided to print a bible in the local Niuean language, they ran out of the letter ‘S’ when they were typesetting the original document. Years later when trying to introduce the letter back into the language, a Niuean dictionary was considered to be unacceptable for the inclusion of the forgotten letter. Hence the pronunciation of words such as Avatele – a local village (pronounced Avasele) or Makatea – the Niuean word for coral (pronounced Makasea).
8. There isn’t always a light at the end of every tunnel
Niue is an island of volcanic rock and fossilized coral making the cave systems around the island prolific and creating stunning natural features such as chasms and inland beaches, some of which are yet to be explored. But if you are self-guiding around the island you need to be wary that there is not necessarily a light at the end of every tunnel, not all cave systems connect and some literally just end deep inside the island. Unless you are an experienced caver, or the location is signposted, caution is always suggested and it may even be worth investing in a local guide to assist you.
7. It IS worth it in the end
There are a number of self-guided walks around the island which are very well signed ranging from 200m to 2.5km. Some of these are long and treacherous walks through the fields of ancient coral surrounding the island which can sometimes be not only dangerous but also quite tiring. Half way through some of the more challenging walks I found myself asking “is this even worth it”? The answer is clear when you come across the likes of a hidden inland beach at Togo Chasm. This is a dry sand beach-type area which is walled by 100m of solid coral on all sides.
6. These boots are made for walkin’
The image of a tropical island holiday for any traveller means packing the right shoes… i.e. a pair of flip flops and not much else. On the island of Niue however, there are a few additional footwear items that will absolutely save you. Reef shoes are a must on this island, there are hardly any sandy beaches and the entire island is ringed by a coral reef which can be home to some nasty little (poisonous) creatures such as sea urchins and stonefish. Tramping through tropical rainforest before a walking/balancing act through the outer ring of fossilized coral can be a dangerous one. Bring your hiking boots on this tropical island escape and I guarantee you will thank me!
5. There is still a place in the world where you can be completely alone
The total population of Niue is currently 1,586 people and tourists only amount to around 7,000 per year. If you are looking for a place that others haven’t even heard of, a place that is not full of tourists tramping all the popular trails or just a place where you can be completely alone then Niue is the place for you. Often when exploring this forgotten island, I found myself to be the only person on the hiking trails, the only person on the beach and the only person witnessing the grandeur of Talava Arches. It is such a surreal experience to witness such amazing things on this island and feel like there could very well be no one else left on the earth.
4. You don’t always need a boat
Niue, as with most Pacific islands, have a fisheries department to control and regulate the fishing activity in their waters and to maintain the FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) surrounding the island. The difference with this fisheries department is that they don’t have a boat. People have told me that they did have a vessel once upon a time but it fell into such disrepair due to the lack of availability for required materials that they just gave up on the whole idea! Niue is also home to the biggest little yacht club in the world, where the database of members outnumbers the entire population of the island. Strange you think? Well what’s even stranger is that Niue does not have anyone on the island who actually owns a yacht, so the club is purely in place to serve cold beers to visitors and locals alike, and to welcome the international vessels that pass through.
3. The coconut wireless is alive and kicking
If there is something you need to know on a small island, all you have to do is ask around… The coconut wireless will provide you with all of the information you need, plus a little gossip to boot! It is common in such a small place that news gets around and Niuean population are more than willing participants with news travelling from village to village in mere hours! In a recent visit to Niue with a fishing group one guy experienced the devastation of dropping a near-150kg fish only 20m from the boat. Returning to shore with his head hung in shame was not the only event that ensued… By the time dinner rolled around and we walked into our chosen restaurant, we were greeted with the question “you were the guys that dropped that fish today, aye”? News might get around in small places all over the world but nothing escapes the coconut wireless!
2. Snakes are not as scary as one might think
One of the most incredible features of Niue is the sheer volume of life in the waters surrounding the island. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, you are sure to see at least one – if not 21 – sea snakes gliding majestically through the water. As an Australian, I have been born and bred to know that snakes are dangerous and although Sea Snakes are highly poisonous if they do bite you, they are placid creatures who seem more than happy to go about their business as long as you don’t disturb them. There has not been any incidents recorded of Sea Snake bites in all of Niue’s history, which is a small comfort when you are mid-dive and you are literally surrounded by numerous snakes gliding gracefully to the surface. Make some time to visit Niue Dive Centre and either dive or snorkel at one of their most famous diving and snorkeling sites, called Snake Gully.
1. That you have to go there at least once in your life
A visit to Niue will not disappoint. This island offers experiences that cannot be had in other places in the Pacific, or around the world. This is a place where time goes by slowly, friends are made quickly and the memories will remain with you for many years to come. If you are looking for your next out of the way destination and are keen to experience a place that so few other people have ever seen, then Niue should be high up on your list.
Photo credits: Jay Austin
This article was written during a research journey to Niue which was proudly supported by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Niue Tourism Association, in conjunction with Fishing Getaways.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
destination diving niue pacific ocean snorkelingLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.