Best places to visit in Niue

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City. Other than the Vatican (a very specific country), one of the tiniest countries in the world is the South Pacific Island nation of Niue, with less than 2,000 residents. Niue is a forgotten Pacific Island paradise like no other and a place where things are "the way they used to be." Imagine visiting a nation with the population of a small village. Niue offers a stark contrast to the over-commercialized Pacific Islands like Tahiti. Niue lies towards the northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. An island territory, Niue is commonly known as “the Rock”. Niue’s free association with the neighbor country New Zealand and being the first “Wi-Fi nation” of World makes it quite a known place in Oceania. Tourism is one of the three most economic industries of Niue. The two other are agriculture and fishing industry. Air New Zealand serves as the access facility to Niue. Every week there is a flight of Air New Zealand that goes to Niue. Niue is considered a paradise in terms of eco-tourism. The relaxed environment with only around 600 as its local population strength, Niue is a perfect place to enjoy a calm holiday in the Pacific Ocean. Diving, caving, and fishing are some of the popular watersport activities that are widely enjoyed by the tourists of Niue. The best part about the Niue people and their government is that they had allowed and at the same time preserved the wilderness and natural beauty of Niue as they used to be. This brings the visitors a step closer to the remote and unspoiled nature of the Pacific region. Crystal clear water of the ocean and swimming in it having whales and dolphins as companions is a hard thing to forget in a lifetime if one once had enjoyed it. Tourism industry is developing day by day in Niue. Touring to this small place on the earth is one of a kind experience. The welcoming and friendly nature of Niue people is an added advantage as well as uniqueness of Niue. Niueans are very welcoming of travellers, having accepted tourism as an important contribution to their wellbeing and the economic development of the island. For this reason, Niue caters well to travellers through a range of rich experiences. Niue has a selection of lovely restaurants serving both European and traditional Polynesian fare. Try local foods like coconut crab, taro, breadfruit, cassava and shellfish—all presented beautifully and prepared to extremely high standards. Dine at the clifftop cafes and bars, try traditional Japanese, pizza, or Asian-fusion dishes in the cafes dotted along the western side of the island & in the township of Alofi. Or visit the Scenic Matavai Resort for their popular weekly buffets.

#1- Togo Chasm
Niue’s second-most famous chasm is the Togo Chasm. This intriguing oasis you have probably seen photos of with coconut palms nestled in surrounding cliffs. The Togo Chasm is perhaps the biggest mission to get to on the island, taking a road to the more remote Huvalu Forest Conservation Area on the east coast of the island. Then you will need to take a 30-45-minute sea track through the forest then over coastal cliffs until you reach a long ladder to descend into the chasm.

#2- Matapa Chasm
Niue has no lack of chasm cut into its coastline. Arguably the most famous one that you see in photos of Niue is the Matapa Chasm. The beauty of the Matapa Chasm is that it’s not only easy to get to – just a seven-minute walk down a sea track starting from next to the Talava Arches, but it can be swam at any tide, which is rare for swimming spots in Niue. The best photos of the place can be taken at midday when the sun sits on top of the chasm lighting up the crystal clear waters.

#3- Limu Pools (the Side Pool)
The photo of a small coastal archway is one many set out to find for a stunning photo op but it is, in fact, located just beside the main pools at the Limu Pools! Behind the seating area and shade sail at the Limu Pools, find a short side track with a ladder down to a side pool with that iconic coastal arch. The arch provides a fun swim-through with seasnakes. Be aware, however, of surges through this archway, especially on incoming tides. Learn more about the importance of the tides in Niue in What You Need to Know About the Tide Times in Niue.

#4- Limu Pools (the Main Pools)
The Limu Pools is an icon of Niue. The azure waters sheltered by a rocky coast capture the real essence of what Niue is all about, making it a famous location featured many times when depicting Niue. The main pools is a large sheltered swimming area best accessed at mid to high incoming tide for those wanting to have a real splash around. Alternatively, low tide is a good time to visit the pools if swimming with young children. The pools can be accessed on the Limu Pools Sea Track on Niue’s main road in Namukulu.

#5- Talava Arches
This is Talava Arches, one of Niue’s most famous attractions. The Talava Arches can be accessed via a sea track on the northwest coast of the island from the village of Hikutavake. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes one way through coastal rainforest and through some limestone caves until you arrive at a spectacular view of the large arch on the coast. The channel in the reef below the lookout is ideal for snorkelling. See more sea tracks like this in the 10 Best Sea Tracks on the West Coast of Niue.