Niue is affectionately known as “The Rock” and is reputedly the largest coral atoll in the world.  It is located only 2400 km north-east of New Zealand in the centre of a triangle made up of the Polynesian islands. Niue is a little more than three hours away from Auckland, and its isolation and geological make up, creates an exciting rugged coastline, which forms coral coves, private pools and a fascinating tropical paradise.

The island is honeycombed with caves, ringed with azure blue water and is topped by a tropical rainforest.  Niue is without streams or rivers, therefore there is no silt run off and the result is some of the clearest water in the world with underwater visibility often more than 40 metres.  There is an abundance of unique wildlife, birds and plants.

Captain Cook once named Niue the 'Savage Island' but now Niuean’s are hospitable, and welcome all visitors with open arms.

The fish that are mainly targeted are Wahoo, Tuna and Mahimahi because of their excellent eating quality.

The Wahoo or Paala as it is known locally are the speedsters of the sea and they have been timed at 78km per hour when striking the bait.  Their jaws are very tough with teeth forward mounted and razor sharp.  They mesh in such a way that they are almost identical to pinking shears!

From an anglers point of view, hookups must be instantaneous as they have an ability to both cut down and then reject a bait or lure in a split second, so hooks must be very sharp to cut into the hard tissue of the mouth.  Tuna are often caught at daybreak, but can be enticed to strike at anytime of day when they are on the bite.  Mahimahi is a delicious eating fish but can be difficult to land and control in the boat.  They usually hunt in small schools around floating objects such as F.A.D.’s.

Marlin are a prime catch and make for an exciting days fishing if you get lucky.

The Niue Sport Fishing club is a member of IGFA, so if you are lucky enough to catch that ‘big one’ it will be recorded both as a local record and internationally.  Contact the Niue information centre for more details of becoming a member of the Niue Sport Fishing Club.

All charters are of course subject to favourable weather conditions.  In general it is usual that the fish caught on charters belong to the boat, but fisherman will always be offered sufficient fish if they desire.

The Hakupu Fiafia night is held weekly, and is a ‘must do’ on your itinerary.  A selection of delicious Niuean cooked ‘umu’ style is a gastronomic feast, and the welcome by the Hakupu women and children is something you will not forget.

Around town, you can get a light meal from Tavana’s Café, Take’s Café, Huanaki Snack Bar, and Gabes Takeaways.  You also get ‘fast food’ from Niue Trading.

ANAANA POINT: Overlooks some of Niue’s prime deep sea fishing grounds.  Situated on the Southern Coast, Anaana offers spectacular waves and blowholes, and a burial cave.

LIMU: Perhaps one of the most beautiful swimming and snorkelling areas on the northern coast of the island, Limu has a wide variety of colourful coral, fish life, caves and crystal clear pools.  The waters at Limu are a mixture of fresh and seawater, which create a hazy effect from time to time.  This is also evident during low tide when the water is much cooler.  The track to Limu is clearly marked at the northern end of Namukulu Village.  Thatched shelters and barbecue area also provided.  A visit to Limu is a must for all newcomers to the island.

PENIAMINA’S GRAVE: The grave of Peniamina, the Niuean who first brought Christianity to the island is in a small clearing on the left-hand side of the road 5 km north of Alofi near Makapu Point.

VAIKONA: One of the most remarkable chasms on the island is reached by Namuke sea track leading from the main road about 4 km south of Liku.  The path is difficult to follow towards the end and the access through a cave requires care.  A guide is essential.

TOGO: Everyone should make at least one trip to Togo, which is reached by a track starting about 4 km north of Hakupu.  After leaving the bush the track descends through a mass of jagged coral pinnacles to a little grassy flat.  From here a passage leads off to the edge of a ravine.  At the foot, some coconut trees rise, almost reaching the rim of the ravine.

ANAPALA: Situated near the track leading from the village of Hakupu to the sea, this is a well-known chasm with a pool of fresh cool water.  A guide is necessary.  The water is used in times of drought for washing purposes.

TALAVA ARCHES: The Arches were probably referred to in Captain Cooks Journal as the variety of curious caverns.  At low tide, access may be gained to a large cavern containing good examples of stalactites and stalagmites.  A light is necessary to explore the cave.  There are many other beaches and caves in the vicinity, but a guide should be taken on the first trip.  The track to Talava branches off towards the right of the Matapa access track and is marked.  Talava contains a grouping of spectacular arch formations, one of which was used as a lookout in the old days to keep watch over impending raids by outsiders.  Also found at Talava are several interesting caves with edible seaweed, which grows in the shallow rock pools at the base of the arches.

ULUVEHI: This is a landing that was used by trading schooners in the early days.  The track leads down to the sea from the northeast corner of the Mutalau Village green.  A Peruvian black-birder took many Niuean’s from here in 1860 to work in the guano mines in Chile.  None ever returned.

ANATOLOA: Although only five minutes walk from the main road, 1600m north of Lakepa, this cave is not easy to find.  It was originally the home of a dangerous god and there are a few human bones in it.  Many pekapeka (Bats) live in the cave.

ULUPAKA: Many stalactites and stalagmites may be found in this cave, which appears to have been used as a dwelling place.  It may be reached by a track starting about 800m south of Lakepa.  A guide is advisable although the track is easy to negotiate.

AVAIKI: This is where the first canoe landed.  There is fine swimming hole in a cave north of the main cave.  The area is occasionally prohibited when Kaloama, a small species of fish prized for food, are running in the pools.

PALAHA: These caves, about 180m north of Palaha, are notable for their incredible limestone formations.

MATAPA CHASM: This well-known scenic attraction is reached by road continuing from the main road at the foot of Hikutavake Hill.  The fresh water stream entering the chasm below sea level keeps the water cool and it is a favourite place.  It is said that the Kings of Niue used the chasm as a swimming place in the olden days.

OPAAHI: This is the site of Captain Cooks landing in June 1774.  He met a hostile reception and was nearly hit by a spear.  The Niuean’s retreated after Marines fired several volleys and the landing party returned to the ship.

BEVERIDGE REEF: 120 miles to the south east of Niue is a reef yet to be discovered by the tourist.  It was visited late in 1998 by the vessel South Pacific Sunrise and will be revisited as a cruise by the company starting from October, 1999.  This cruise will suit the adventurer looking for one of those last places on earth to visit.  Explore a beautiful lagoon, an above water ship wreck and an isolated sandy bay.

Most of the shops are located in Alofi, and are open between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm.  Most villages have a local shop, which sell basic supplies.  You may have to look hard to find them, as they are often part of the owner’s home.

Market days are every Tuesday and Friday morning - early!  This is a great place to purchase local produce.  A wide variety of local fruit and vegetables are available, as well as baked goods, uga (coconut crab) and fish are often for sale.

Accommodation in the Alofi area means an easy walk to shops and some restaurants, plus a choice of swimming areas.  Many of the outer Island accommodation offer daily trips to Alofi.

Caving: Niue is a speleologist’s dream.  The island is made up of caves of amazing proportions many of which are still to be explored.  Tali’s Cave Tours offer an exciting expedition to see Niue’s subterranean caves, grottos, stalactites, stalagmites and breath taking limestone formations.

Diving: The island of Niue has neither rivers nor streams, there are no fringing lagoons, so dives are made directly into the pristine, crystal clear Pacific Ocean.  Niue’s unique environment is seen in stunning clarity with the visibility seldom less than 40 metres.  This coral island paradise offers scores of coastal caverns, swim throughs, drop offs, coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life.  A dive photographer’s dream come true with cathedral-like caverns and wonderful natural light.

There are numerous dive sites, some more challenging than others.  Certain dive sites have resident turtles while others such as Snake Gully have timid Sea Snakes in abundance.  In the months between June and November whales are a common sight and the Spinner Dolphins are in attendance all year.

Fishing: It doesn’t get any better than this!  Niue is a fishing island with a variety of operators offering top class game fishing boats.  Marlin, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Dog tooth, Mahimahi and Wahoo.  They are all here.  The fishing grounds are just metres off the deep water harbour, so there is little travelling time and nothing but serious fishing.

Mountain Biking: Due to Niue’s unique and safe environment, mountain biking is a great way to explore the island.  Your mountain bike will be a vehicle to some of the most beautiful places on earth.  Clean, pristine and totally unique.  Bikes can be hired on the island.  There is a full back-up service plus maps and guides can also be provided.