I have just experienced the most stunning Pacific Island paradise and am now the envy of all my family and friends! This little piece of heaven is like no other and fondly known as the ‘rock of the pacific’.  So close to home yet there are no crowds, no queues and no traffic lights. I found out it’s one of the smallest countries in the world and showcases gin clear waters, rugged coastlines to explore, hidden beaches and the perfect viewing deck for whales, dolphins and turtles. Niue (pronounced nu-way) really is a Pacific Island like no other!

Where is Niue?

This little slice of heaven sits in the middle of Samoa, Tonga and the Cooks Islands and has a population of less than 1500 people. Different to its South Pacific neighbours, Niue is fondly known as the ‘rock of the Pacific’ due to it being the largest, raised coral atoll in the world! Niue is serviced by Air New Zealand with direct flights each week and twice weekly between November and January. After a few days spent with friends in Auckland I jetted off on my Niue holiday and touched down at Hannan International Airport in just over three hours. It was a perfect day and the scenery coming in to land was breathtaking!

Where to Stay

Scenic Matavai Resort is the only full service resort in Niue and was where I chose to stay for my first visit. The resort is perched on a rugged coastline cliff with magnificent ocean views. I was met at the airport on arrival and it was less than 10 minutes before we arrived at the resort. All of the rooms are air conditioned and include Wi-Fi and continental breakfast daily which is awesome. The rooms have beautiful views of the ocean or garden from your very own balcony or patio. My first breakfast included some bonus whale watching! Such a cool welcome to Niue! The Pool Bar (my favourite) was a great spot to relax and watch the sun go down each day. The Dolphin Restaurant & Bar has a great menu influenced by both Niuean and European Cuisines. There is live entertainment including Cultural Performances, Kai Faka Ahua (smoked BBQ buffet), coconut husking, live music and more to keep you entertained as well!

A couple I met at the shops mentioned they were staying at Namakulu Cottages and were also really happy with their choice of accommodation. They had been to the Niue once before and chose to self-cater this time. This property has 5 cottages all with full kitchen facilities so guests can grab their own groceries on arrival and cook at their leisure.

Car hire

Whilst Niue is one of the smallest countries in the world, there is no public transport so you really do need to hire a car if you want to get out and about to explore. Otherwise you can hire a push bike if you’re feeling active! All of the roads I drove on were sealed and it was really easy to get around. It was great being able to jump in the car and head off for a new adventure at my leisure. The walking tracks etc are signed and there is a lot of information you can grab about where to go and what to see. A little tip: don’t forget to grab a local driver’s license from the Police Department.

First stop

There are so many places to visit on Niue but my first stop was the Visitor Information Centre in Alofi. The little Island Guide has so much information in it and was my travel guide during my visit. Alofi is the main hub of Niue was only about 10 minutes drive from the resort. It has markets three times a week, church services on Sundays, the Fale Tau Taogoa (National Museum) and shops. Where else in the world can you park your car in the capital city and head off snorkelling! Opaahi is actually the site in Alofi where Captain Cook attempted to land three times in 1774. I found out he was met by a band of toa (warriors) who challenged the crew with hostility and scared them away. This resulted in Captain Cook naming the island ‘Savage Island’ and no other explorers visited until 80 years later! History is so intriguing in these little places.

Some of my favourites

Talava Arches are one of Niue’s most unique and famous landmarks. The three large arches can be found on the northern end of the island. I walked for about 30 minutes through coastal rainforest and limestone caves and was met with the most stunning views! I’ve been told the channel below the lookout is also good for snorkelling.

Limu Pools is another great spot and can be accessed at either low or high tide. If you have small children or are not a confident swimmer then low tide is best. The main pool is a large sheltered area and lots of fun when the tide is coming in. There is also another side pool just behind the seating area and shade sale. You can climb down a ladder to another coastal arch for a swim. There can be tidal surges through this archway so make sure you research what the tide is doing when you’re there.

Avaiki Cave was one of my most favourite spots on Niue. It was once an exclusive bathing pool for Niuean royalty and I felt right at home. It is only accessible at low tide and is absolutely beautiful. After walking down a short sea track which is almost like a cave itself, I was met with the most turquoise pool. The water was so clear and the landscape is just amazing.

Niue is not typically known for its beaches and they are obviously not soft golden sand beaches like most of the South Pacific Islands. Having said that, the beaches in Niue are made up of shells and coral remnants which kept me entertained for hours. The beaches are usually secluded and pristine and well worth checking out. Hio Beach is one of the biggest and sweeps along the coast with scattered white coral. There is a café nearby if you need a refreshment after all that beach combing.

I could go on and on about how much I loved my time in Niue but ultimately, my advice is that you really should check it out for yourself. The landscape, breathtaking views, crystal clear waters are truly as magical as the Niuean people themselves. This little country is so full of love and warmth for all visitors and you too will leave with lifelong friends.

There aren’t too many travel agents that book Niue holiday packages but my friends at Spacifica Travel can point you in the right direction and have you boarding that plane in no time. Give them a call or check out their website for more details and see for yourself how beautiful Niue is.

Photos courtesy of Niue Tourism & Scenic Matavai Resort