NIUE
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Niue is situated south of the equator. It is remotely located in the north east of New Zealand, between Tonga and Rarotonga. It is one of the worlds largest emerged coral atolls, affectionately referred to as ‘the rock’, a saucer shaped island made from the basement of an isolated volcanic cone.
CURRENCY
The New Zealand dollar ($NZ) is the monetary unit of Niue.
LANGUAGE
Niueans are multi-lingual, fluent in both Niuean and English, so it’s unlikely a visitor would find anyone who doesn’t speak English. Niuean is a Polynesian tongue closely related to Tongan and Samoan.
CAPITAL
The small beautiful town-let of Alofi, is the capital of Niue and it lies on the west side of the island. It is both the administrative and commercial center of the country and also the center of all major happenings. And if you are visiting Niue, all your small and big requirements will be taken care of in Alofi. If what you are looking for is not there then, rest assured you will not find I elsewhere on the island.
HISTORY
Most of the island inhabitants descend from settlers from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. The first Europeans reached Niue in the wake of Captain Cook's expedition in 1774. In 1900 it became a British Protectorate, and was annexed to New Zealand as part of the Cook Islands. Niue was granted ‘self-government in 1974, in free association with New Zealand', which made it the smallest self-governing state with that status.
CLIMATE
Niue has a tropical climate, modified by southeast trade. Its tropical climate gives it warm days and pleasantly cool nights. From December until March falls the wet season.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Despite the fact that Niue is almost like a forgotten land owing to its remoteness, it has plenty of visitors. All those who have a penchant for water sports and under water adventures have heard of this tiny beauty of an island and flock to it. If you are considering Niue as your holiday option, you will find plenty of entertainment and adventure and will not regret your decision.
Being an island nation, there are good swimming and snorkeling locations at a number of places like Vaitafe, Avaiki and Limu, with its colorful coral, rich marine life and nice beach. Another excellent location is Avatele Bay, where visitors can watch fishermen in their canoes and dinghies.
This is not for the faint hearted but for the dare-devils- Have a close encounter with. 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, snorkeling or diving with them!
The clear and unpolluted waters, rich marine life and beautiful underwater landscape by scuba-diving cannot keep the holidayer away. Be alert, you are likely to sight turtles, dolphins, water snakes, whales and all manner of fish.
Fishing anyone? Take advantage of Niue's sheer drops from reefs into the deep ocean which make land-based game fishing a unique experience here. Red bass, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin are present in abundance. For line-fishing expeditions, traditional outrigger canoes and motor boats can be arranged.
This treat is for the nature lovers- take a walk on the wild side. The tropical rainforest within Huvalu Forest Conservation Area is full to the brim with flora and fauna, none of it poisonous or harmful to visitors, so you might like to venture in there.
In case you are a foot soldier, you could go on a reef walk around Niue's raised reef at low tide.
If you are a keen two wheel rider, explore the coastline and frangipani-scented interior on two wheels. A good network of quiet, sealed and relatively flat roads makes cycling is easy and enjoyable. If you're game, there is an annual race around the island's ring road in September.
If you have an explorer in you, Niue has an extensive cave system, both under and over the sea, to explore and enjoy. Right until the mid 1800s some of the caves were even used as homes by islanders. You would be able to find some of the caves without help, but for the better ones take a guide.
Take a peek into the huge, gaping Avaiki Cave, reported to be where the first settler's canoe landed here. It has a deep pool overhung by large stalagmites and it is most accessible at low tide.
Brave The slippery entrance to Palaha Cave, a dramatically sculpted and oddly coloured cavern that joins with many smaller caves needs a bit of courage and a sense of adventure; at its mouth there is also a delightful little pool, which locals recommend as the best spot to enjoy a romantic sunset.
And if you not an adventure seeker, wishing to look, see and explore, then too you have various options-
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.
Being in the tradition bound Niue, catch a glimpse of Niue's oldest traditions. Traditional coming-of-age haircutting and ear-piercing ceremonies held in various locations every month but you would need to take permission to witness these.
Alternatively you can explore the country’s unique geography. At low tide you could visit the Talava Arches, which are a group of extraordinary arches and caverns, many containing stalactites and stalagmites, which may be visited at low tide. Captain Cook was first to notice the archway in the 18th century.
See Matapa Chasm with its fabulous swimming and snorkeling area, encased by steep cliffs overhanging a deep pool. Jumping from the overhanging cliffs into the deep water is a Niuean pastime.
The nation’s capital, Alofi has a variety treats on offer; you can take your pick. Take a look at the Women's Club Town Hall with its handicraft shop, and peruse Alofi Market on Fridays.
GETTING AROUND
There is no public transport due to the small population of the country and besides that, most of the locals own cars.
Paved roads in Niue stretch to123km (76 miles) but there is no organized public transport.
Bicycle hire- Mountain bikes can be hired on the island but they are limited in number.
Car hire- It is possible to hire cars, vans and motorbikes on the island although it is best to make reservations before arrival.
ACCOMMODATION
Niue has a variety of accommodation to suit almost all pocket sizes, but even so, there are no luxurious 5 stars to indulge your self in and spend a millionaire’s lifestyle. Besides resorts, the happy tourist will find guesthouses, motels and chalets, all being clean and comfortable. Divided between a resort and a mere handful of hotels, motels and guest houses there are less than 90 guest rooms on the island.
COMMUNICATIONS
You may be holidaying on one of the most remote countries of the world but be assured that you will be fairly well connected with friends and family.
Telephone
Country code is 683 and you can make international calls directly from the telephone or with the assistance of an operator. Telephones are provided in hotels, motels and guest houses. Located at the Commercial Centre in Alofi, services are run by the Telecommunications Department, which also provides fax facilities, and is open 24 hours a day. For police assistance, fire or hospital you can dial 999.
Internet
The island has a wireless Internet service provided by the Niue Internet Users Society.
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