Experiences in Niue
Dining
A variety of Polynesian and European food is available in Niue. Naturally, many tropical fruits grow and depending upon the season most can be bought at the local market or ‘makete’ which runs every Tuesday and Friday morning in central Alofi, right next door to the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre. Traditional local foods such as coconut crab ‘uga’, taro ‘talo’, breadfruit, cassava, shellfish are also for sale – but be early!
Niueans have high standards of quality and preparation of food is traditionally very high, and they are extremely proud of this; using it as yet another way to distinguish themselves from neighbouring countries.
The very best range of traditional local food is found at the annual village showdays – each of Niue’s fourteen villages hosts a show-day every year to showcase local cooking, craft, sporting, cultural skills and performances. A large earth oven, or ‘umu’, is prepared, and visitors can sample some rarely found and delicious treats. Try to co-ordinate your visit with one of these show-days, for it will expose you to the full fabric of Niuean life.
Diving & Snorkelling
Diving in Niue is easy yet rewarding with an interesting mix of caverns, caves, pristine coral walls and drop-offs to explore. Whether you are a frequent underwater visitor or just starting out, your dives in Niue will be unforgettable. Niue’s greatest feature is its incredibly crystal clear water unlike anywhere else in the world, with visibility that can reach up to 80 metres and rarely falls below 30 metres. Mix all this with a wide variety of friendly marine life and you have a dive destination that you will want to explore time and time again.
DIVING
As Niue is made entirely of porous limestone, it has no lakes or streams. This means that rain quickly filters through the island into the sea below, there is no sediment in the water and visibility (a divers favourite word) can be up to 80 metres. This clarity is ranked amongst the very best in the world and, with the warm water, makes for an exceptional dive experience!
Divers can explore caverns, caves, and chasms, that provide sanctuary to a huge variety of marine life. Niue’s pristine hard coral reefs are home to several endemic species and as you glide above them you’ll know you’re one of only a handful of people to dive these undisturbed sites and each have something unique about them.
SNORKELLING
Imagine being able to offer people the choice of small private beaches, swimming caves, coves and chasms where the likelihood of someone disturbing you is almost nil. Niue has dozens of these on offer for you to discover – and while you won’t be interrupted by people, you will be examined by the array of curious marine life!
Some of these hidden chasms were formerly reserved exclusively for ancient Niuean Kings, so they come with a rich history. Many of the areas are well equipped with information boards, picnic areas and are well signposted, so you can discover them with ease.
If you are daring you can explore the outer reef by snorkel – however do ensure that you have checked the weather and the tides before heading out. Guided trips are also available.
Dolphins
Large pods of spinner dolphins are permanent residents in Niue and swimming with them is an emotional experience for many. While the dolphins are free to roam where they like, their habits are reasonably predictable so finding the large pods sometimes requires only a little patience; they can also often be seen giving acrobatic displays just outside the reef.
Fishing & Spearfishing
Fishing in Niue is legendary with fishing media describing Niue as a “fisherman’s secret paradise.” Very, very deep water is accessed almost immediately from launching so you’ll spend most of your time fishing, not travelling. You can even stay on land and target fish off the rocks. For those that are really keen you can even try fishing the traditional way from a vaka (canoe) or head out for a flying fish netting session.
Black, blue and striped Marlin; Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna; red Bass, Mahimahi, Sailfish, Wahoo and Giant Trevally, amongst many others, are commonly encountered.
Whale watching
If you plan your arrival to Niue with that of the annual Humpback whale migration you may well get the opportunity to experience something that very few people in the world can say they have done… swim with the whales.
Generally from July to October each year Humpback whales arrive in Niue’s waters to nurse their young. Niue is one of only a handful of places in the world where you are allowed to swim with the whales. Mother nature of course doesn’t guarantee an experience so whale interactions are strictly dependent on the whales being around, within range, settled and the weather conditions being safe.
For those not so keen on the swim, these gentle giants can be viewed from the land at dedicated viewing areas, where their gymnastics provide a spectacular show sometimes only 20 metres from shore. Niue is a signatory to the South Pacific Whale Sanctuary and fully supports the conservation of whales so all interactions are conducted from a distance that respects their privacy and your safety. Niue have adapted international best practice guidelines with regards to whale interactions.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Niue when the whales are there it’s common for diners at the Matavai Resort to watch the whales performing from their table. At night, you can sometimes hear the whales slapping their giant fins against the water and you may even be kept awake by their calls, unlike anywhere else in the world – they can come that close because the water is so deep.
Organised viewing or swimming tours can be arranged – self guided experiences are not allowed. Whale interactions are very dependent on mother nature so if you don’t get to see them close up don’t be disappointed… you will still have a great time on the water with some spectacular coastal views.
