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Niue: Visit Niue
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Niue (pronounced "New-ay") is the South Pacific's best kept secret, a remote and tranquil island of great beauty, and home to some of the most spectacular dolphins and whales in the world. It is one of the very few places anywhere that offers an opportunity for close-up encounters with both dolphins and whales just minutes from the shore in warm, crystal-clear waters and only a handful of other visitors around.
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With a population of only 1,800, Niue has an island charm that is maintained by friendly, welcoming locals. Even the transport options are relaxed – although there is no public transport, a handful of taxis service the island and hire cars are reasonably priced... most visitors prefer to get around on a hire bike or scooter. There is a limited choice of accommodation but most price ranges are covered, from budget-priced self-catering apartments to the Matavai Resort, Niue’s premier accommodation venue which boasts breathtaking sea views – in season, guests can sit at their dining table and watch whales frolic in the ocean!
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Tourist numbers to Niue are not high as the attractions the island offers are different to the normal “South Pacific experience”. Tourist numbers fell from 1400 in 2003 to 723 in 2004 due in large part to the effects of Cyclone Heta but increased to 2,800 in 2005. 2006 figures are likely to be around the same level, indicating that the introduction of a more reliable air service with cheaper fares has primarily benefited Niuean travellers rather than visitors. Considerable efforts are still being made to rebuild the tourism sector following Cyclone Heta and to provide more mid-level accommodation.
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Niue's unique traditions and festivals include haircutting (for boys) and ear piercing ceremonies (for girls). These gatherings are usually held on a Saturday in private homes. Families welcome visitors to these occasions when permission is asked beforehand. It is an opportunity to see and witness a local tradition and share in that experience with the host family.
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Niue is believed to have been settled about a thousand years ago from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Captain Cook was the first European known to have visited the island in 1774. In 1830 well-known missionary John Williams was repulsed. A Samoa-trained Niuean missionary, Peniamina, landed in 1846, converted some of the islanders to Christianity and established the first Christian (ie London Missionary Society - LMS) foothold on the island. The first resident English missionary, George Lawes, arrived in 1861. Missionaries, especially the Lawes brothers, George (1861-72) and Frank (1868-1910), were instrumental in establishing a central government (a fono and an elected king), Western-style health clinics, a legal system and training on the island.
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Every traveler to Niue must have a valid passport but visitors do not require visas. Visitor permits (maximum 30 days) are issued upon arrival at Niue's airport. Even though you do not require a visa to enter Niue, you may need a visa to travel to (or through) New Zealand. Holders of valid United States passport may visit New Zealand for up to (90) days or 3 months without a visa provided they have a passport valid for three months beyond the date they are leaving NZ. Check with a travel agent or the Consular websites for the countries you intend to pass through/visit en route.
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Visit Niue