The largest Coral Island of the World – Niue

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Island Nation of Niue is also referred to as the “Rock of Polynesia”.  It lies at a distance of about 2,400 kilometers to the northeast of New Zealand and is in Free Association with it.

Best time to visit

While the Island has a tropical climate that favours tourism throughout the year, the best time to visit Niue is from May to October. These months have an average daytime temperature of about 27 degree Celsius and there is drier as compared to other months.

How to reach

The Niue International Airport is served only by the Air New Zealand. It serves weekly between Auckland and Niue Island. You can also opt for the water-route to Niue Island and sail a yacht there.

For getting around the Island, you need to rent a car, bike or a cycle as there are the means of public transport are close to nil here.

Attractions and activities

The small Island of Niue in the big Pacific Ocean has its own charm. Here’s what you should be doing in Niue.

• Plunge deep into the waters here and enjoy diving. Some of the popular dive sites here are the Snake Gully and Ana Mahaga. Among other marine creatures, you will find yourself swimming with the sea snakes.
• Snorkel in the clear waters that surround the Island. The reef pool at Hikutavake is perhaps the best place to do so and here is where the sea turtles wait to greet you. Some of the other snorkeling locations of Niue Island are Vaitafe, Avaiki, Laimu and the Avatele Bay.
• Explore the caves of Niue Island. The sea caves of Togo Chasm and Talava Arches make for an interesting tour. The underwater caverns and tunnels here are also good diving and snorkeling spots here. Other caves worth touring here are the Avaiki Cave and the Palaha Cave.

• Go fishing. The abundance of red bass, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin make fishing fun here.
• Go for whale-watching tours. The warm waters around the Island of Niue pull the humpback whales in the months of June to October, who nurse their newborns here mostly around the Avatele and Tamakautoga Bays.
• Go Hiking in Niue. The Island of Niue offers some interesting treks to walk through. The trails range from rainforests to reef walks of Hikutavake. Take a local guide for the same as they will show you how the locals live here. The Huvalu Forest Conservation Area is worth hiking too.
• Worth a look are the paintings of Mark Cross at his gallery in Alofi. Cross is an artist of New Zealand who is inspired by the Island of Niue, has married here and lived here on and off.
• Tour the tropical rainforest of Togo Chasm – home to caves, coral pinnacles, palms and other scenic charms.

• Tour the Matapa Chasm. Swim and snorkel here amidst see cliffs and in a deep pool.
• Worth a tour is Alofi – home to the Women’s Club Town Hall with its handicraft shop and explore the Alofi Market on a Friday.
• Get closer to the culture of the Niue Island. There is a ceremony or a celebration here every month to witness which you need to have prior permission.

The 269 kilometers square Island of Niue is the world’s largest coral Island. If you are seeking an Island that’s isolated and yet has great diving and snorkeling sites and if you do not insist on spending time by the beach, this Pacific Island of Niue is where your search should end.