25 Best Sea Tracks in Niue

Unmissable Tracks to Niue’s Coastal Attractions

Around Niue’s coastal road, you’ll see signs every 10 to 20 minutes stating “Hala Tahi” this and “Hala Tahi” that! These are your access points to Niue’s stunning coastal attractions; these are your sea tracks in Niue!

Niue has more than 30 sea tracks scattered around the island, getting you to various nooks and crannies of the raised coral atoll. Whether it’s a crystal clear snorkelling pool, cave, chasm or something else wonderful and majestic. Rent a car for a few days and see just how many you can find. Here is a selection of some of our favourites to add to the must-see list!

Tip #1: Be aware of the tide if you wish to swim or reef walk – see What You Need to Know About Tide Times in Niue for more explanation.
Tip #2: Check out The Guide to Walks in Niue for advice on what to take with you on Niue’s sea tracks and more.

1. Togo Chasm Sea Track

Best tide: Any!
Location: Signposted along the main road in the Huvalu Forest, approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Hakupu, east coast of Niue.

One of Niue’s longest sea tracks, the Togo Chasm Sea Track is a must-do and well worth the 30-45 minutes one-way journey. Located in the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, this walk starts off in the forest taking you through a stunning example of Niue’s forest. You’ll eventually emerge on an exposed clifftop dappled with pinnacles. Continue along the track and down a long rung ladder into the Togo Chasm itself, dotted with coconut trees in the sand. You can climb on the boulders to check out the waves crashing on the other side. Return the same way.

2. Matapa Chasm Sea Track

Best tide: Any!
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.

An excellent swimming and snorkelling spot on the northwest coast of the island, the Matapa Chasm can be accessed on the Matapa Chasm Sea Track. Take the seven-minute one-way track through the forest to a sheltered cove lined by towering cliffs. The water here is safe for swimming at any tide. Reef shoes are recommended.

3. Talava Arches Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for reef walking and snorkelling, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.

While you’re visiting the Matapa Chasm, don’t miss this sea track just next door, the Talava Arches Sea Track. This is a 30-minute one-way walk down a rocky trail through the forest. The final part of the walk takes you through limestone caves, following guide ropes until you emerge at a cave opening looking across a reef to a huge coastal archway. It is possible to walk across the reef to the arch at low tide, while the channel in the reef below is also good for snorkelling.

4. Avaiki Cave Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide.
Location: Signposted on the main road between Makefu and Tuapa, west coast of Niue.

This one won’t take you too long to walk, being less than five minutes walk, but the Avaiki Cave is still spectacular to visit. Follow the short sea track through a large cave tunnel down to the reef below and Avaiki Cave itself. The pool at the bottom of the cave is excellent for snorkelling. Note that this attraction can only be visited at low tide. Check out more caves in the 10 Most Stunning Caves in Niue.

5. Limu Pools Sea Track

Best tide: Half to full incoming tide for swimming.
Best tide for young children: Low tide for swimming.
Location: Signposted along the main road, Namukulu, west coast of Niue.

Another short sea track, the Limu Pools Sea Track brings you to one of the most stunning and popular swimming holes on the island. The five-minute sea track is well-maintained, taking you to various pools best for swimming and snorkelling at mid to full incoming tide. Alternatively, come at low tide for safe swimming with the kids. Don’t miss the side track to another pool with a coastal arch. Be aware of surges through this arch, especially on an incoming tide.

6. Motu Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for reef walking, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted between Liku and Lakepa on the coastal side of the road, east coast of Niue. The Motu Sea Track is a little closer to Lakepa than to Liku.

A little-known sea track, the Motu Sea Track is well worth doing if you want a bit more walking in your sea track experience, as well as a stunning destination. The Motu Sea Track starts at the end of a 1.4 km (0.9 mi) bush road off the main road on Niue’s east coast, but we would even recommend parking up the car on the roadside and enjoy the 20-minute walk through the bush to get to the start of the track. Then, you have a rocky bush trail to enjoy before you emerge on exposed cliffs with low vegetation. You’ll reach an arch in the cliffs (be careful, it’s very slippery) and a ladder next to it to access the reef below. The reef is good to explore at low tide – see more reef walks in the 6 Best Reef Walks in Niue.

7. Anapala Chasm Sea Track

Best tide: Any!
Location: Signposted toward the coast from Hakupu village. Cross the dirt road on the green to a narrow access road which continues to the coast for about 1 km (0.6 mi). Anapala Chasm is on the right-hand side with a small parking area. If you reach the coast, you’ve gone a tad too far.

An impeccably maintained sea track, the Anapala Chasm Sea Track is a pleasant 15-minute one-way walk through the forest until you reach a set of steps. 146 steps later, you’ll be at the bottom of a deep narrow chasm with a freshwater pool at the bottom. The pool is suitable for swimming if you’re not too spooked by this dark and eerie environment. Return the same way (yes, up those 146 steps).

8. Togulu Sea Track (Tamakautoga Beach)

Best tide: Low tide for snorkelling and reef walking.
Location: Signposted off the main coastal road in Tamakautoga (alongside the village green), southwest coast of Niue.

To access one of Niue’s picturesque beaches (located nearby the Scenic Matavai Resort, which is convenient for many), take the Togulu Sea Track in Tamakautoga. There are two sea tracks from the car park, but the main event is the sea track on the left down some steps to a small coral sand cove. The beach is good for reef walks at low tide, while there is also a pool for swimming in the reef too.

9. Tautu Sea Track (Liku Sea Track)

Best tide: Low tide for reef walking, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted along the main road and across Liku village green, Liku, central east coast of Niue.

Another beauty on the east coast, the Tautu Sea Track (also known as the Liku Sea Track) leads through an archway onto a stunning reef. Find the access road in the northeast corner of Liku village green. Assess whether you want to walk down the very steep unsealed road, as you can just park your car and enjoy an extra 15-minute walk down the road instead. At the bottom of the road is a grassy clearing and access to the sea track with a grand staircase archway leading onto the reef. Get there early to see a stunning sunrise!

10. Amanau Sea Track

Best tide for swimming: Low to mid tide
Location: Signposted in Alofi South, approximately 100 m (110 yards) west of Pacific Way Bar, west coast of Niue.

Alofi has many fantastic sea tracks, which we mention in detail in the 8 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi. However, one of our favourites is the Amanau Sea Track, shaded in coconut palms before making its way down to the reef with a short ladder. There is a cave cut into the cliff with a good pool for snorkelling at low to mid tide.

11. Hikutavake Sea Track

Best tide: 30 minutes on either side of low tide for snorkelling.
Location: The western side of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake, signposted along the main road, northwest coast of Niue.

Located near Talava Arches and Matapa Chasm in Hikutavake village is Hikutavake Sea Track itself! The top of the sea track is a good whale-watching spot. Go down the steps and you’ll find yourself at a picturesque reef where it’s possible to find snorkelling pools best accessed 30 minutes before or after low tide. Be careful about coral cuts on the way in and out of the pools. Don’t attempt to swim in the pools if there are waves coming over the reef. Otherwise, there is some excellent shallow snorkelling further down the reef just south of the large pools.

12. Puluhiki Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for reef walking, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted from the left (northern) side of Lakepa village green, Lakepa, east coast of Niue.

After a drive down a relatively steep and narrow unsealed road, you’ll come to a small car park and the start of the Puluhiki Sea Track. The sea track takes you down a set of concrete steps through low coastal foliage to a concrete platform to access a reef. The reef is fun to explore at low tide and provides stunning vistas of the coast. This is another amazing spot to catch the sunrise.

13. Uluvehi Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide to access the bottom cave, any tide for the top caves.
Location: Take the 500 m (550-yard) access road north, signposted from the centre of Mutalau village, northeast coast of Niue.

On the northeast coast of Niue is the Uluvehi Sea Track, accessible from the village of Mutalau. A short unsealed bush road signposted from the village takes you to the start of the wide concrete Uluvehi Sea Track, which is better described as a road than a sea track, making it a good sight for those with mobility issues (see Accessibility in Niue: Travellers with Disabilities, Wheelchair Access & More). Venture past the sealed ramp road to access two small caves, one storing vaka (canoes) and the other with impressive limestone features.

Below the sealed road ramp is another cave which is only accessible from the reef at low tide.

14. Palaha Cave Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for reef walking, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted on the main road between Makefu and Tuapa, approximately 300 m (330 yards) south of Avaiki Cave, west coast of Niue.

Travel south on Niue’s main ring road past the village of Tuapa and you’ll see signs for the Palaha Cave. A five-minute one-way sea track leads down to a grand limestone cave with many spectacular limestone features to admire. The cave floor is extremely slippery so walk with caution. Try to touch as little of the cave as possible with your hands, as skin contact can damage limestone features that have taken thousands of years to form.

15. Hio Sea Track (Hio Beach)

Best tide: 30 minutes to 1 hour on either side of low tide.
Location: Sea track next to the Hio Cafe, signposted along the main road, Tuapa, west coast of Niue.

This coral beach is not only a fantastic photo opportunity, but the swimming here is also pretty awesome. To the right of the beach is a nice little pool for swimming and snorkelling. This is best accessed 30 minutes to 1 hour before or after low tide. See more low tide attractions in the 10 Places to Go in Niue at Low Tide.

16. Pofitu Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide.
Location: Pofitu Sea Track, signposted on the main road between Tamakautoga and Avatele, southwest coast of Niue.

After a quick walk through the bush and down some concrete steps, you’ll come across the tiny Pofitu Beach full of coral and shells. Enjoy a bit of reef walking at low tide and probably this entire beach to yourself, as it’s easy to miss!

17. Utuko Sea Track (Utuko Reef)

Best tide: Low-to-mid incoming tide.
Location: Sea track next to Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

Right in the heart of Alofi, the Utuko Reef is hidden from the main road next to the Crazy Uga Cafe. Head down a short sea track to a small coral beach which is mostly made up of reef! The reef is fun for reef walks at low tide with some easily accessible pools for snorkelling just to the left of the cove. Be mindful of what the swell is doing though. See more cool swimming spots in the 10 Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in Niue.

18. Avatele Sea Track (Avatele Beach)

Best tide: Low to mid outgoing tide for swimming, any time for sightseeing.
Location: Signposted off the main road, Avatele, southeast coast of Niue.

This coral beach in Avatele provides amazing snorkelling between low to mid outgoing tide. Snorkel among tropical fish and coral, but be careful of coral growing close to the surface at low tide. Plus, be aware of strong rips near the boat ramp. Check out the Washaway Cafe if you’re there on a Sunday – see The 20 Best Restaurants in Niue for more details.

19. Namukulu Sea Track (Namukulu Boat Ramp)

Best tide: Low tide for swimming.
Location: Road access at the southern end of Namukulu village, northwest coast of Niue.

Accessed by a concrete access road, the Namukulu Boat Ramp leads to a nice little swimming spot just 50 m (160 ft) from the car park. It’s best to swim at low tide, but don’t swim if there are large swells coming in from the west.

20. Vaila Cave Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for snorkelling and reef walking, any tide for sightseeing.
Location: Opposite Tusekolo Bush Road, 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Alofi town centre, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Heading down to Alofi North, the Vaila Cave Sea Track is a two-minute one-way track down to a cave cut into the cliff. The cave is storage for vaka (canoes), as well as access to the northern end of the Alofi North Marine Protected Area where you can admire some stunning marine life in the reef at low tide.

21. Togalupo Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite Yolos Accommodation, approximately 1.5 km (1 mi) north of Alofi town centre, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Just south of Vaila Cave along the main road is a sign for the Togalupo Sea Track. This is another short sea track to one of the smallest coves you’re likely to visit on the island, which we affectionately call the tiniest beach in Niue! You can admire the vaka along the sea track (but don’t touch or move them, as explained in Niuean Etiquette: Niue Customs & Traditions).

22. Opaahi Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite Kaiika and the Latter-Day Saints Church, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

Easily accessible in Alofi town, opposite the Latter-Day Saints Church and the Kaiika restaurant, the Opaahi Sea Track is a historical and charming sight. The short sea track leads down to a rocky outcrop where locals store their vaka (canoes). You can also scramble across the rocks to get excellent views of Niue’s rocky coastline. The cove here was the site of Captain Cook’s second landing attempt in June 1774, which was challenged by locals and his men were forced to return to his ship. Learn more about it in the 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Niue. Swimming is only possible here for strong ocean swimmers.

23. Kalaone Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite the Latter-Day Saints Church and Halamahaga Road, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

An easy one for all fitness levels (you can even drive down with road access), the Kalaone Sea Track is primarily a launch point for local fisherfolk and their vaka. There is some pleasant coastal scenery here and this is also a stellar place to watch the sunset. Note that you shouldn’t touch the vaka stored here, as per Niuean custom. See Niuean Etiquette: Niue Customs & Traditions for more details.

24. Togalahi Sea Track

Best tide: High tide for swimming, low tide for reef walking.
Location: Just north past the Parliament buildings and opposite the Commercial Centre, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

A sea track that’s often missed yet right in the centre of town, the Togalahi Sea Track offers a short walk to a rocky and sandy cove. It’s possible to snorkel close to shore at high tide or enjoy exploring the reef with your reef shoes at low tide (be careful not to step on wildlife or corals).

25. Omahi Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Signposted on the coastal side of the road near Niue Rentals, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Signposted on the coastal side of the road near the Niue Rentals office in Alofi North, the Omahi Sea Track is a short adventure down a rocky trail. The track brings you out onto the coastline with sweeping views on either side. It’s a great place to come and watch the sunset. See more stunning sunset spots in the 10 Most Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Niue.

More Sea Tracks in Niue

That’s it for the best sea tracks in Niue, but there are a few more hidden gems to discover in the following guides:

Finally, remember to bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List for more amazing experiences.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page