Packing Essentials for Niue
We’ve already covered the whole packing process in-depth in our Complete Packing List for Niue but we are still asked weekly what are the must-have items for a trip to Niue? What are the things you won’t be able to live without or at least that will help make your trip to Niue much more enjoyable? So here we are we our list of the essentials to pack for Niue! With these items in your bag, you are well on track to have a great time.
1. Your Passport
(Duh!) Ok, this is a bit of a silly one, but we have seen people showing up at the airport having forgotten the single most important travel document there is. To visit Niue, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your arrival date to Niue in order to be granted entry in the country. It is also mandatory to have your accommodation booked for the length of your stay prior to your arrival. We’ve got much more tips for arrival in our article on visas for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Sarong / Paleu
This long piece of fabric is worn by both men and women in Niue. Being an extremely religious culture, it is not well accepted to wear your shortest shorts and especially not your bathing suit when in public – even for guys in their boardshorts! So if you are planning to do a bit of a road trip around Niue, from rock pools to villages and so on, having a sarong or what is locally called a “paleu” with you will make sure that you respect the local customs. Plus, paleu are made of very light fabric making them a treat to wear in the high Niuean heat. If you can’t find one at home, you’ll be able to find one at the visitor centre or one of the quaint clothes and gift shops on the island.
If you are interested to learn more about the subject, we’ve got a full article on Niue Etiquette: What is the Local Customs in Niue?
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Reef Shoes
Forget soft sands, this the “Rock of the Pacific”! While you will want to spend a lot of time on the coast, note that the coastal landscape is rocky, full of reefs and the limited beaches are made of coarse coral sand. Walking on these surfaces is extremely uncomfortable on bare feet so reef shoes are one of the most essential items to pack for Niue to make your coastal exploration more enjoyable. Luckily, we’ve put together some recommendations in the 10 Best Reef Shoes for Niue.
Check out more essential clothing to pack in What Clothes to Pack to Travel Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Day Pack
Because Niue is a land of adventure where travellers head to “do” things rather than relax by the pool all day, it is quite important to pack a decent daypack that can handle all of the adventures you’ll get up to in Niue. It needs to follow you on hikes, cave explorations and even on the water when looking for whales or to catch dinner.
Check out our other baggage recommendations in What is the Best Type of Luggage for Niue?
(c) Pexels5. Seasickness Pills
And speaking of heading on the water, if you or somebody in your travel tribe is not comfortable on the water, consider getting yourself a pack of seasickness pills. Niue is absolutely amazing on the water with world-class fishing and unique whale swimming. It would be a shame to miss out because you are busy “feeding the fish”.
We’ve got more tips on What to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Niue at the ready.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Snorkel Gear
Keeping in the same vein as above, you WILL want to jump into the pristine waters of Niue. With no natural runoff, the island offers snorkellers some of the clearest waters in the world. The visibility is unbelievable and the coral and fishlife are incredibly colourful. This is what Niue is all about! If you are visiting during the whale season you will also be able to jump on the water with the largest mammals in the world. Do we need to say more? Having your own snorkel gear means that you will be able to have the most comfortable equipment and you’ll always be prepared for the snorkelling opportunities around the island. While many operators and accommodations will be able to provide you with rental equipment, often your own gear provides a better experience.
(c) Niue Tourism7. Swimwear
Yes, that’s right, we are sticking with the water gear. Believe us, you will not get enough of the Niuean underwater world, so you’ll be happy you came equipped, as the swimwear offering on the island can be quite limited. Ladies will be advised to avoid anything too revealing and opt for more modest swimwear that can be nicely paired with a paleu (see above).
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Travel Towel
And after all that underwater exploration, one will need to dry themselves. Not that letting the sun dry the saltwater droplets off your increasingly golden skin is a bad option per se, but a microfibre travel towel gets the job done in no time. Although some accommodations offer towel hire to take around the island, having your own microfibre towel means that it will roll up super small in your daypack and will not smell. We use 4Monster Microfibre Towel if you need to be pointed in the right direction.
© Amazon9. Sunscreen
We know it’s pretty obvious but we rather say it a lot than not say it at all. The sun in Niue hits hard at any time of the year with UV levels ranging from high to the extreme depending on the season. You will be impressed by the amount of sunscreen that you’ll go through during your trip. Apply every three hours and after drying off from swimming. Luckily, we’ve got your back with our list of the best sunscreens for Niue and even one list just for kids if you are travelling with the family.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. First Aid Kit
When travelling to the tropics, it is usually all paradise. However, when things go wrong, they could quickly get worse. For this reason, it is a great idea to pack a well-stocked first aid kit. You are in luck, as we dedicated a full article on what to have in your first aid kit when travelling in Niue just so you can manage should anything happen. We’re no boy scouts but we like to “be prepared”.
(c) PixabayMore Essentials to Pack for Niue
