Free/Cheap Activities in Alofi
For travellers on a tight budget, it’s almost a no-brainer to stay in the capital when visiting Niue. Not only does Alofi have an array of budget guesthouses, as we go over in 9 Best Budget Accommodation in Alofi, but as you’re about to find out from this list of free things to do in Alofi, it also has a huge range of free and affordable activities. Explore sea tracks accessible from the town centre, experience the culture at a weaving group, market or church service, learn about the local history at the museum, and much more! Just check out this list of free and cheap things to do in Alofi for inspiration that’s easy on the wallet.
For more budgeting tips, be sure to head to The Guide to Alofi on a Budget, as well as 8 Tips for Visiting Alofi on a Budget.
1. Watch the Whales from Shore
Between July and October, humpback whales migrate to the waters of Niue to give birth and raise their young before returning to Antarctica. From the coastline of Alofi, it’s common to spot whales emerging at the water’s surface, including calves breaching! Good whale watching sites in Alofi include Tomb Point, the Vaiolama Cafe and, well, just about anywhere on the Alofi coastline!
Location: Look out for whales from the lookout at Tomb Point, just north of the Visitor Information Centre, and Vaiolama Cafe at the south end of town
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Discover Historical Sites, Like Tomb Point and Opaahi
Niue has a fascinating history, which you can learn about by reading interpretation panels found in historical sites around the town. Tomb Point is an interesting site where you can see the tombs of two Niuean kings, learn about Niue’s World Wars involvement, and learn about this area being the first reference point for all land surveys. In addition, check out Opaahi which is the site of Captain Cook’s second attempt to land on Niue only to be chased off by the locals.
Location: Tomb Point, just north of the Visitor Information Centre, and Opaahi is at the south end of town opposite the Kaiika Restaurant
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Walk Alofi’s Sea Tracks
All around Niue, you’ll find short sea tracks to the island’s nooks and crannies. Six of these sea tracks are accessible from Alofi! For instance, discover a picturesque beach and snorkelling spot a the Utuko Reef Sea Track, find a cave where local women used to weave at the Vaila Cave and Sea Track, check out the world’s smallest bay down the Togalupo Sea Track, and more!
Location: take a look at the 6 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi for a full list of sea tracks and their locations
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Browse the Niue Market
There’s always some going on in Alofi, which won’t cost you a dime to experience (only, it’s all too tempting to stock up on souvenirs). A great cultural insight is The Market of Niue, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Browse local woven items, jewellery and food at this ever-evolving market.
Location: North end of town next to the Visitor Information Centre
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Watch the Women’s Crafting Group in Makini Hall
Wednesdays see a bustling of activity at Makini Hall in Alofi! The town hall hosts the Niue Council of Women, where women teach each other how to weave, print cloth, make jewellery and so much more! The ladies are usually eager to talk to visitors, making for a friendly experience with the locals. The back of the hall also has a small shop with some crafts for sale.
Location: Alofi town centre, near to the Police Station
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Play a Round of Clifftop Mini Golf
A fun way to enjoy some downtime with friends and family in Alofi is with a round of mini golf. Atop a 30m (100ft) cliff is the Vaiolama Cafe and Mini Golf course with 18 holes winding their way through tropical clifftop gardens. Plus, you needn’t worry about expensive “green fees” here! Learn more about golfing in Niue in The Complete Guide to Golf in Niue.
Location: Vaiolama Cafe at the south end of town
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Scout Out the Town’s Cheap Eats
Aside from ice creams at Double M that are cheaper than in New Zealand (pro-foodie tip for you there), some of Niue’s more affordable restaurants are located in Alofi, such as Gill’s Indian Restaurant which serves up vegetarian curries for around NZ$16 and meat curries for NZ$20 including the rice. You can pick up fish and chips at Tavana are around NZ$20. Or how about an Asian take on South Pacific cuisine at the Wok on the Rock, whose evening meals are typically around NZ$16-$20? Find more budget eats around Niue in our Top Cheap Eats in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Admire the Art at the Tahiono Art Gallery
See inspirational paintings from locals artists at the Tahiono Art Gallery. You’ll recognise some of the paintings hung with pride in some accommodations across Niue, which come from this local art gallery well worth a browse.
Location: Commerical centre of Alofi
(c) niuepocketguide.com9. Attend a Sunday Church Service
Whether you’re religious or not, experiencing a Niuean church service is a spiritual and uplifting experience. Niuean village churches radiate beautiful harmonies from the locals singing during the morning and afternoon church services. A popular church for visitors to experience the amazing singing of the locals is Ekalesia Church at Tomb Point.
Location: Ekalesia Church at Tomb Point
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Visit the Fale Tau Taoga (Niue National Museum)
For around NZ$10, you can check out some amazing works of art, as well as historical relics at the Fale Tau Taoga, Niue’s national museum. The museum Alofi is worth a quick visit to get an insight into the art and history of Niue.
Location: Halamahaga Road, Alofi
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore Free and Cheap Things to Do in Alofi
That’s it for the free and cheap things to do in Alofi. Get more trip-planning advice in The Complete Travel Guide to Alofi or The Travel Guide to Niue on a Budget.
