Niue’s Natural Highlights
Niue is not about the glitz and glam, it’s about connecting with nature and nature, you will find, is all around as you explore the island. This rocky coral atoll has been shaped by the ocean and rainwater to create amazing coastal features both above and below the ocean’s surface. Exploring them is easy by hiring a car or underwater with a dive operator. From the natural rainforest that covers around 20% of the island to the grandeur chasms and caves lining the island, Niue’s natural attractions are made by nature to “wow”! Check out some of the highlights in this list of natural attractions in Niue.
Before we jump into the best natural attractions in Niue, be sure to bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
1. Talava Arches
An iconic attraction in Niue, the Talava Arches is hard not to be impressed by. After delving down a rugged coastal forest sea track and scrambling through a couple of caves, you emerge at a cave opening framing a magnificent coastal arch. Be sure to take your snorkelling gear too in order to explore the narrow channel in the reef.
Location: Hikutavake.
(c) Jonathan Irish - Niue Tourism2. Limu Pools
With the sun shining down on a string of sheltered turquoise-blue pools, the Limu Pools are effortlessly stunning. They are not only a fantastic swimming spot at low tide for kids and half-to-full incoming tide for everyone else, but the pools just look damn good! There is also a side track from the main pools to a sheltered cove with a coastal arch well worth a photo!
Location: Namukulu.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Togo Chasm
The Togo Chasm is the ideal example of Niue’s rough and rugged side. After a 20-minute walk through a tropical forest, you’ll emerge at a pinnacle-dappled coastline. This is not the only amazing view, as when you continue along the track over the clifftops, you’ll go down a ladder into the Togo Chasm itself – a sheltered oasis with sand and coconut palms at the bottom of the chasm!
Location: 4km (2.5 miles) north of Hakupu.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Matapa Chasm
Yes, there is no lack of chasms in Niue, and the next one on the must-do list is the Matapa Chasm. This towering chasm is accessed on a seven-minute one-way walk through the forest where you’ll emerge at the bottom between two towering cliffs harbouring an excellent snorkelling spot at all tides! See more amazing snorkelling spots in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Niue.
Location: Hikutavake.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Avaiki Cave
It’s well worth waiting until low tide when you are able to access this coastal cave in Makefu. After walking down a short sea track which is practically a cave itself, you’ll arrive at the Avaiki Cave with its turquoise cave pool ideal for snorkelling. Check out more amazing caves in the 10 Most Stunning Caves in Niue.
Location: Makefu.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Limu Twin Caves
Not all of Niue’s breathtaking natural attractions are above the surface. Some limestone caves, chimneys, chasms and tunnels can only be accessed through scuba diving. One of those amazing underwater attractions is the Limu Twin Caves, two magnificent caves spanning from 6m to 28m. What’s more, they are even connected by a tunnel to swim through. See more incredible places to dive in the 10 Best Dive Sites in Niue.
Location: Accessible with dive operators, as mentioned in The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Niue.
(c) BAND - Niue Tourism7. Huvalu Forest Conservation Area
The Huvalu Forest Conservation Area is a protected and pristine rainforest that covers about 20% of the island. The area covers about 5,400ha (3,707 acres) which provides important habitat for uga (coconut crabs), flying foxes and an array of birdlife. Wander past amazing banyan trees as you explore the park on the Togo Chasm Sea Track, the Fue or the Vinivini bike trails. Learn more about the bike trails in Niue here.
Location: East side of the island between Liku and Hakupu.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Hio Beach
Niue is typically not known for its beaches, but the ones that you do find are absolutely stunning. Hio Beach is one of the largest beaches, sweeping along the coast with its scattered white coral as sand and reef leading out to snorkelling pools (best at 30 minutes on either side of low tide). You can even enjoy the view from the Hio Cafe & Bar at the top of the sea track.
Location: Tuapa.
(c) Niue Tourism9. Anapala Chasm
Everything about the Anapala Chasm Sea Track is breathtaking, from the short forest walk like something out of a fairy tale to the descent down some steep steps into the chasm itself. At the bottom of the Anapala Chasm is a freshwater pool which you can swim in if you’re feeling brave.
Location: Hakupu.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Ana’ana Point
Niue has many amazing coastal lookouts, many of which we list in the 10 Amazing Lookouts for Watching Whales in Niue. One of the many lookouts worth pulling the car over for is Ana’ana Point, offering expansive views of Niue’s ever-impressive rocky coastline. Watch the waves crash onto the rocks below and look out for pods of spinner dolphins or even whales during the whale season.
Location: West coast of the island between Alofi and Tamakautoga.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore About the Natural Attractions in Niue
That’s it for our list of amazing natural attractions in Niue. For a more practical approach to visiting these natural attractions, take a look at the following guides:
Finally, see what makes Niue unique in Escape the Crowd: Guide to the Lesser Travelled Island of Niue.
