Things You Can’t Miss in Niue!
What is the must-do in Niue? Well, if awe-inspiring coastal landscapes don’t inspire you, the mesmerising wildlife like whales and coconut crabs doesn’t intrigue you, and the captivating skills of the local craftspeople don’t amaze you, then at least the freshest tropical cocktails probably will! There’s really something for all kinds of travellers looking for an alternative experience in the South Pacific. So take a “scroll” down the list of the must-dos in Niue to inspire you for an unforgettable trip!
While you’re here, get help planning your South Pacific getaway with The Complete Guide to Niue or bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
1. Explore Niue’s Sea Tracks
One of the major highlights of the “Rock of the Pacific” is the incredible array of coastal formations. From deep chasms to sweeping arches to mysterious limestone caves, Niue’s coastline hides all sorts of epic landscapes down its nooks and crannies. And how do you get down the nooks and crannies? By sea tracks! As you drive around the island, you’ll see many a sign for sea tracks, which are always worth stopping by to discover something awesome. Get an idea for what you’ll find in the 10 Best Sea Tracks in Niue. Plus, this is just one of the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Niue!
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Snorkel in Crystal Clear Waters
Admittedly, snorkelling often comes hand-in-hand with the local sea tracks, as snorkelling hotspots are often what awaits at the end. Niue has very limited surface runoff, due to the island being completely made from limestone, so the water is vividly clear! What’s more, it harbours all sorts of wonderful marine life, from tropical fish to sea snakes, turtles and more! Check out some of our recommended hotspots in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Niue. It’s also one of the experiences we recommend in the 10 Things To Do in Niue with Kids.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Swim with Dolphins and Whales
Speaking for marine life, some of the more majestic mammals gracing Niue’s waters are the acrobatic spinner dolphins. Easy to spot from shore, spinner dolphins can also be swam with on unique dolphin swimming tours where you’ll be pulled along with the boat to see the dolphins in action. For something extra special, swimming with humpback whales is available between July and September, which is a whole other ball game swimming with these gentle giants. Check out your tour options in The Guide to Swimming with Dolphins in Niue and The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue.
(c) Niue Tourism4. Join a Nature Tour
It’s not just the nature underwater that captures the hearts of visitors to Niue, but also it’s the nature on land. Locals can show you how they have been living off the land while preserving its beauty on one of the many nature tours available. For instance, join Misa in Misa’s Nature Tour to learn how to make fire, taste coconuts and meet the forest-dwellers, such as flying foxes and uga (coconut crabs). Speaking of uga, Ope from Taue Uga Tours will show you uga in their natural environment, as well as traditional hunting techniques. Or head on the Ebony Forest Tour with Jack, who shares natural and cultural insights into the Niuean rainforest, as well as how he gets rare ebony wood to create amazing carvings. Find out more in The Guided Tours in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Tour a Niuean Plantation
One for the foodies, learn how Niueans grow tropical crops, such as cassava, taro, kumara, watermelon, banana and pawpaw, in a tropical plantation tour with A5 Tours. This 4WD tour will take you through lush rainforest and plantations where you’ll also learn how to husk a coconut and hold an uga! Alternatively, learn about the complex work of growing organic vanilla on the Niue Vanilla Plantation Tour. Finally, learn more about the intriguing noni fruit on a Noni Farm tour in Vaiea. See more food-related experiences in the 10 Things to Do in Niue for Foodies.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Sip on Fresh Fruit Cocktails and Smoothies
Don’t worry, there are some familiarities in Niue compared to other South Pacific getaways and that’s sipping on cocktails! Yes, Niue does fresh fruit cocktails and smoothies particularly well, where nothing beats ending a day of exploring with a refreshing beverage. Enjoy sundowners at the Pool Bar of the Scenic Matavai Resort, catch happy hour at the Vaiolama Cafe on Thursday evenings, or try works from a talented mixologist at the All Relativf cocktail bar. See all of the bars in Niue here and check out more activities like this in the 7 Adult-Only Activities in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Tackle Big Game on a Fishing Charter
With strict fishing regulations around the island, Niue’s marine life is a thriving haven and an exciting opportunity for anglers! Fishing is only permitted either off the wharf in Alofi or with a licensed fishing charter. The latter will take you on an early morning venture to troll, jog or pop for mahimahi, giant trevally, wahoo, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and much more! Learn more about angling in Niue in The Guide to Fishing in Niue. We also list this in our 10 Luxury Activities on Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Explore the Deep on a Scuba Diving Excursion
Make the most of the mesmerising underwater world of Niue by trying out scuba diving! There are two PADI-accredited dive operators available on the island, giving you the opportunity to dive in underwater chasms, caves, coral reefs, pinnacles and more with an experienced operator. Dive courses are also available should you want to learn a new skill among some of the world’s clearest water (sometimes up to 80m!) teeming with tropical coral and fish. Dive a little deeper into the subject in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue. Plus, we also feature this activity in 10 Romantic Activities in Niue for Couples.
(c) BAND - Niue Tourism9. Watch or Learn How to Do Local Handicrafts
See Niue’s creative streak by mingling with the locals at the Niue Market, watching the women at work at the Niue Council of Women, or even learning how to weave your own coaster at the Scenic Matavai Resort. Niue women learn how to weave practical items from a young age, while some talented individuals also make fabulous handcrafted jewellery to sell at local markets. The Niue Market takes place in Alofi every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, while Wednesday is the handicraft day at the Niue Council of Women in Makini Hall. Those staying at the Matavai Resort can even learn to weave their own creations at the Monday weaving session. Learn more about immersing in the local culture in the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Niue Culture.
(c) Niue Tourism10. Stargaze in Some of the World’s Darkest Skies
Finally, if you have some energy to spare deep into the night, then be sure to set some time aside for stargazing. With minimal artificial light pollution coming from Niue and being hundreds of kilometres away from other landmasses with towns and cities, Niue presents some of the darkest skies for stargazing. The views of the Southern Hemisphere’s night’s skies are incredibly vivid on a clear night, so much so that the island is even being considered as an International Dark Sky Reserve, so watch this space!
(c) Niue TourismMore Must-Dos in Niue
