Tips for Packing Your Bags for Niue
So you’re at the packing stage of your getaway to Niue. Our list of packing tips for Niue is a good place to start where we give advice on baggage allowance, essentials to pack, types of baggage and much more.
1. Be Aware of What You Have Packed That Has to Be Declared
Niue has strict biosecurity restrictions, where certain items will need to be declared when you arrive in the country. Make a note of anything that you have packed that you might have to declare, such as any food, plant products, watersports equipment, etc. Any false declarations, even if you have packed something that you forgot to declare, might incur a fine or the item being confiscated. Learn more about the type of items you need to declare in What to Declare When Arriving in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Know the Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance
There are only two direct flights to Niue per week and they are both with Air New Zealand. With that in mind, you will need to make sure your choice of luggage and the weight of your luggage meets the baggage allowance of your Air New Zealand flight to Niue. For economy passengers, the baggage allowance for cabin baggage is one piece of baggage weighing up to 7kg (15lb) plus one small item like a handbag or a laptop bag. Your piece of cabin baggage must have linear dimensions (depth + width + height) that do not exceed 118cm (46.5″). For checked baggage, economy passengers have one piece of baggage weighing up to 23kg (50lb) and total linear dimensions not exceeding 158cm (62″). If you’re taking connecting flights to get to Niue, be sure to check the dimensions of your other flights and pack/choose luggage that meets the requirements of the airline with the smallest baggage allowance.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Remember About the Laundry Facilities
To stop yourself from overpacking and going over the already discussed baggage allowance, remember that you will have laundry facilities available. Many of the holiday homes and guest houses have laundry machines that are free for guests to use, with some guest houses and the resort on the island offering laundry services for a small fee. With this in mind, you can pack about 7-9 outfits if staying in Niue for a couple of weeks, doing laundry mid-way through your stay. Alternatively, if you’re only staying in Niue for a week or less, an outfit for each day of the week without having to do laundry will often be Ok to not send you over your allowance.
(c) Pxhere.com4. Reef Shoes and Snorkelling Gear are a Must!
There are a few essentials that you need to pack for Niue. Some we wish to emphasise is reef shoes and snorkelling gear! Niue is a rocky island with a few coarse coral beaches so walking on pretty much any coastline in your bare feet is uncomfortable. You will need reef shoes unless you grew up barefoot in the bush. And speaking of reefs, snorkelling is a major highlight on the island, but only a very limited number of accommodations and tourism operators have snorkel gear for hire. We fully recommend bringing your own snorkel gear to make the most of your independent exploration of the island. See more essentials to pack in the 10 Essentials to Pack for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Pack with the Environment in Mind
It’s no secret that the planet is more fragile than ever, especially in the South Pacific Islands. When packing, think about using products that don’t have a negative impact on Niue and its surrounding waters, such as reef-safe sunscreen and natural insect repellent. You can also easily minimise the disposal of plastic by refilling water bottles (or using a Lifestraw Bottle so you can drink from any tap on the island), reusable straws and more!
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Make Your Life Easier with Packing Cubes
Now that you know how to pack light for Niue and know about a few essentials to pack, you can learn how to pack for Niue like a pro! While not essential by any means, packing cubes are darn handy to keep your suitcase/backpack organised. They also help you pack your bags more efficiently and pack more in! See more accessories for your holiday in 18 Must-Have Travel Gadgets for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Have Something to Cover Your Swimwear
While you’ll find yourself swimming in Niue A LOT, know that it is prohibited to walk around villages in your swimwear. With that in mind, you will need to make sure you pack a change of clothes or something to cover yourself when you get out of the water and head out to your next snorkelling spot. A sarong or “paleu”, as it is locally known, is a good option for a quick cover-up.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Pack Versatile Clothing
Another way to help save on space in your bag and avoid packing everything you own is to pack outfits that can be worn for different occasions. For instance, pack light casual clothing you can wear for a couple of days’ exploring and a more modest outfit that you can wear if visiting a church or eating out for dinner. See our complete packing list for clothes in What Clothes to Pack for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com9. Choose the Best Type of Luggage for You
Everyone has their preference when it comes to luggage, but if you’re a bit on the fence, then see What is the Best Type of Luggage for Niue? For most visitors, a suitcase will be the most convenient, as most people arrive in Niue with accommodation and airport transfers/car rental organised so the need to carry around luggage is minimal. However, if you’re planning on walking greater distances in Niue with your baggage, perhaps changing accommodation a few times or visiting some other South Pacific Islands too, then a backpack tends to be a little easier to handle.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Don’t Forget Anything!
Easy to say, isn’t it?! Aside from making sure you don’t forget your passport, our The Complete Packing List for Niue to make sure that you really haven’t forgotten anything.
(c) Pexels
