Activities and Attractions in Alofi
So your exploration of the “Rock of the Pacific” has brought you to the capital? Alofi is the main hub of Niue and, with that, has some amazing experiences on offer! There’s things that are expected from a capital, such as bustling restaurants and shops selling unique local handicrafts and produce, while there’s things you would never expect from a capital, like snorkelling in pristine waters and finding yourself alone at beaches and caves! While there’s much more to do in Alofi than what we can fit on this list, this list of some of the best things to do in Alofi is a good place to start your Niue bucket list.
For more activities around the island, see the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List, while more trip-planning advice canbe found in The Complete Travel Guide to Alofi.
1. Snorkel in the Clearest Waters!
Niue is renowned for its incredible underwater world, much of which can be admired through a mask and snorkel straight off the shore. With no surface run-off from the island, the visibility is incredible, sometimes known to reach a whopping 80m! Plus, even from Alofi, you can snorkel at some of the sea tracks, such as Vaila Cave, Utuko Reef and the Amanau Sea Track, as well as from the wharf. Snorkelling is safest at low tide. Alternatively, Magical Niue Sea Adventures in Alofi North offers snorkelling excursions and scuba diving to Niue’s hidden gems!
Location: See the locations of each Alofi sea track here
(c) Niue Tourism2. Find Yourself a Secluded Swimming Hole
Speaking of sea tracks, even if you’re not into snorkelling, the sea tracks provide amazing views of the Alofi coastline. Discover a coral sand beach at Utuko Reef, check out a historic cave at the Vaila Cave Sea Track, get a fun photo opportunity at the tiny inlet of the Togalahi Sea Track and more! The beauty of Niue’s sea tracks is that they are often secluded, giving you a piece of paradise all to yourself. We also list this as one of the 7 Romantic Activities in Alofi for Couples.
Location: See the locations of each Alofi sea track here
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Do a Niue Orientation Tour
Get acquainted with Alofi and the rest of Niue on one of the orientation tours offering pick-ups from town. Discover the highlights of the island, from the snorkelling hotspots to hidden gems that are easy to miss. The tour with Explore Niue guides you through the culture and history of the island as you explore the west coast. The tour also includes refreshments such as coconuts and local fruit, and a chance to swim in a snorkelling spot. Alternatively, Niue Orientation Tours has more of an ecological approach and includes a handy resource pack that you’ll find yourself living off for the rest of your trip!
Location: Accommodation pick-ups offered in Alofi
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Tackle Game Fish on a Fishing Charter
Niue’s waters are home to some of the most sought game fish in the South Pacific, from wahoo to mahimahi and more. There are countless fishing charters available from Alofi, where knowledgeable guides will take you to the hotspots and provide you with all the gear to increase your chances of a mighty catch! Choose the right fit for you by comparing charters in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue. Plus, see more experiences like this in the 7 Luxury Activities on Alofi.
Location: Charters depart from Sir Robert’s Wharf
(c) Mike Bhana - Niue Tourism5. Swim with Whales and Dolphins
Niue’s waters not only entice snorkellers but also attract spinner dolphins and humpback whales! The latter frequent Niue’s waters between July and September/October to breed and calve, making for some spectacular sighting from shore. You can also enjoy eco-friendly encounters through Alofi’s whale swimming operators, such as Magical Niue Sea Adventures and Explore Niue. spinner dolphin swimming is available all year round, where you hold alongside the boat to see these acrobatic dolphins in action. Learn more in The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue and The Guide to Swimming with Dolphins in Niue.
Location: Magical Niue Sea Adventures is located in Alofi North, approximately 1.5km (one mile) north of the town centre. Explore Niue tours depart from Sir Robert’s Wharf
(c) Niue Tourism6. Shop for Unique Souvenirs at the Niue Market
Niueans are skilled craftspeople creating awe-inspiring woven placemats, bowls, hats, baskets and much more. They also are also known for their kahoa hihi (necklaces) made from tiny yellow snail shells collected in the local forests. One of the best places in Alofi to see such pieces is at the Niue Market, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.
Location: Niue Markete building next door to the Tourist Information Centre
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Dine at Alofi’s Restaurants
Eating out is all part of the Alofi experience, where your taste buds will travel the world, including Europe, China, India, Japan, America and back to Niue! Kaiika Restaurant does fresh Japanese sushi, Moroccan rotisserie chicken and New York-style pizzas. Head to Gill’s Restaurant for delectable Indian curries or the Wok on the Rok for Chinese food meets the Pacific! Get more advice for eating out in the Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Alofi. Plus, see similar experiences in the 8 Things to Do in Alofi for Foodies.
Location: Restaurants are located along the main road of Alofi
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Watch the Women’s Weaving Group
Wednesdays see a bustle of activity at Makini Hall! The Niue Council of Women have their weekly weaving group here where women teach each other how to weave, print cloth, make jewellery and much more. The ladies are eager to talk to visitors, making for a friendly locals experiences. Don’t miss the small shop in the back room of the hall to see their complete creations.
Location: Alofi town centre, near to the Police Station
(c) Niue Tourism9. Check Out the Fale Tau Taoga
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. Plus, it’s a true saviour on a rainy day! Plus, at only around NZ$10 entry, who can complain? Check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Alofi for more like this.
Location: Halamahaga Road, Alofi
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Enjoy Some Sundowners at the Bar
Ok, so don’t expect to party all night in Alofi but with most of the restaurants in town having licensed bars, you can enjoy a few sundowners along with the vivid west coast sunsets. For instance, head to the Crazy Uga Cafe on Wednesday nights for drinks and their spitroast dinner/burger nights. On Thursday nights, the Vaiolama Cafe is open for drinks on with happy hour between 4pm and 6pm. For our top picks of bars around the island, see the 6 Best Bars in Niue. Plus, for more activities like this, see the 5 Adult-Only Activities in Alofi.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore Things to Do in Alofi
