Rainy Day Activities in Niue
Niue is a tropical island so downpours can happen at any time of the year. So when the rain starts to pour, what are your options? What are the things to do in Niue on a rainy day? We give you some fun ideas in the list below!
Before we jump into the things to do in Niue on a rainy day, remember to bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List for more amazing experiences.
1. Visit the Taoga Niue Museum
It might be cliche to start off with a museum, but it’s the universal rainy day activity for a reason! Get out of the rain while enjoying a dose of culture at the Fale Tau Taoga, i.e. the Niue National Museum. The museum in Alofi on Halamahaga Road features a small yet interesting collection of artefacts, from World War One heirlooms to amazing woven hats made by Niuean women. The museum is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm. There is a small entry charge. Check out more things to do in Alofi here.
2. Snorkelling
We recommend going snorkelling on a rainy day with the idea that, well, you’ll get wet anyway! Even on rainy days, Niue’s water visibility tends to still be pretty awesome with the island having limited surface run-off. Of course, make sure that it’s still safe to snorkel at your chosen spot, as rain can often be associated with stormy weather making unsafe sea conditions for swimming. Check out the snorkelling spots in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Niue.
3. Scuba Diving
With the same idea that you’ll get wet anyway, why not go scuba diving?! Scuba diving in Niue is sensational with crystal clear waters (even when raining), caves to explore and an array of marine life. Niue’s scuba diving operators will only take you out if the conditions are safe to do so, so you’ve got nothing to lose if you choose to head out scuba diving on a rainy day in Niue. Find out more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.
4. Whale Swimming
Ok, we swear this is the last one in the water, but if you’re in Niue between July and September, then you have the unique opportunity to swim with humpback whales. These majestic creatures can be swam with when doing tours with licensed operators, taking you to get in the water with some of the world’s largest mammals. Note, again, that whale tours will only operate if the sea conditions are safe to do. Learn more in The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue.
5. Visit the Niue Market
If the rain hits on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, then at least you can get out of the rain at the Niue Market. The Niue Market is located in an undercover market building in Alofi where stallholders sell handicrafts, produce and more. Markets start at around 5am to 8am on Mondays and Fridays, while the Wednesday market allows you to sleep in, happening until 12pm. There is also an evening market on the first Friday of the month starting at 5pm.
6. Do Some Niuean Weaving
Another indoor activity is learning how to weave Niuean style. The Niue Council of Women holds a weaving lesson on Monday mornings at the Scenic Matavai Resort, while they also have their own weaving group in Alofi on Wednesdays. The weaving group is at Makini Hall, where you can watch the women in action making all sorts of amazing handicrafts. Check out more cultural activities in the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Niue Culture.
7. Check Out the Tahiono Art Gallery
Keep out of the rain and browse some fabulous art at the Tahiono Art Gallery. The gallery is located in the Commerical Centre of Alofi, where you can browse a wide range of oil canvas paintings, as well as other art created by expats and local artists. They are open Monday to Friday.
8. Go Shopping
A rainy day could be a good day to pick up gifts for friends and family back home. Check out the gift stores in Alofi, as well as Kauhi Krafts in Pofitu and the Ebony Studio in Hakupu. Get inspired for gifts with our 10 Amazing Niue Souvenirs. Plus, check out Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Niue for more advice on shopping.
9. Go to Church
When the heavens open it’s a good time to pray for it to stop, which you can incidentally do at a Niuean church service on a Sunday. Not only will you be indoors, but the beautiful harmonies sung by the locals is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. Check out the 5 Best Churches in Niue to Experience as a Visitor for recommendations on churches to visit.
10. Read Niue Pocket Guide
And if all of the above isn’t enough, then at least you can plan for your upcoming days in Niue on Niue Pocket Guide! All you need is a WiFi connection, which we can give you more advice on in Where to Get WiFi in Niue.
More Things to Do in Niue on a Rainy Day
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.