What to Do on a Sunday in Niue
Sunday is a sacred day in Niue, which is reserved for rest, church and relaxation. It is prohibited to go boating, scuba diving or fishing on a Sunday, while many locals choose to not run tours or open for business. So what can you do on a Sunday in Niue? It’s still Ok to go swimming and exploring, as long as this is respectful to the Sunday church sessions that are in progress, as explained in Niue Etiquette: What are the Local Customs in Niue? A select few restaurants are open on a Sunday, as well as Niue’s golf course. We go through the things to do in Niue on a Sunday in the list below.
1. Go to a Niuean Church Service
Do what the locals do on a Sunday and go to church! Niuean church services are something else, with beautiful harmonious singing echoing through the village churches in the morning and afternoon. Visitors are welcome to experience a church service, just be sure to dress appropriately. Usually, it’s a good idea for men to wear pants and a collared shirt, while women should wear long or knee-length skirts. See 5 Best Churches in Niue to Experience as a Visitor for churches to visit, as well as their Sunday service times.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Explore the Sea Tracks
Sunday is a good time to explore Niue independently, checking out some of the amazing sea tracks leading to all sorts of chasms, caves and snorkelling spots. Hit all of the points in the 10 Best Sea Tracks in Niue. However, avoid going down sea tracks near a church or a village green while church is in session as per Niuean custom.
(c) Zhuhai - Niue Tourism3. Play Golf
Sunday is a good day to check out Niue’s nine-hole golf course. The Niue Golf and Sports Club, opposite Hanan Airport, has an honesty box so just pay the green fees and help yourself to the fun course winding through the coconut trees. You will need to bring your own clubs, but these can be hired from Niue Rentals (get them the day before, as they are not open on a Sunday). Find out more in The Complete Guide to Golf in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Play Mini Golf
If you prefer a less serious game of golf, then putt some balls at the mini golf course at the Vaiolama Cafe in Alofi. This 18-hole clifftop mini golf course provides a good hour of fun for all ages. When the battle is done, relax with lunch, a coffee or a smoothie at the cafe, open 11am to 4pm on a Sunday.
(c) M. Crawford - Niue Tourism5. Check Out the Washaway Cafe
Sundays are your only chance to experience Niue’s famous honesty bar and cafe. The Washaway Cafe in Avatele Bay is an honesty bar where you simply write down your food order for the chefs and help yourself to drinks at the bar. When you’re done, tell the bar staff what you had and pay. Too easy! The Washaway Cafe is open from 11am until everyone goes home.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Spend the Day by the Pool
If you were looking for a pool day, then Sunday would be it. Accommodations like the Scenic Matavai Resort, Taloa Heights and Namukulu Cottages have a swimming pool with plenty of loungers to relax.
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Have Lunch at the Hio Cafe & Bar
Another eatery that is open on a Sunday is the Hio Cafe & Bar, located between the villages of Tuapa and Namukulu. Head down between 11am and 3pm for a wide range of drinks from the bar, as well as food such as nachos and burgers. Pair this with some snorkelling at Hio Beach where there are some great snorkelling pools to the right of the beach at low tide.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Treat Yourself to an Indian Curry
Spice up your Sunday with a curry at Gill’s Restaurant, located in the Alofi Commerical Centre. They are open for dinner on a Sunday, 4pm to 9pm where you can sit under the tree and watch the world go by. There is a children’s playground should you need to entertain little ones.
(c) niuepocketguide.com9. Enjoy a Barbecue at the Matavai Resort
Sunday night is “BBQ, Burgers and Beer Night” at the Scenic Matavai Resort in Tamakautoga. Bookings are essential for this event that runs from 6pm to 9pm. The chefs of the resort will be on the deck of the Dolphin Restaurant serving up casual food to the sounds of local musicians.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Hit the Bike Trails
Niue has four fantastic bike trails exploring the bush and coast of the island. Sunday is a good time to enjoy this independent activity, just make sure that you hire bikes the day before as bike hire companies will be closed on a Sunday. See The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue for more details.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore Things to Do in Niue on a Sunday
That’s it for the things to do in Niue on a Sunday. Now head to the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
