10 Things To Do in Niue with Kids(c) Niue Tourism
10 Things To Do in Niue with Kids

20 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids

(c) Niue Tourism

What are the Best Family Activities in Niue?

Welcome to a family holiday in the South Pacific that’s unlike the rest. Niue is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and with that, it’s a natural playground. From short walks leading to sheltered lagoons with crystal clear waters to educational tours about Pacific wildlife, there’s a vast and varied array of family-friendly activities. The small island, with a population of 1,500 and only around 160-180 tourists at a time, is certainly a peaceful destination where you’ll often find swimming spots and walking trails all to yourselves. And don’t worry, there’s even the opportunity to get in some all-essential pool time. Start creating your Niue bucket list for your family getaway with this list of things to do in Niue with kids!

For more family travel advice, be sure to head over to The Guide to Niue for Families.

1. Have a Swim at the Limu Pools

One of the best swimming spots for families is the gorgeous Limu Pools. After a short descent down a well-formed sea track, emerge at a sheltered cove ideal for swimming. The main pool is the safest for swimming, which is best enjoyed at half-to-full incoming tide, but parents with infants and toddlers will enjoy the pools at their shallowest at low tide. There is a short track leading to another pool but beware of the strong rip at full tide. For more family-friendly swimming spots, check out the 8 Best Sea Tracks & Places to Swim in Niue for Kids.

Location: Signposted along the main road, Namukulu, west coast of Niue.

Kids Dive Limu Small Mandatory Credit Niue Tourism(c) Niue Tourism

2. Watch Whales and Dolphins from the Lookouts

Seeing pods of dolphins leap across the surface is an almost daily occurrence for many keeping an eye on the water! Between July and September, humpback whales and their calves can also be seen playing on the surface, sometimes even breaching! While many clifftop accommodations, like the Scenic Matavai Resort (which has binoculars for guests) and Kaliki Lodge, offer fantastic whale and dolphin watching, you’ll also find the best whale-watching sites signposted along the west coast of the island.

Location: All over Niue! Check out the 10 Places to Spot Whales in Niue for locations.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© Liz Foster

3. Visit a Niuean School

See what a school is like in the South Pacific and get some cultural insights from other children at a Niue Primary School. Every second Friday morning at around 9 am, visitors are invited to their morning assembly where they perform cultural songs and dance. Check with the Visitor Information Centre for upcoming assemblies. Plus, see more experiences in town in the 20 Best Things to Do in Alofi.

Location: Niue Primary School, the turn-off is approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) along the Alofi-Liku Road from Alofi. Turn off at the sign for the Alofi Rugby Club and follow the road all the way to the parking area at the end.

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

4. Explore Caves and Snorkel with Fish at the Talava Arches

An exciting mission for older kids who have their footing, the Talava Arches Sea Track takes you to a magnificent coastal arch with limestone caves and a safe swimming channel. The track through the coastal forest takes approximately 30 minutes one way and requires sturdy footwear for the rocky trail. The final portion of the walk has you scrambling in a limestone cave with ropes to aid you. At the end of the trail, you’ll emerge at a grand cave opening looking out to a huge coastal arch. The channel below provides safe swimming around low tide along with a few coral displays. Be careful to not damage the coral.

Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

5. Get Some Beach Time at the Utuko Reef

As you probably already know, Niue is not a destination for beaches. Nevertheless, if you are craving golden, albeit coral, sands and a bit of reef walking and snorkelling, then head down to the Utuko Reef! Located opposite next to the Crazy Uga Cafe, the Utuko Reef is a small attractive beach with coral boulders and rocky shorelines on either side. Take your reef shoes and explore the reef (being careful not to step on wildlife and coral), float on the water to watch the fish with your snorkelling gear, and enjoy some beach time at one of Niue’s very few beaches.

Location: Sea track next to Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

6. Have a Splash in the Pool

Let’s be honest, kids love time at the pool. While Niue isn’t exactly an island brimming with resorts and pools, there are a few accommodations that offer outdoor swimming pools should you want to make it a holiday priority. Accommodations with swimming pools are listed in the 6 Accommodations in Niue with a Swimming Pool.

Location: All around Niue! See the link above for locations.

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

7. Visit the Fale Tau Taoga (Niue National Museum)

A good rainy day go-to is the national museum of Niue, the Fale Tau Taoga. Easy to walk to from Alofi, the Fale Tau Taoga holds intriguing treasures of Niue, including artefacts salvaged from Cyclone Heta, World War One relics, spectacular woven hats made for a hat competition on the island, and so much more! Plus, at around NZ$10 entry, it’s certainly a more affordable thing to do in Alofi, along with the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Niue.

Location: Halamahaga Road, Alofi, central west side of Niue. 

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

8. Learn About Uga and Husking Coconuts at One of the Scenic Matavai’s Entertainment Sessions

Niue’s one and only resort has a daily entertainment program to liven up your downtime. The Scenic Matavai Resort hosts cultural sessions for guests and casual visitors alike. For example, see an entertaining coconut husking demonstration one night and then see and even hold a giant coconut crab (uga) the next! Some evenings are themed dinner evenings with cultural entertainment where bookings are essential! Be sure to get the latest entertainment schedule from the Scenic Matavai Resort or the Visitor Information Centre. We also have a sample schedule in The Ultimate Guide to Niue Nightlife.

Location: Scenic Matavai Resort, along the main road just south of Tamakautoga, southwest coast of Niue.

The Guide to Niue for Families(c) niuepocketguide.com

9. Jump on a Snorkelling Boat Tour with Niue Blue

Get your wildlife fix by watching acrobatic spinner dolphins year-round or even majestic humpback whales between July and September on a family-friendly snorkelling tour with Niue Blue. The team can curate the ultimate trip with a wealth of equipment at their disposal, such as transparent boogie boards, snorkelling gear and more. Check out some lesser-visited snorkelling spots and, depending on the ability of everyone, there may be an opportunity to swim with whales and dolphins. Tours are suitable for ages 5 years and up. Learn more in The Best Guided Snorkelling Tours in Niue.

Location: Next to the Scenic Matavai Resort, along the main road just south of Tamakautoga, southwest coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

10. Snorkel in the Rock Pools and Cave of the Vaila Sea Track

On the outskirts of Alofi, the Vaila Sea Track presents one of the most exciting sea tracks for kids. After a short walk and making use of the picnic area here, you will find a set of concrete steps leading into a cave and rock pools below. The cave is within a marine-protected area, so while it’s important to mind your step and not take any shells, the rock pools provide an amazing snorkelling opportunity. Snorkelling is best done at low tide.

Location: Signposted along the main road opposite Tusekolo Bush Road, approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Alofi town centre, west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

11. Check Out the World’s Smallest Bay on the Togalupo Sea Track

Oh yes, there’s no lack of sea tracks in Alofi, but because they are all quite short, visiting each one doesn’t get old! Another excellent find is the Togolupo Sea Track, opposite Yolos Accommodation in Alofi North. The short sea track takes you down to a tiny rocky inlet ideal for paddling with reef shoes and taking a nice family photo! And that’s not all the sea tracks in Alofi, so be sure to check out the 8 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi for more.

Location: Opposite Yolos Accommodation, approximately 1.5 km (1 mi) north of Alofi town centre, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

12. Treat Your Tribe to Some Souvenirs at the Niue Market

Holiday presents for the kids are a holiday tradition in many families, so if you’re looking for a special souvenir for the little ones, be sure to head to the Niue Market. The market next to the Visitor Information Centre operates several times a week, which you can check out in the 5 Best Markets in Niue. Check out more places to grab souvenirs in The Guide to Shopping in Niue + The Best Places to Shop.

Location: Niue Market building, along the main road next to the Visitor Information Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

13. Let the Kids Loose at the Tufukia Playground

Niue’s largest children’s playground offers families a pleasant setting to relax and play on the grounds of the old Alofi town. While the little ones are letting loose on the playground with monkey bars, firefighter poles, climbing walls, swings, slides and more, have a look at the information board to learn about the history of Tufukia which once held a hospital and school.

Location: Tufukia, opposite the Tapeu-Porritt Road and main road intersection, Alofi South, central west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

14. Have a Swim at Matapa Chasm

Located on the northwestern coast of Niue, the Matapa Chasm is an excellent swimming spot at all tides. There are plenty of tropical fish to watch, so snorkelling gear is a must! The deep but sheltered swimming hole has ample space to enjoy but be careful when swimming close to the opening, where there is a slight current. The walk down a well-formed but rock sea track takes approximately seven minutes one way.

Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

15. Explore the Reef at Tamakautoga Beach

This short sea track in the middle of Tamakautoga, the Togulu Sea Track is a two-second walk to a small and attractive cove with coral sand that kids love exploring. There is a small sandy swimming hole good for splashing around at either high or low tide. You can also go at low tide for a reef walk. See more excellent spots like this in the 10 Best Reef Walks in Niue.

Location: Togulu Sea Track signposted off the main coastal road in Tamakautoga (alongside the village green), southwest coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

16. Treat the Tastebuds at Niue’s Awesome Dining Scene

For such a small country, Niue surprises with an eclectic array of dining options, from Japanese cuisine to Niuean specialities. While you’re getting creative with sushi, takini, cocktails and more, there’s always something to excite kids on the menu, from mouthwatering burgers to irresistible smoothies! Check out some options in The Food Guide to Niue: Places to Eat, Food Tours & More and start planning your dining jaunts!

Location: All over Niue! See the link above for recommended locations.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

17. Head Out on a Family-Friendly Fishing Charter

Fishing is a big deal in Niue as a source of sustenance for the island’s inhabitants. Not to mention, it’s incredibly rewarding and exciting to hook on a fish and reel it in! Wahoo Fishing Charters is a fantastic option for families, where your experienced skipper will head to hotspots for kids to get hooked on smaller fish. Older members of your crew can try their luck at Pacific whoppers like mahimahi or wahoo. Learn more about the experience in The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Niue.

Location: Fishing charters depart from Alofi Wharf, along the main road in Alofi, central west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

18. Explore the Limestone Formations of Avaiki Cave and Palaha Cave

Only accessible at low tide, Avaiki Cave is a large cathedral cave with safe swimming in the cave pool. Snorkel among coral and fish in this impressive limestone cave! Just down the road (or connected by the reef at low tide), Palaha Cave is a fantastic cave to explore with magnificent limestone formations. Be careful that rock surfaces are often slippery. For more caves to explore, see The 10 Best Caves in Niue.

Location: Signposted on the main road between Makefu and Tuapa, west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

19. Check Out Hio Beach

A sandy cove down the steps behind the Hio Cafe & Bar, Hio Beach is a wonderful place to swim 30 minutes to 1 hour on either side of low tide. There’s a good little swimming spot along the reef to the right where there is a cut in the reef, as well as a pool. For a full list of beaches, check out The 5 Best Beaches in Niue.

Location: Sea track next to the Hio Cafe, signposted along the main road, Tuapa, west coast of Niue.

10 Best Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

20. Have a Milkshake or an Ice Cream in Alofi

And finally, at the end of a day of exploring the “Rock of the Pacific”, a nice reward is a refreshing ice cream or milkshake at the Commercial Centre in Alofi. Just out the back of the Commercial Centre is Kauhi Krafts, selling an array of milkshakes in many flavours. Alternatively, ice creams are for sale in Double M, which during our last visit, were cheaper than in New Zealand! The Commercial Centre also has a children’s playground should the little ones have more energy to burn.

Location: Alofi Commercial Centre, along the main road in Alofi opposite Tomb Point and Alofi Wharf, central west coast of Niue.

10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids© NiuePocketGuide.com

More Things to Do in Niue with Kids

That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Niue with kids! Of course, there may be many thing things to do that are suitable for older kids, so take a look at the 101 Things to Do in Niue for more ideas. Plus, check out more tips for families:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Niue for Families.

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.

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