How to Interact with Niue’s Wildlife
Nature lovers will love Niue, not because it feels so untouched with its vast tracts of rainforest and stunning surrounding reefs, but because wildlife is easy to come by. Niue might not have the largest array of wildlife (except for in the ocean because, well, it’s the ocean), but you can interact with Niue’s most iconic creatures, including uga (coconut crabs), Pacific flying foxes, spinner dolphins, humpback whales and more. Check out this list of wildlife tours and experiences in Niue for inspiration.
Before we get into ways the experience the Niue wildlife, be sure to bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
1. Whale Swimming Tour
One of the most breathtaking and memorable wildlife interactions visitors are ever likely to have is swimming with humpback whales. These majestic creatures can be found in Niue’s waters between July and September each year where they come to mate and raise their young. Dive operators, like Magical Niue Sea Adventures and Niue Blue as well as fishing operators like Fish Niue Charters, Niue Fishing Charters and Paul Pasisi Charters have special licences to guide in-water whale interaction tours. Learn more in The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue.
(c) Niue Tourism2. Dolphin Swimming Tour
Another amazing marine mammal you can interact with in their environment is spinner dolphins. These acrobatic dolphins can be swam with all year round, where dive operators offer dedicated dolphin tours, as well as the chance to swim with dolphins on one of their other tours if dolphins are seen. Take a look at The Guide to Swimming with Dolphins in Niue for more information.
(c) Niue Tourism3. Snorkelling (Independently or via a Tour)
One of the easiest and cheapest wildlife experiences to have in Niue is simply snorkelling from shore. Snorkel above coral gardens in large reef pools with crystal clear waters and it’s like you’ve just been dipped into an aquarium. Snorkelling boat tours are also available to take you to amazing spots that most visitors don’t get to see. Check out The Guide to Snorkelling in Niue for more information.
(c) Niue Tourism4. Scuba Diving Tours
While snorkelling can provide a good taste of Niue’s marine life, scuba diving gets you right into the action. Not only is scuba diving in Niue a way to mingle with a wealth of reef creatures, but you also have the opportunity to explore Niue’s unique seascape like chimneys, caves and chasms. Take a look at The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue to dive a little deeper into the subject.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Taue Uga Tours
So what about Niue’s land wildlife? Surprisingly, Niue’s most iconic wildlife you would expect to be a marine creature, however, it spends all of its time on land climbing trees and ripping open coconuts! Taue Uga Tours can take you to learn more about the fascinating uga (coconut crab), a large brilliantly blue crab with a fetish for coconuts and fruit. Learn how to set up coconut baits on the day tour and see the baits in action on the night tour. This relaxed tour gives you a great insight into both the wildlife of Niue and the culture. Learn more in The Guided Tours in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. A5 Rainforest & Plantation Tours
This 4WD tour mainly focuses on the flora side of nature, where you will learn how locals cultivate the land and enjoy sustenance living. However, A5 Tours also allows you to meet one of the most famous local residents, the uga! This is another opportunity to learn how to hold an uga and, of course, learn more about these amazing creatures. Learn more about this tour and more in the 7 Best Nature Tours in Niue.
© Niue Tourism7. Whale and Dolphin Watching from the Shore
Another free way to enjoy watching wildlife in Niue is to simply keep your eyes on the ocean from the shore. It’s very common in Niue to spot whales (in the whale season) and dolphins swimming close to shore, which always makes for an exciting experience. There are whale lookouts set up along the west coast of Niue, as well as accommodation with their own whale and dolphin lookouts. See the 10 Amazing Lookouts for Watching Whales in Niue for where to watch whales and dolphins in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Reef Walking
We’ll throw in another popular way to get a coastal wildlife interaction in Niue and that’s reef walking. There are some amazing spots on Niue’s surrounding reef to check out rock pools and the critters that reside in them. Go at low tide to one of the reefs we suggest in the 6 Best Reef Walks in Niue and see an array of colourful coral, crabs and fish living close to the surface.
(c) niuepocketguide.com9. Waking up to the Sound of Roosters
Ok, so most visitors don’t opt for this experience but it often comes as part of the Niue experience anyway. A type of tropical chicken called red junglefowl roams in the masses around Niue mostly where people are. This means that the morning comes with the ring of roosters, having to slow down for them when driving as they cross the road, and also watching mothers leading their chicks in a cute clucking parade.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. [CLOSED] Misa’s Nature Tour
Misa’s Nature Tour is not just about bush survival, but you’ll also get to learn and interact with some forest-dwellers. Learn how to hold an uga without it pinching your fingers off and see one in action climbing the trees. You may also get the chance to hold a flying fox, a type of fruit bat that is Niue’s only native land mammal. Learn more about these animals in the 10 Animals and Birds Native to Niue.
More About Wildlife Tours and Experiences in Niue
That’s it for our list of wildlife tours and experiences in Niue. For more ways to experience the Niue wildlife, check out these alternative guides:
- Where to See Wildlife in Niue
- 10 Animals and Birds Native to Niue
- 10 Amazing Water Activities in Niue
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in A Traveller’s Guide to the Wildlife in Niue.
