15 Tips to Save Money in Niue

To avoid credit card fees, which are usually 3-5% of the transaction in Niue, as well as be able to actually pay for all shops, services and tours you use, we recommend paying with cash in Niue. The local currency is New Zealand Dollars, which is worth bringing enough of for your first few days – not only to minimise withdrawal fees but because cash allows you to pay for some tours and market vendors where card payments are not accepted.

If you are from New Zealand, you will also be able to pay with your New Zealand debit card in some outlets without experiencing any additional fees. A combination of the two can help you save heaps! For more currency-related advice, see the 11 Money Tips for Niue.

The beauty of Niue is that most of the major attractions here are free. From snorkelling hotspots, like the Limu Pools and Matapa Chasm, to walks to stunning land formations, like the Togo Chasm and Talava Arches, there’s plenty to see and do in Niue without spending a dime. Check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Niue for inspiration.

Did you know that one of the cheapest restaurants on the island is only open on a Sunday? Did you know that most of Niue’s best snorkelling spots are best at low tide? Did you know that the Niue Market is only on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning? Timing is everything in Niue, especially when you’re on a budget and want to make the most of Niue’s free and cheapest attractions. For more advice on timing, see our guide to Odd Hours & Island Time in Niue.

While staying in the island’s one resort or one of the other premium accommodations is tempting, you will make your biggest savings by choosing to stay in budget accommodation. The most common type of budget accommodation found in Niue is guesthouses, either a B&B-style of accommodation with various guest rooms and communal facilities or an entire house to yourself. Browse some of the best and cheapest accommodation options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Niue.

Sure, Niue has a small selection of amazing restaurants that we seriously recommend treating yourself to (more on that below). But you don’t have to eat out every night. In fact, there’s no excuse not to cook for yourself with the vast majority of accommodations in Niue having self-catering facilities – there are only about two accommodations that don’t! Cooking for yourself will save you a significant amount of money on food; you only need to check out What is the Cost of Food in Niue? to compare the difference between eating in and eating out.

Plus, check out 10 Ways to Save Money on Food in Niue for more food-related tips!

Speaking of food, for those meals that you decide to eat out, be savvy about where you go. There is a great range of eateries around the island that are also cheaper than eating at your resort. We compare them in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Niue. Plus, find out where you can get the best-value food in the Top Cheap Eats in Niue.

As an incentive to get more people to travel to Niue when it’s less busy, discounts are applied to the resort and sometimes even flights during the low season! The low season in Niue is from November to March where special deals are evident on platforms such as the Niue Tourism website or on Booking.com. See more reasons just why travelling in the low season is awesome in the 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Niue.

On the flip side, if you absolutely have to travel in the high season, perhaps to swim with whales or escape the New Zealand winter, then make sure you make your bookings as early as possible. For instance, all of Niue’s accommodations are boutique, with each accommodation apart from the Scenic Matavai Resort having only a handful of rooms. This means that the best-value rooms go quickly for the high season. The same applies to car rentals, where the best-value rental cars often sell out during the high season.

We have more car rental money-saving advice, so check it out in the 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in Niue.

Speaking of rentals, renting a car is highly recommended to make the most of Niue, as there is very limited transport on the island. Having access to your own vehicle is just about the only way to explore the island, its sea tracks and snorkelling spots. However, you can save money by not renting a car for your entire stay. You can plan two or three days of exploring the island in a car. For the rest of your stay, base yourself in Alofi for convenience, use the transport offered by some tour operators, hire a bike, use the airport transfer offered by your accommodation and use your own two feet to get to nearby attractions. Learn more about your transport options in our Niue Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get Around Niue.

Niue has an ultra-affordable range of budget cars, which are usually small and fit four to five people. Small cars have the lowest daily rates of NZ$50-$65 per day while premium cars are around NZ$90-$125 per day. While small cars might have smaller engines, this doesn’t impact the cost of fuel too significantly bearing in mind that driving distances are quite short in Niue. Compare the cost of rental cars in How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Niue?

Save money and the planet from even more carbon emissions by renting a bike! Fuel costs are significant in Niue, so if you are fit and able, riding around Niue on a bicycle might just enhance the adventure of exploring the island. What's more, there are some exciting bush trails to discover. Find out more about hiring a bike in The Guide to Cycling in Niue.

Most of Niue’s restaurants, tours, shops and services are in Niue’s capital, Alofi. Staying here means that you don’t have to waste money on fuel getting to Alofi (which you’ll inevitably have to do at least a few times during your stay). What’s more, some tours only offer pick-ups from Alofi, while car rental depots are also based in Alofi should you want to rent a car mid-way through your stay. In short, the convenience of staying in Alofi will save you a ton. Learn more about the town in The Guide to Alofi on a Budget.

To stop yourself from spontaneously doing all the activities you come across in Niue, be sure to plan which activities you really want to do. Browse our Things to Do section and see the typical prices in How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost?

Ok, so this will only save you a few dollars here and there, but it’s always worth checking your change! When paying with cash in Niue, check the amount of change that has been returned to you. Although the locals are lovely, they are notoriously bad at counting the right amount of change, whether it’s too much or too little.

Simply having an idea of what to expect when travelling in Niue is a good way to save money. Often, when travellers are uninformed or are caught by surprise, it involves costs to remedy the situation. By browsing Niue Pocket Guide, you won’t be caught off-guard, you’ll know what prices to expect, and you’ll discover more budgeting tips along the way!