26 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue

Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Trip to Niue

Niue is home to some of the most pristine landscapes and clearest oceans in the world. If you’re not already environmentally conscious, then you certainly will be after you’ve seen some of the amazing wildlife and untouched pockets of paradise that are well worth protecting. Niue certainly has a way of awakening the inner eco-warrior. Get a headstart on treating Niue and the planet with a little more care by following our tips for travelling more sustainably in Niue.

Sustainable Holiday Planning Tips

1. Travel in the Low Season to Prevent Overtourism

The low season offers a sustainable, cheaper and uncrowded travel experience in Niue. Book your trip from November to March (avoiding the Christmas holidays) to save money and help preserve Niue. Check out more benefits of travelling in the low season in our 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Niue.

31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue

2. Stay Longer to Make the Most of Your Carbon Footprint

It is no secret that your flight to Niue will have the largest carbon impact of your trip. Consider extending your stay (or waiting until you can) to make up for the heavy environmental cost of your flight. Plan a longer trip with the help of The Best Niue Itineraries for 2 Weeks.

Low-Waste Packing Tips

3. Pack Reusable Items

Reuseables, such as water bottles and tote bags, can help save dozens of plastic from going into landfills. By packing your own (and making sure you use them), you’ll help reduce the need for single-use items in your trip and keep your waste to a minimum. Learn about refilling your water bottle in Niue in Can You Drink the Water in Niue? and check out how Niue Pocket Guide donated reusable metal straws to all of the cafes, bars and restaurants on the island in How We Eliminated Plastic Straws from Niue.

25 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue

4. Use Shampoo Bars Instead of Your Accommodation’s Shampoo Bottles

Shampoo bars are both a great way to save money on haircare and reduce the amount of plastic used. Plus, this will also help you avoid the use of mini-toiletries in your accommodation that are extremely plastic-inefficient.

5. Take Your Rubbish with You

When exploring Niue, avoid littering by packing a small bag to take your rubbish with you. Know that aerosol sprays, batteries and most plastics, for example, are not properly recycled in Niue, so take them back home where you are more likely to recycle them properly (or, better yet, avoid bringing them at all).

6. Pass On or Return Brochures, Guides and Maps

Travel pamphlets and brochures are tempting to pick up and many of them are super useful. On departure, what about leaving them behind in your accommodation’s lobby, for example, so they are used a second time?

7. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Standard sunscreens are made with oxybenzone and octinoxate which are harmful to Niue’s coral. Use reef-safe sunscreen to enjoy Niue’s amazing coral reefs without damaging them. Check out our favourites in the 10 Best Eco-friendly Sunscreens for Niue.

8. Use Natural Mosquito Repellent

DEET is the main component of standard insect repellents that contaminates soil, waterways and isn’t all that great for you either. Use lemon and eucalyptus sprays, cover your arms and legs, or use one of the other 10 Best Natural Insect Repellents for Niue.

Sustainable Transportation Tips

9. Consider Other Transport Methods Instead of Renting a Car

Renting a car is the most popular way to get around Niue due to the lack of public transport, but there are more sustainable alternatives. How about renting a bike or an e-bike? Check out the 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in Niue for more options.

11. Offset the Carbon Cost of Your Flight

Pretty much every airline offers options to offset the carbon footprint of your flight. It’s only a few dollars but can do miracles! If you are after a more comprehensive carbon offsetting solution, however, look into myclimate.org or flygrn.com which offer great options.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Staying in Niue Accommodations

12. Consider Staying in a Guesthouse or Lodge

It is no secret that having more people in one accommodation creates less of an environmental impact, so what about giving a shot to a guesthouse or lodge? You’ll save money, share communal facilities with fellow travellers, and support the locals that run the guesthouses. Check out some of our top picks in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Niue and 5 Best Lodges in Niue.

13. Hang-Dry Your Towel to Save on Accommodation Laundries

Resort laundries are notoriously heavy on chemical detergent and water usage, so consider keeping your towel for a couple of days. All you’ve got to do is to hang your towel to dry instead of leaving it on the floor; the housekeeping staff will get the message.

14. Turn Off the Light, TV and A/C in Your Room

Rooms can be cooled in a matter of minutes so there’s no need to let the air-con work all day. Before heading out, do a quick check around your room and turn off all the appliances to help decrease power consumption during your stay.

15. Close Your Windows When Using the A/C (Or Don’t Use the A/C and Let the Air Flow Through)

Air-conditioning machines have to work extra hard when set in larger spaces… And there is no larger space than the Niue outdoors! Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed when cranking up the A/C in your room. It will significantly reduce your power usage.

Better yet, if you’re staying in a villa where you can open both the front and back windows (with the insect screens shut, of course), you’ll be amazed at how effective a through-draft can be to cool you down!

16. Use Your Room’s Housekeeping Sign Only When Really Needed

Luckily, Niue’s accommodations tend to only offer housekeeping once every other day, saving on Niue’s valuable resources. Even at Niue’s resort, they have a “Make My Up Room” sign, which you can use only when you need your room to be serviced.

17. Bring Your Own Soap and Travel Soapbox

Instead of using mini-toiletries in accommodations that are extremely plastic-inefficient, use your own soap (and reusable soapbox for easy travel)! Not only will it reduce waste, but it means that you can stick to your loved and trusted brand and avoid any nasty surprises.

18. If Using Resort Consumables, Take Any Leftovers with You

If you choose to use the mini-toiletries included in your resort’s room, take them with you when you leave. No matter how much of it you have used, it will be discarded by the housekeeping staff and that’d be a shame.

Ecotourism Activities in Niue

19. Choose Low-Impact Tours

Many Niue tour operators make a significant effort to offer travellers a more sustainable experience. By picking tour operators that positively impact their surroundings, you’ll turn your trip into something good for you and the planet.

20. Take in the Scenery

Simply going on a walk down a sea track and snorkelling are not just some of the most memorable experiences in Niue, but they are also the least impactful. The scenery above and below the surface is, arguably, the country’s biggest selling point so why not enjoy it without the fluff of, say, another boat tour?

21. Do Not Stand on Coral

Speaking of snorkelling and relaxing at the beach, another thing to be mindful of when looking to travel more sustainably in Niue is how you impact coral. Try not to stand on coral or break any with your flippers; it takes years to regrow. Enjoy coral from a safe distance.

22. If You See Some Litter, Pick It Up

Not all travellers and locals are mindful. If you see some litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly. This will help keep Niue safer and potentially save some curious wildlife from choking.

23. Shop Local

It’s rare, but some souvenirs found in Niue are not local and have been shipped from all over the world to be packed and transported back into your country. Pick locally made souvenirs and sustainable gifts rather than, well, plastic tatt. Check out some local gifts in the 10 Best Souvenirs & Gifts from Niue.

Sustainability Tips in Niue for Food and Eating Out

24. Do Not Be Afraid to Say “No” to Plastic in Restaurants

Many cafes and restaurants in Niue still use plastic containers, utensils and bags (but hopefully not straws if they’re using the ones that Niue Pocket Guide provided – oh yeah!) Don’t be afraid to say no to single-use plastic items you don’t need. Our team does this regularly and we never receive as much as a bad look.

25. Eat Local

When travelling, there’s no need to have the same imported treats from home. Try something local! Fresh locally sourced ingredients are better for the planet. Plus, you’ll hardly regret trying some of the local delicacies. We guarantee it! Check out some local eats in the 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try and 10 Exotic Fruits in Niue You Have to Try.

26. Try Niue’s Vegetarian or Vegan Food

Travelling is a great opportunity to try new things. You may have heard that plant-based food is easier on the planet, so why not give a shot at a vegetarian meal or two during your trip? You may discover something new and delicious. Plus, it will help reduce your impact in a multitude of ways.

More About Ecotourism and Travelling Sustainably in Niue

That’s it for our official list of tips on ways to travel more sustainably in Niue but is by no means the end of our eco-advice! Check out these other guides for the eco-conscious traveller:

And don’t forget our general Niue tips in the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue and The Complete Travel Guide to Niue.

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.

Contact Laura via our contact page