What are the Famous Places in Niue?
How can we show you famous places in a country that is not famous and prefers to keep it that way? Well, if you have discovered this hidden gem of the South Pacific and perhaps delved into some research into the island, then no doubt there are some reoccurring photos of Niue that you see again and again. Those, we’ll say, are the most famous places in Niue. Those, and some sites where historical moments in Niue took place. We’ll explain a little further in this listicle!
If the place you were looking for isn’t on this list, then perhaps you will find it on The 10 Most Iconic Sights in Niue.
1. Talava Arches
You’ll hardly find a brochure, postcard or Pinterest board for Niue without seeing the image of a large rocky arch. This is Talava Arches, one of Niue’s most famous attractions. The Talava Arches can be accessed via a sea track on the northwest coast of the island from the village of Hikutavake. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes one-way through coastal rainforest and some limestone caves until you arrive at a spectacular view of the large arch on the coast. The channel in the reef below the lookout is ideal for snorkelling. See more sea tracks like this in the 25 Best Sea Tracks in Niue.
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.
(c) Jonathan Irish - Niue Tourism2. Limu Pools (The Main Pool)
The Limu Pools is an icon of Niue. The azure waters sheltered by a rocky coast capture the real essence of what Niue is all about, making it a famous location featured many times when depicting Niue. The main pool is a large sheltered swimming area best accessed at mid to high incoming tide for those wanting to have a real splash around. Alternatively, low tide is a good time to visit the pools if swimming with young children. The pools can be accessed on the Limu Pools Sea Track on Niue’s main road in Namukulu.
Location: Signposted along the main road, Namukulu, west coast of Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Limu Pools (The Side Pool)
The photo of a small coastal archway is one many set out to find for a stunning photo op but it is, in fact, located just beside the main pools at the Limu Pools! Behind the seating area and shade sail at the Limu Pools, find a short side track with a ladder down to a side pool with that iconic coastal arch. The arch provides a fun swim-through with sea snakes. Be aware, however, of surges through this archway, especially on incoming tides. Learn more about the importance of the tides in Niue in What You Need to Know About Tide Times in Niue.
Location: Signposted along the main road, Namukulu, west coast of Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Matapa Chasm
Niue has no lack of chasms cut into its coastline. Arguably the most famous one that you see in photos of Niue is the Matapa Chasm. The beauty of the Matapa Chasm is that it’s not only easy to get to – just a seven-minute walk down a sea track starting from next to the Talava Arches, but it can be swum at any tide, which is rare for swimming spots in Niue. The best photos of the place can be taken at midday when the sun sits on top of the chasm lighting up the crystal clear waters.
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Togo Chasm
Niue’s second-most famous chasm is the Togo Chasm. This intriguing oasis you have probably seen photos of with coconut palms nestled in surrounding cliffs. The Togo Chasm is perhaps the biggest mission to get to on the island, taking a road to the more remote Huvalu Forest Conservation Area on the east coast of the island. Then you will need to take a 30-45-minute sea track through the forest then over coastal cliffs until you reach a long ladder to descend into the chasm. This is just one of several amazing places along the east coast, as explained in the 9 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
Location: Signposted along the main road in the Huvalu Forest, approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Hakupu, east coast of Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com6. Opaahi
One you can visit in Alofi, Opaahi is the site where British explorer, James Cook, attempted to land on Niue three times in 1774. However, his men were met by a band of toa (warriors) who challenged the visitors with hostility and essentially scared his men off the island! It was due to this encounter that Cook named Niue “Savage Island” and no further explorers visited the island for another 80 years. There is an interpretation panel telling the story of the site at the Opaahi Sea Track. Today, the sea track is storage for vaka (canoes) and provides some good views of Niue’s rugged coastline. Learn more about the sea track in the 9 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi.
Location: Alofi South, on the coast side of the road opposite Kaiika.
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Taue i Fupiu Fort
This historical site relates to Peniamina, the Niuean who introduced Christianity to the island. Taue i Fupiu is a traditional fort where around sixty warriors were said to have protected Peniamina while he was carrying out his Christian mission. The fort is in the village of Mutalau, accessed down a short and well-maintained bush trail. A plaque is erected in the area outlining what happened on the jagged rocks and caves surrounding it, written in both Niuean and English.
Location: Mutalau, north coast. The trail to the fort starts beside the Niue Tourism interpretation board seen alongside the village green (near signs for “A5 Tours”).
© NiuePocketGuide.com8. Avaiki Cave
What today is a popular snorkelling spot used to be an exclusive bathing pool for Niuean royalty. Avaiki Cave is where only those of the highest rank could enjoy bathing but that’s not all. The word “Avaiki” derives from “Havaiki” or “Hawaiki”, the ancestral home of the Polynesians where history tells of the canoe landing of the first Polynesians at this site. Avaiki Cave is only accessible at low tide. See more amazing sights like this in the 10 Best Caves in Niue.
Location: Signposted on the main road between Makefu and Tuapa, west coast of Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com9. Laufoli Umu Pit
On the east coast of Niue, the Laufoli Umu Pit is nestled in the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area alongside the island’s circular road. Laufoli was a legendary toa (warrior) who, upon hearing of his brother’s death, made an umu pit (a traditional ground oven) to leap into and take his own life so that his enemies could not have the honour of killing him themselves. Visitors to the site can see a distinct dip in the ground in a cordoned-off area. See more sights worth visiting on the east coast in the 7 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
Location: Tuafutu, Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, east coast.
© NiuePocketGuide.com10. Alofi
The capital of Niue, Alofi is the most famous “town” in the country – which is not really a town but two villages merged into one. It’s the home of Niue’s parliament, Fale Fono and Fale Fono II, the country’s only harbour, as well as these 10 Best Things to Do in Alofi. Learn more about the capital in The Complete Travel Guide to Alofi.
Location: Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.comMore Famous Places in Niue
That’s it for the most famous places in Niue. For more noteworthy places, check out the following guides:
- The Best Places for Photos in Niue
- 10 Most Iconic Sights in Niue
- 10 Most Breathtaking Natural Attractions in Niue
Finally, head to the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List for more amazing experiences.
