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 that 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 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 through 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 10 Best Sea Tracks on the West Coast of Niue.
2. Limu Pools (the Main Pools)
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 pools 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.
3. 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 seasnakes. 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 the Tide Times in Niue.
4. Matapa Chasm
Niue has no lack of chasm 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 swam 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.
5. 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 7 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
More Famous Places in Niue
- The Most Instagramable Places in Niue
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Niue
- Niue Etiquette: What are the Local Customs in Niue?
That’s it for the most famous places in Niue. Now head to the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List for more amazing experiences.
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.