A Quick Guide to the Electricity in Niue

What is the Electricity in Niue?

The fact that you are about to embark on a unique adventurous holiday does not mean that you have to leave your essential gadgets at home. In fact, there are a bunch of gadgets that we recommend getting for a trip to Niue. But with gadgets comes the headache of making sure they are charged and that you’ve got the right adapters for the right country…

Niue’s electrical current is 240v AC 50Hz, with power outlets being type 1. That’s the same outlet that New Zealand, Australia and China, so if you are from one of those countries, you are good to go! However, if you are from another country, you will need to equip yourself with a travel adapter for Niue, so keep reading this quick guide to the electricity in Niue for all the information you will need on the subject.

5 Great Power Adapters for Niue

Niue uses type 1 power outlets, so if you are from a type 1 country (New Zealand, Australia, China, etc.) then you will NOT need a power adapter. Find out more about each item stated in the Best Travel Adapters for Niue.

A Quick Guide to the Electricity in Niue

What is the Voltage and Frequency in Niue?

In Niue, the electric current is 230v 50Hz. This means that the electrical current is 230 volts with 50 cycles per second.

If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 220 and 240 volts, then you will be able to use your appliances and gadgets in Niue with no problem at all. This includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK and the majority of Asia and Africa.

If you are from North or South America or any country that uses a voltage between 100v and 127v (The most popular being the US 110v) then you will need to have a power converter or transformer. Many travel adapters include this function so there is no need to get yourself two items – check out the Amazon selection.

Will Your Appliance Work in Niue?

Here is a selection of the most common appliances used when travelling to Niue and a few extra tips for you:

Phone/Camera Charger: Most phone chargers have a small sticker on them specifying voltage. It should say something in the line of “Input: AC 100-240v.” Since Niue uses a 230v system, this will work. You will not need a transformer. Read the section below to see if you need a power adapter.

Laptop: The big black box on the charging cable of your laptop is its own transformer. On it, you should be able to find out information about what voltage it can handle. Check the inscription for the AC input. It if says “100-240v” then it means that it will work in Niue. Read the section below to see if you need a power adapter.

Hairdryer: Many hairdryers have a small switch that allows them to switch between 110v and 230v. This means that they are dual voltage. Make sure to flip the switch before plugging it in. If you do not have a voltage switch, then check what voltage your hairdryer can handle using the same tips as above. Read below to see if you need a power adapter.

For more things to pack for Niue, see The Complete Packing List for Niue.

What Power Adapter Do You Need?

In Niue, the power plugs and sockets are type 1. It has three flat pins with the two top ones being angled and the middle bottom one being straight. Note that in some cases, the third straight bottom pin is not present depending on the appliance.

If you are from a type 1 location, such as New Zealand and Australia, then you will not need a travel adapter to travel to Niue.

You can find the type 1 power plugs in the other following locations:

American Samoa
Argentina
Australia
China
Cook Islands
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tajikistan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu

USB: Note that USB plugs are not super popular in Niue so it is best to get yourself an adapter rather than relying on USB charging.

Does Niue Experience Power Cuts?

Although Niue does not experience regular power cuts, an electricity shortage does happen. It’s not a weekly nor a monthly occurrence by any means but it can happen as there is only one company supplying power to Niue with only a couple of engines to power the whole island. Many businesses and households generate solar power to help reduce the load on the power company but shortage may still happen.

In some cases, during the rainy season, some lines get washed out and the power is cut in small areas of the island. Again, it is a rarity and only during the wet season that runs from November to March. Check out our articles on the Seasons in Niue for more information.

If all of the above scares you, rest assured that even in the rare event of a power cut, there’s still plenty to do in Niue without relying on the national power grid. The rockpools full of colourful fish will still be all yours to explore! Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Niue.

More About Electricity in Niue and Other Travel Tips

That’s it for the guide to electricity in Niue. Get even more travel tips for Niue from The Complete Travel Guide to Niue.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page