Accessibility in Niue: Travellers with Disabilities, Wheelchair Access & More

Accessibility at Hanan International Airport

Hanan International Airport is where you’ll perhaps find the “best” facilities for disabled travellers visiting Niue. The airport and building are flat and sealed. Although there are larger bathroom stalls which might be suitable for some wheelchair users, most are not equipped with grab rails, lower sinks, etc.

As for the boarding and disembarking procedure, there are staff on-hand to assist disabled travellers from the moment you land. For any assistance required, such as wheelchair assistance while at Hanan Airport, arrange this through your airline.

While most flight passengers use stairs to get onto the tarmac, there is an ambulift for passengers in a wheelchair. The ambulift is also used for entering the plane for your departure flight, where wheelchair users and their families/friends will be the first to board the plane.

Learn more about what to expect from Niue’s airport in our guide, Niue Arrival Airport: Which Airport to Fly into Niue.

The Best Niue Accommodations with Wheelchair Access

There are very few accommodations in Niue that have wheelchair-accessible facilities. Even then, these by no means meet the same standards as, perhaps the New Zealand or Australian Accessibility Standards for buildings. Accessibility facilities are put together at the accommodation’s own discretion.

If you require specific facilities, such as rails in the bathrooms or portable ramps, for instance, or anything else, it’s best to get in touch with accommodation providers directly. For facilities such as braille, none exist as far as we know.

Scenic Matavai Resort

It’s no surprise that Niue’s one and only full-service resort is just about the only accommodation on the island with wheelchair accessibility, which is classed as “wheelchair-friendly”. The four-star Scenic Matavai Resort provides an unbeatable location to unwind with its two outdoor pools with a swim-up pool bar, all easily accessible via wheelchair, while nightly entertainment, an on-site restaurant, and magnificent ocean views are the icing on the cake.

While there are plenty of ground-floor rooms to choose from, there is only one “Ocean Room” with an accessible bathroom, so be sure to book this in advance if required.

Check Scenic Matavai Resort out:

• Scenic Matavai Resort on Booking.com
• Scenic Matavai Resort on Trip.com
• Scenic Matavai Resort on Expedia

Other Accommodations in Niue

As for the rest of Niue’s accommodations, most are small guesthouses and private villas/holiday homes which come with all the usual challenges that the everyday home brings to people with disabilities. If you can work around it, then check out The 30 Best Accommodations in Niue to see all of your options.

Some accommodations that are slightly better for those with impaired mobility (i.e. limited steps, ground level, bathrooms with showers, etc.) include:

• Mahofi Cottage
• Lolani’s Retreat
• Anaiki Motel
• The Restoration Reef
• Lalopine Rockhouse.

Accessibility at Shops, Cafes, Transport, etc.

Buildings in Niue have not been made with accessibility in mind. Although Alofi has adequate pavements, wheelchair users will have to contend with the usual pothole-riddled roads in villages. At least there’s very limited traffic. Other facilities like disability facilities in public toilets and disabled parking spots are non-existent. Although, the latter is thankfully not too much of an issue due to Niue’s small population.

Shops and Restaurants

Niue’s two largest hubs for shops, supermarkets and restaurants are the easiest places for wheelchair users to get around. Both the Alofi Commercial Centre (Alofi town centre) and Swansons Complex (near the airport) have smooth concrete surfaces which provide easy access to all of their shops, restaurants and services.

Outside of these hubs, most shops, restaurants and even the Niue Tourism Information Centre has at least one or two steps to access the building. This is where your travel companion and their assistance will be essential.

For a list of shops, take a look at The Guide to Shopping in Niue, while restaurants can be found in The Guide to Food in Niue.

The Most Accessible Restaurants in Niue

The easiest restaurants to access for those with impaired mobility include:

• Fana Cafe
• Dolphin Restaurant @ Scenic Matavai Resort
• Vanilla Cafe
• Cafe Tavana
• The Crow’s Nest

Transport for Disabled Travellers

There are limited ways to get around Niue, as outlined in Niue Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get Around Niue. For disabled travellers, the easiest option is to hire a vehicle and leave the driving up to your trusted travel companion (who will need to get a Niue Driver’s License). Larger vehicles like SUVs, peoplemovers and minivans are available should you require space for larger equipment. See The Best Car Rentals in Niue for all of your options.

10 Things to Do in Niue with a Disability (with Assistance)

Needless to say, the majority of Niue’s highlights are water activities and natural attractions that are very challenging for people with disabilities to access. Even for the attractions listed below, it is essential that you have someone who knows you well to also assist you on your holiday.

1. Watch the Sunset or Swim from Namukulu Ramp

Drive-down access all the way to a small swimming hole makes Namukulu Ramp one of the best places in Niue for wheelchair users to access the ocean. It’s best to swim here at low tide.

2. Relax and Dip Your Toes in the Water at Avatele Beach

One of the easiest beaches in Niue to at least see, even if not completely wheelchair-accessible, Avatele Beach delights with a vibrant reef and a white coral beach. There’s ramp access to the water, should you want to dip your feet. The current from the boat channel is strong, however, so swimming/snorkelling is best accessed from the beach.

3. Admire the Art at the Hikulagi Sculpture Park

The free outdoor Hikulagi Sculpture Park is well worth a visit when road-tripping on the east coast of Niue. See artwork recycled from rubbish that has washed up on the island’s coastline. The grass is cut short in the sculpture park, which makes it relatively accessible if you avoid the occasional muddy patch.

4. Spot Whales and Dolphins from the Whale Lookouts

Niue has signposted whale lookouts all over the island, most of which are well-sealed with concrete or a boardwalk and are easy to access. See whales between July and September and dolphins year-round. Check out the 10 Amazing Lookouts for Watching Whales in Niue for more information.

5. Mingle with the Locals at the Niue Market

Browse fresh produce, baked goods, Niuean snacks, handicrafts and gifts while meeting the locals at the Niue Market. See the 5 Best Markets in Niue for the best days and times to visit. Most markets take place in the market building next to the Tourist Information Centre. Wheelchair users are best to access the market from the gate on the left-hand side.

6. Enjoy a Pool Day

Sometimes, you just want to relax by the pool and you can certainly do that in Niue (note there are no pool lifts). Choose a place to stay with an outdoor swimming pool from The Accommodations in Niue with a Swimming Pool.

7. Experience Traditional Niuean Food at an Umu Night

An umu is an underground oven, which is a traditional style of cooking in Niue. Umu nights at the resort and restaurants provide the perfect opportunity to try all sorts of Niuean staples. Learn more about where to try an umu in The Guide to Food in Niue.

8. Browse the Exhibitions at Fale Tau Taoga Niue

The national museum of Niue holds an array of artefacts, such as treasures from World War One, historical woven wares and more. Access with some assistance is available from the top car park. The museum is one of the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Niue.

9. Watch the Waves Crash on Shore from the Uluvehi Sea Track

A short road signposted from Mutalau takes you all the way to the coast on the Uluvehi Sea Track. Although it may be difficult to access the two small caves for those with mobility impairments, the views from the road are still magnificent.

10. Stargaze in an International Dark Sky Nation

Niue is the world’s first Dark Sky Nation accredited by the Dark-Sky Association. This means it’s one of the best places in the world to stargaze.

Check out the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List to see if there are any other activities that are suitable.