A Guide to Accessing WiFi in Niue
The first thing you might be wondering is if there is internet in Niue. There certainly is, but don’t expect to have the choice or access to fast free internet like what is available in more developed countries. Despite claims in the media that Niue is a “WiFi Nation” and the “first country to offer free WiFi nationwide”, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops if hoping to have access to good WiFi. Nevertheless, if you just need WiFi for checking your messages and some very light browsing, then you’ll certainly get by in Niue thanks to the paid (and sometimes free) WiFi hotspots available in accommodations, the airport and more. See your internet options in this guide on how to get internet and WiFi in Niue.
5 Things You Need to Know About WiFi in Niue
Before we get started, here’s a quick overview of a few things you need to know about accessing WiFi in Niue:
- You will not have access to roaming in Niue
- For access to light browsing, we recommend booking into some accommodation with free WiFi
- For heavy internet usage, it’s worth purchasing a data plan with Telecom Niue, Niue’s only phone network and fixed internet operator
- Consider renting a MiFi to connect multiple devices to the 4G network
- Make sure you switch off WiFi after each browsing session, switch off all auto-updates and restrict background data downloads so that your device isn’t using up precious Mbs!
Finally, note that the free WiFi hotspot in Alofi only allows you access to certain websites (so don’t get too excited). Now, let’s get into the details about internet and WiFi in Niue…
© NiuePocketGuide.comWiFi at Your Accommodation
An obvious go-to for WiFi in Niue for visitors is through your accommodation. Many guesthouses, villas, holiday homes and the island’s resort offer either free or paid WiFi to guests. However, be aware that the WiFi offered in accommodations tends to be slow in some areas of the island. The satellite signal for some of Niue’s WiFi can also be impacted by bad weather.
Accommodations in Niue Offering Free WiFi
Some accommodations in Niue offer free WiFi to guests. Note, however, that this is almost always limited in some way – usually with a few Gbs to get you started or one hour per device per day, etc.
- Scenic Matavai Resort
- Scenic Matavai Apartments & Villa
- Lau’s Getaway
- Breeze
- NIC’s Bungalows
- Yolos Accommodation
- Peleni’s Guesthouse
- Kololi’s Motel (Guesthouse)
- Tuaga Lodge
Learn more about these accommodations in our 10 Accommodations in Niue with Free WiFi.
Accommodations in Niue with Modems Available
The following accommodations have modems installed so that you can purchase internet plans through Telecom Niue (see the “Niue ADSL Internet” section below for more information).
- Anaiki Motel
- Namukulu Cottages
- Stone Villas
- Damiana’s Holiday Motel
- Taloa Heights
- Taoke Fales
- Aleki Guesthouse
- Tuaga Lodge.
Learn more about these stays and many more in The 30 Best Accommodations in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comInternet and WiFi in Public Areas
While public WiFi might be available in abundance in more developed countries, this is not the case in Niue. There are no libraries or cafes offering free WiFi in Niue, so your only option requires you to pull out your credit card.
Kaniu WiFi Hotspots
Kaniu is Niue’s homegrown WiFi network offering several hotspots around the island. They offer visitor bundles for 5 Gb of data lasting up to 15 days and costing around NZ$25. Vouchers can be purchased from the Niue Vanilla Shop in Alofi.
Kaniu states: “Disclaimer: Not fibre speed. Works best for NLOS (Near Line Of Sight) to Kaniu AP (Access Point). Distance to AP and environmental factors may affect signal strength. For Visitors Only. Non-refundable.”
© NiuePocketGuide.comKaniu Access Points:
- Tamakautoga (tamakautoga)
- Avatele (Avatele AP)
- Vaiea (Vaiea AP)
- Talamaitoga (Talamai2)
- Hakupu (Kaniu-HKP)
- Liku (Liku AP)
- Lakepa (Taoke1)
- Mutalau (Uluvehi1 & Kaniu-Mutalau)
- Namukulu (Namukulu AP)
- Tuapa (Tuapa AP)
- Makefu (Makefu AP)
- Coral Gardens (Kaniu-Makapu)
- Alofi North (Alofi North & Alofi)
- Commercial Centre (IUSNCC)
- Utuko (Utuko, CCAP & Kaniu inside the vanilla shop)
- Alofi South (Alofi South)
- Amanau (Kaniu-Amanau)
- Huihui (huihui & huihui2)
- Kaimiti (Kaimiti & kaimiti2)
Kaniu also offers a free WiFi hotspot in the Alofi Commercial Centre. Note, however, that this is only to access certain websites, such as Kiwibank and Niue Webmail.
Hanan Airport Free WiFi
That’s right, Hanan Airport has a free WiFi hotspot. Although the speed isn’t exactly “fibre speed”, it works pretty well until the plane arrives. At this point, the network can get overloaded and stop working for some users. Learn more about facilities at the airport in our guide, Niue Arrival Airport: Which Airport to Fly into Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comUsing WiFi Through the Local Phone Network
Another way you can access the internet in Niue is to purchase a local SIM card and use mobile data. This provides a more consistent and reliable internet connection compared to using WiFi hotspots. Niue’s only phone and 4G network operator is Telecom Niue. SIM cards can be purchased from their office in Alofi Commercial Centre or from the Telecom Niue kiosk at Hanan Airport on plane days. SIM cards are compatible with phones on the Band 28 700 Mhz. Otherwise, you can rent a portable MiFi router accepting Telecom Niue SIM cards, which you can use as a personal WiFi hotspot.
We go through all of the prepaid phone plans and how to make sure your phone works with a local SIM card in our complete guide, The Best SIM Card in Niue for Travellers.
If you need to make a WiFi hotspot, use WiFi tethering on your phone. Check out a full phone data plan comparison in our SIM Card Comparison.
(c) niuepocketguide.comNiue ADSL Internet
For some serious internet browsing, perhaps if on a business trip or even to finish your day streaming movies, the ADSL internet (i.e. the fixed internet system) is offered by Telecom Niue.
Telecom Niue offers ADSL modem routers to rent for visitors, or you may well have one already installed in your accommodation. Once you have a modem, you can purchase one of Telecom Niue’s ADSL prepaid plans, including:
- 2 Gb 7-Day Plan for around NZ$8
- 10 Gb 30-Day Plan for around NZ$35
- 15 Gb 28-Day Plan for around NZ$40
- 20 Gb 30-Day Plan for around NZ$60
- 40 Gb 30-Day Plan for around NZ$100
- 75 Gb 30-Day Plan for around NZ$160
- 10 GB from 10 pm to 6 am 7-Day Plan for around NZ$10
- Unlimited data from 10 pm to 6 am 7-Day Plan for around NZ$30.
Note that prices are subject to change.
More About the Internet and WiFi in Niue
That’s it for how to get internet in Niue. For similar guides, take a look at the following:
- 10 Places to Get Free WiFi in Niue
- Niue Phone Network + Will Your Phone Work in Niue?
- A Quick Guide to the Electricity in Niue
Finally, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Niue and the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue for even more essential Niue advice.
