The Guide to Planning a 5-Day Luxury Trip to Niue
If you have the luxury to treat yourself but only have five days to do it in, then why not set your sights on the tropical island of Niue? Niue is a small island, so it doesn’t take much to experience its ruggedly beautiful coral-formed cliffs and do once-in-a-lifetime experiences like swimming with whales. Sure, the island isn’t packed with five-star resorts, but that doesn’t make it any less of a South Pacific paradise when there are blissful island villas to choose from instead. With that, let’s plan your 5-day luxury vacation in Niue.
Whether you’re planning a vacation to mark a special occasion or “just because”, this guide will assist with a luxury itinerary (or two), as well as where to stay, how to get around, what to do and where to dine.
Note that due to Niue’s reduced flight schedule, this itinerary may not compatible with current flights – check the flight schedule in Which Airlines Fly to Niue?
5 Days in Niue (A Relaxed Itinerary)
Below is an overview of a relaxed luxury itinerary for Niue, giving you a balance of rest and adventure. Note that due to Niue’s reduced flight schedule, this itinerary may not compatible with current flights – check the flight schedule in Which Airlines Fly to Niue?
- Day 1 – Arrive in Niue, check-in at your luxury accommodation and ease the flight aches with a spa treatment or yoga session
- Day 2 – Do a guided orientation tour of the island
- Day 3 – Join a scuba diving trip or swim with whales
- Day 4 – Try your luck on a fishing charter
- Day 5 – Treat yourself to Niuean souvenirs at the Airport Market, Kauhi Krafts and more before getting prepared for departure on an iconic Niue plane day.
5 Days in Niue (An Alternative Itinerary)
If the above itinerary doesn’t fit your interests, then check out our more detailed alternative itinerary below.
See the full itinerary: Niue Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days
Where to Stay
No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to drive, cycle or taxi to just about anywhere in Niue. Therefore, choose an accommodation in Niue that simply appeals to you the most. While the island isn’t home to five-star resorts, it certainly has some high-quality stays, including:
Lau’s Getaway – Two lavish villas with attractive timber interiors and private balconies with a fitted bathtub. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine, a breakfast hamper, an espresso machine, binoculars for whale watching and more.
Scenic Matavai Resort – Niue’s only resort provides commanding views, modern well-appointed guest rooms, two outdoor pools, a pool bar and a restaurant. Different room upgrades are available, the most luxurious being the Deluxe Clifftop Rooms.
Namukulu Cottages – Five self-contained cottages with private decks and steps away from an outdoor swimming pool. You’re welcomed to the cottages with “Plane Day Pizzas”, as well as freshly-baked bread each day during your stay.
Stone Villas – Conveniently located in Alofi yet nestled away in tropical forest surroundings, these Niuean limestone-constructed villas provide a tranquil retreat. The stay includes car rental, airport transfers and a phone to make local calls for free.
Take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Niue to find out more about these accommodations.
How to Get Around
Admittedly, Niue doesn’t have the largest of transport offerings. However, the island’s quiet roads are easy to drive around or even cycle with plenty of rentals available. Choose between the following ways to get around Niue:
Car rental – Car rental is a popular way to travel the island’s 123km (76 miles) of paved roads. To add to the convenience, car rental companies offer pick-up/drop-off anywhere on the island. Find out more in The Guide to Car Hire in Niue.
The Taxi – If you’re not a fan of driving yourself, the next best option is “The Taxi”. Yes, pay attention to the “The” as there is only one. Find out more in The Guide to Taxis in Niue.
Bike rental – For those of you feeling fit and/or conscious about reducing your carbon footprint, bicycle or e-bike rental is worth considering for exploring the west coast where most attractions and tours are. See The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue for more details.
Check out our guide on How to Get Around Niue to go into more detail on each transport option.
What to Do
For such a small island, Niue offers big experiences. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, you’re sure to find an activity or tour to suit you. Some top recommendations include:
Swimming with whales – Niue is one of the rare places in the world where you can legally swim with humpback whales. Combined with water visibility that can reach 80m and you have an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Note that the whale season is between July and September/October. Learn more in The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue.
Massage – Swap the action for a range of rejuvenating massages, body scrubs and yoga sessions. Either have a massage in the privacy of your own accommodation or in a clifftop studio nestled in forest with Maulu Spa. Discover more in The Best Spas in Niue.
Scuba diving – Get more out of Niue’s crystal clear tropical waters by scuba diving through dramatic underwater chasms and caves to see astonishing marine life. Find out more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.
Fishing – Start your morning with a half-day fishing charter or head out for the whole day to try your luck in catching challenging game fish like mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and more! There’s a wide range of charters to choose from, so browse your options in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue.
For much more things to do, check out the 10 Luxury Activities in Niue.
Where to Eat and Drink
What’s an island getaway without experiencing exquisite cuisine? Be sure to make a booking for Niue’s hugely popular eateries, each with only a few tables available. Our dining recommendations include:
Kaiika Restaurant – Premium sushi platters prepared by a Tokyo chef are the main reason to call in. However, the New York-style pizzas, Morrocan rotisserie chicken and ice cream desserts make it impossible to resist a return visit.
Dolphin Restaurant – Dine at the Scenic Matavai Resort‘s restaurant for beautifully presented plates on their a la carte menu. In true resort style, they also offer entertainment evenings and cultural buffets.
Vaiolama Cafe – Perched atop a 30m cliff with its own mini golf course, this cafe offers more than just crowd-pleasing dining. Join them for Thursday drinks where Happy Hour is between 4pm and 6pm – the perfect place to watch the sunset.
All Relativf – Begin or end your evening with fresh-fruit cocktails, smoothies and more at this trendy cocktail bar in Niue’s main shopping complex.
Learn more about where to dine using The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Niue.
More on Planning a 5-Day Luxury Vacation in Niue
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.