The Guide to Planning a Weekend Trip to Niue for Families
Looking for a unique escape with the kids for the long weekend? While the sprawling archipelagos of the South Pacific might not be the most practical getaway for just a weekend, a quick trip to the solo and accessible island of Niue might just be the tropical fix you need! Start planning your holiday with this guide to a family weekend in Niue.
In this family vacation plan, you’ll find a couple of proposed itineraries, as well as where to stay, how to get around, what to do and where to eat.
A Weekend in Niue (A Relaxed Itinerary)
Remember that a holiday is your opportunity to relax too, so take a look at the proposed itinerary below listing just one or two activities per day for an easygoing pace. 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 and check-in at your accommodation
- Day 2 – Swim at the Limu Pools
- Day 3 – Learn how to survive in the wild on Misa’s Nature Tour
- Departure day – Spend the morning in Alofi and play clifftop mini golf before getting prepared for departure on an exciting and unusual Niue plane day.
A Weekend in Niue (An Active Itinerary)
If the above itinerary doesn’t have enough going on for you, check out the more active family itinerary below.
See the full itinerary: Niue Family Itinerary: 3 Days
© Namukulu CottagesWhere to Stay
Choose an accommodation to suit your family’s style, including apartment complexes, holiday homes or a resort. The family accommodations in Niue include:
Scenic Matavai Resort – The one and only resort in Niue features two outdoor swimming pools, a pool bar, a restaurant and elevated decks ideal for watching whales and dolphins. Interconnecting rooms are available with all your standard international-style hotel amenities.
Scenic Matavai Apartments & Villas – A confusion for many, the Scenic Matavai Apartments and Villas are actually 1.5km (one mile) away from the Scenic Matavai Resort. Guests can still use all of the facilities of the resort, as well as the facilities provided at this oceanfront apartment complex.
Matapa Guest House – This holiday home is located by some of Niue’s top swimming spots, whale watching sites and sea tracks. It is a small yet comfortable two-bedroom house with a double bed in each bedroom. The hosts offer cultural lessons and tours.
Namukulu Cottages – Located nearby child-friendly swimming spots like the Limu Pools, Namakulu Cottages offers modern and airy one- and two-bedroom bungalows surrounding an outdoor swimming pool.
Take a look at the 10 Best Family Accommodation in Niue for more information about the above stays and others.
© NiuePocketGuide.comHow to Get Around
Admittedly, families in Niue have limited choice when it comes to transport. Here is an overview of the ways to get around Niue:
Car rental – With quiet and paved roads, renting a car is the most popular way for families to get around Niue. Car rental companies offer pick-up/drop-off anywhere on the island. Find out more in The Guide to Car Hire in Niue.
Accommodation transport – Many accommodations in Niue offer free airport transfers for guests, taking you to and from the airport. Some accommodations offer their own car rental or bicycle hire.
The Taxi – The closest thing you’ll find to public transport is the island’s one-and-only taxi, affectionately called “The Taxi”. The vehicle easily fits a family of up to six or seven. Learn more in The Guide to Taxis in Niue.
Find out more about these transport options and more in our guide to How to Get Around Niue.
© Niue TourismWhat to Do
Aside from soaking in the soothing tropical sun, Niue offers an excellent balance of relaxation and child-friendly adventures. Some of the recommended experiences for families include:
Swimming at the Limu Pools – While there’s a wide array of swimming and snorkelling spots in Niue, the Limu Pools is the most family-friendly. Learn more about them and more in the 8 Best Sea Tracks & Places to Swim in Niue for Kids.
Caving and snorkelling at the Talava Arches – A fantastic adventure for older kids, the Talava Arches Sea Track takes you to a magnificent coastal arch with limestone caves and a safe swimming channel.
Cultural activities – Two fantastic cultural activities for families include Misa’s Nature Tour and the Friday morning assembly at Niue Primary School. Additionally, there are entertainment nights and cultural presentations at the Scenic Matavai Resort throughout the week.
Whale and dolphin watching – See dolphins swimming in their pods close to shore throughout the whole year and whales between July and September/October. There are many dedicated lookouts for watching whales and dolphins, offering a child-friendly alternative to swimming tours. Check them out in the 10 Places to Spot Whales in Niue.
Check out the 10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids for more activities to add to your itinerary.
© NiuePocketGuide.comWhere to Eat and Drink
Although most accommodations in Niue have self-catering facilities, making it easy to stick to a budget, there is also plenty of family-friendly restaurants to treat yourselves to. Be sure to book a table at the following:
Vaiolama Cafe – This clifftop cafe boasts an array of fabulous cakes, fresh sandwiches, cabinet food, as well as some amazing smoothies and milkshakes. They also have an 18-hole mini golf course on-site.
Slush – Refresh with an ice-cold drink from this slushie bar in the Alofi Commercial Centre. Choose from a range of creative and colourful slushies, smoothies and frappes, or opt for one of the fridge drinks to be “slushed” for you!
Dolphin Restaurant – The restaurant of the Scenic Matavai Resort is open for guests and casual diners alike. They have kid’s options on their a la carte menu or book in for one of their buffet and entertainment evenings.
Cafe Tavana – A family go-to for affordable fish and chips. The lovely local ladies serve up amazing fresh fish, chips and salads, as well as a range of affordable burgers.
Check out more dining recommendations in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Niue. Plus, get some self-catering tips from The Guide to Food Shopping in Niue.
More on Planning a Family Weekend in Niue
- Niue Family Itinerary: 3 Days
- The Guide to Niue for Families
- How to Pick the Right Family-Friendly Accommodation in Niue for You
That’s it for how to plan a family weekend in Niue. Get even more family trip-planning advice in The Travel Guide to Niue for Families, as well as activity inspiration from the 10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids.
