The Guide to Planning a One-Week Trip to Niue for Foodies
Treat your tastebuds and experience the Niuean way through your senses with this ultimate guide on how to plan a one-week foodie holiday in Niue. The island in the South Pacific not only has a diverse offering of eateries but it’s a place where foodies can dive into hands-on food tours and experiences.
Start planning a gastronomical one-week trip with this guide, which includes a proposed itinerary (or two), where to stay, how to get around, what to do and where to eat.
One Week in Niue (A Relaxed Itinerary)
Below is a quick overview of a relaxed foodie itinerary for Niue. During this itinerary, you will be staying in the same accommodation. Note that there is an eighth day added to this itinerary due to the irregular flight schedule.
- Day 1 – Arrive in Niue, check-in at your accommodation and starting experiencing Niue’s restaurants
- Day 2 – Do an orientation tour of the island
- Day 3 – Visit Avatele, its beach and the Washaway Cafe
- Day 4 – Browse the Niue Market
- Day 5 – Join a uga (coconut crab) baiting and hunting tour
- Day 6 – Join a culture, nature or plantation tour
- Day 7 – Swim at the Limu Pools
- Departure day – Get prepared for departure on an iconic Niue plane day
One Week in Niue (An Active Itinerary)
Is the itinerary above not action-packed enough for you? Check out our detailed itinerary for a more active foodie holiday.
See the full itinerary: Niue Foodie Itinerary: 7 Days
Where to Stay
It’s just a short drive, or cycle ride in some cases, from pretty much anywhere in Niue. Therefore, we recommend staying in the same accommodation for the entire week for convenience. Some of the top accommodations in Niue for foodies include:
Scenic Matavai Resort – The only accommodation in Niue with an on-site restaurant and pool bar. The resort has spacious guest rooms with all the amenities expected from an international-style resort.
Stone Villas – A self-catering accommodation within walking distance of Alofi and its eateries/bars. Stays include airport transfers, WiFi, local calls, car hire and more.
Lau’s Getaway – Two two-storey villas elevated on a clifftop with a full kitchen, a dining area, a balcony with a freestanding bathtub and more. Stays include a gourmet breakfast hamper and a bottle of wine.
Namukulu Cottages – Five well-appointed self-contained cottages surrounding a central outdoor swimming pool and pizza bar. Cottages have airy open-plan kitchens and a deck with a hooded barbecue.
Head to the 10 Best Accommodation in Niue for Foodies to find out more about these accommodations.
How to Get Around
It takes 1h30mins to drive and 4-5 hours to cycle around the entire main road of Niue. Therefore, making a plan on how you’re going to get around the island is essential. Here are some of your best options:
Car rental – Renting a car is the most popular way for visitors to get around. Car rental companies offer pick-up/drop-off anywhere on the island, usually free of charge. Find out more in The Guide to Car Hire in Niue.
Bike rental – Cycling is a great way to work off the meals. However, relying on cycling to get around the entire island is a challenge. Bike and e-bike rentals are best for making shorter trips, for example, exploring the west coast or to Alofi if staying on the outskirts. See The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue for more information.
The Taxi – Niue has no public transport system. The closest thing you’ll find to public transport in Niue is the island’s one-and-only taxi, affectionately called “The Taxi”. Learn more in The Guide to Taxis in Niue.
For more details about Niue’s transport options, check out How to Get Around Niue.
What to Do
Experience a unique island culture through sensory experiences on Niue’s foodie tours and activities. You’ll find foodie things to do to suit a range of styles and budgets, including:
Orientation tour – These half-day tours take place the day after plane arrival days so first-time visitors can see the sights, get restaurant recommendations, as well as get “orientated” with the island. Tasting local snacks and refreshments is part of the experience. Check out The Best Guided Tours in Niue for more information.
Uga hunting tour – Uga (coconut crabs) have been a highly prized food source on the island for centuries. Learn about what the locals do to bait coconut crabs and catch them on a uga hunting tour. Find out more in The Best Guided Tours in Niue.
Nature/plantation tour – Niue offers several unique tours where passionate locals share their traditions and knowledge about cultivating tropical forest and plantations. There are lots of tastings included! Find out more in the 7 Best Culture Tours in Niue.
Niue Market – Mingle with the locals at this morning market with local fruit and uga for sale. See more foodie shopping experiences in The Guide to Shopping in Niue.
Start browsing the 10 Things to Do in Niue for Foodies to explore more options.
Where to Eat
Many are surprised to find a diverse offering of eateries on this secluded island in the South Pacific. While you can browse a whole heap of restaurants in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Niue, some of the highlights include:
Kaiika Restaurant – Fresh sushi prepared by a Tokyo chef, New York-style pizzas, Morrocan rotisserie chicken and premium ice creams are all on the diverse menu of this popular restaurant.
Dolphin Restaurant – Dine at the Scenic Matavai Resort‘s restaurant for impeccably presented plates on their a la carte menu or book in for one of their entertainment nights.
Washaway Cafe – Only open on Sundays at Avatele Beach, this casual cafe operates as an honesty bar where patrons write down their own order for the kitchen and serve their own drinks.
Wok on the Rock – Located on the main road in Alofi, Wok on the Rock has an ever-changing menu of Asian cuisine, even throughout the night.
More on Planning a One-Week Foodie Holiday in Niue
- Niue Foodie Itinerary: 7 Days
- The Foodie Guide to Niue
- How to Pick the Right Foodie Accommodation in Niue for You
That’s it for how to plan a one-week foodie holiday in Niue. For more foodie tips, check out the 8 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try.
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.