What are the Bike Tracks in Niue?
Quiet roads, very few uphills yet so much to explore, Niue is a cyclist’s paradise. While there is around 190km (118 miles) of deserted bush trails, i.e. 4WD tracks in the forest, to enjoy in Niue, there are five official bike trails that can be done individually or combined for a longer cycling mission. Bike trail maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre in Alofi. They outline five cycling routes, from one to five, which are also well-signposted from the roads in Niue. We’ve put together a written description of the bike trails in Niue in the guide below, should you need more guidance.
Note that cycling and walking times are approximate, estimated if going at a slow-to-steady pace without stopping.
Find out more about biking in Niue in The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue. Plus, learn about bringing your bike to Niue, as well as hiring a bike on the island in Where to Rent Bikes in Niue.
Can You Cycle Around Niue?
While there are five short bike trails to enjoy in Niue, those keen to explore the island can cycle around Niue’s main road, the island’s ring road, to travel around the island. The benefit of this would be to enjoy the sea tracks the island has to offer, such as the 10 Best Sea Tracks in Niue.
However, this journey is challenging, so much so that there is an annual cycling race to take on this journey! The main road around the island is approximately 60km, which takes about 4 hours to 5 hours to cycle if you’re going at a slow-to-steady pace without stopping. The road is paved (with many potholes, however), but the limited uphills make the journey more enjoyable. Note that the climate is hot and humid in Niue, which also can take away from the enjoyment of cycling around the island.
For more details, check out Can You Cycle Around Niue?
(c) GoogleBike Track 1 (Fuata Road)
Distance: 11.5km (7.1 miles)
Walking time: approximately 2-2h30mins
Cycling time: approximately 1 hour
A loop bike track in the southwest corner of Niue, Bike Track 1 goes through the villages of Tamakautoga and Avatele, as well as the bush road of Fuata Road.
Starting from the Scenic Matavai Resort, head south toward Avatele where you can take some time to snorkel at Avatele Beach (best low to mid tide) and check out the Washaway Cafe on a Sunday. Continue following the main road, taking the turn-off to your left signposted with “Hala Pasikala 1 / Bike Track 1”, approximately 1km (0.6 miles) before reaching Vaiea. This is where you’ll venture down a dirt road, Fuata Road, for approximately 6km (3.7 miles), passing bush and various tropical plantations.
Continue on Fuata Road all the way to Tapeu-Porritt Road, where you’ll turn left and enjoy an easy downhill all the way to Tamakautoga and back to the Scenic Matavai Resort.
(c) GoogleBike Track 2 (Keleola Bush Road)
Distance: 21km (13 miles)
Walking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Cycling time: approximately 1h30mins-2 hours
Convenient for those staying in Alofi or hiring a bike from one of the Alofi bike rental companies, Bike Track 2 showcases the Alofi coast giving access to various sea tracks, as well as the town, and delves into the interior of the island. You can start anywhere on the route.
Starting from the turn-off to Halamahaga Road in Alofi town, ride south of Halamahaga Road, perhaps stopping by the Niue Museum. Continue south past the turn-off for the hospital, then take the turn down Lalokafika Road to your left. Ride on Lalokafika Road all the way to the end then turn left onto Alofi-Hakupu Road. Follow this road north until you reach the intersection at the Niue High School where you’ll follow the Alofi-Liku Road to your right. From here, take the second bush road turn-off to your left onto Keleola Bush Road. This is the highlight of the ride, venturing down the dirt road through Niue’s rugged interior.
At the intersection for Makefu Bush Road and Namoui Bush Road, take Namoui Bush Road all the way to the end where you’ll emerge on the main road. Head south where you can stop by the Vaila Sea Track and the Togalupo Sea Track before arriving back in Alofi town.
(c) GoogleBike Track 3 (Makefu Bush Road)
Distance: 7.5km (4.7 miles)
Walking time: approximately 1h30mins
Cycling time: approximately 30 minutes
One of the more relaxed bike trails in Niue, Bike Track 3 is a short loop starting and ending in the village of Makefu (or anywhere along the trail, if you like). You can make this a longer journey by combining this track with Bike Track 2 (above) and/or Bike Track 4 (below). Highlights on the trail include the Makefu Sea Track and whale watching lookout, as well as the historic Peniamina’s Memorial Grave.
Starting in Makefu Village, take the Makefu Bush Road south into the dense forest and one of the best examples of forest on the west side of the island. You’ll ride this section of the trail for approximately 2.8km (1.7 miles) before turning right onto Namoui Bush Road. Continue on Namoui Bush Road all the way to the end where you’ll emerge on the main road. Now, follow the main road north where you’ll see Peniamina’s Memorial Grave and the Makefu Sea Track signposted from the road. You’ll shortly arrive back in Makefu where you started.
(c) GoogleBike Track 4 (Falepipi Bush Road)
Distance: 20km (12.4 miles)
Walking time: approximately 4 hours
Cycling time: approximately 1h30mins
Bike Track 4 is a favourable bike trail to do, not taking too much time, allowing you more time to explore some of the iconic coastal attractions along the way. Attractions include Hio Beach, Limu Pools, Matapa Chasm and the Talava Arches. You can start anywhere on the route.
Starting from Tuapa, start by taking the Falepipi Bush Road so you can delve straight into the action cycling Niue’s stunning inland bush. Follow the well-formed 4WD track for 10.5km (6.5 miles), with a few steady but short uphills, until you arrive at the main road. Turn left and follow the main road downhill past the village of Toi where you’ll reach an intersection to either Namukulu or Hikutavake. Keep left to stay on the bike route and head to Hikutavake where you’ll be able to take the time to take the seven-minute sea track to the Matapa Chasm for swimming and the 30-minute sea track to the Talava Arches. Note that the sea tracks are not suitable for bikes.
After spending time in Hikutavake, head south on the main road where you’ll be able to call in at the Limu Pools for a swim. Finally, continue south on the main road back to Tuapa where you’ll be able to reward yourself with food and drinks at the Hio Cafe & Bar.
(c) GoogleBike Track 5 (Vinivini Bush Road)
Distance: 13.3km (8.3 miles)
Walking time: approximately 2h30mins-3 hours
Cycling time: approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour
Last but certainly not least, Bike Track 5 is one of the best ways to experience the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area. This is Niue’s protected native forest with the Vinivini Bush Road allowing you to ride approximately 7.8km (4.8 miles) of bush road. You can start anywhere on the trail.
Starting from the village of Liku, take the Alofi-Liku Road west for approximately 3.6km (2.2 miles), then take the Vinivini Bush Road to your left. Travel down this bush road in dense forest for about 7.8km (4.8 miles) until you emerge on the main road. Here, you’ll be 250m (273 yards) north of the Hikulagi Sculpture Park, so take a short detour south on the main road to check it out. Then, take the main road north until you get back to Liku and where you started.
More About Bike Trails in Niue
That’s it for the best bike trails in Niue. Now head to the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List for more amazing experiences.
