Places to Visit in Niue
Whenever we are planning a trip to another country, we want to know what are the best towns or places to visit. In Niue, the island is so small that it only has 14 villages, one of which is the country’s capital, Alofi. However, Niue’s accommodations and attractions are scattered across these villages, where it’s only a short drive between them all. However, perhaps if you want to know where to base yourself and what there is to do very close by, then this guide to the best villages in Niue should give you a hand.
The Best Villages in Niue for…
- Caves: Makefu and Lakepa
- Snorkelling: Hikutavake, Tuapa, Makefu and Avatele
- Scuba diving: Alofi and Tamakautoga
- Fishing: Alofi
- Beaches: Tamakautoga, Avatele and Tuapa
- Walks: Hikutavake, Liku and Hakupu
- Chasms: Hikutavake, Hakupu and Liku
- Nature Tours: Alofi, Mutalau, Avatele and Hakupu
- Shopping: Alofi
- Resorts: Tamakautoga
- History: Alofi, Makefu, Mutalau and Liku
- Whale watching: Tamakautoga, Makefu, Hikutavake, Alofi
- Eating out: Alofi and Tuapa
(c) niuepocketguide.comAlofi
Alofi is the capital of Niue and the only town on the island. Located just a five-minute drive from Hanan Airport, it is one of the easiest places to get to in Niue.
The town is not just a place to enjoy its convenient shops and services. Alofi is also where you will find most of the island’s cafes and restaurants, as well as tours such as fishing charters and Misa’s Nature Tour. Car rental depots are also based in Alofi.
Alofi has a few sea tracks, reef walks and swimming spots within its boundaries, including Utuko Reef and Vaila Cave. See the 6 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi for more information.
Visitors will find a good range of accommodation in and around the town, ranging from budget guesthouses to more luxurious villas. See Where to Stay in Alofi for listings.
Find out more about Niue’s capital in The Complete Guide to Alofi.
(c) niuepocketguide.comTamakautoga
A village neighbouring Alofi on the southeastern shores of Niue, Tamakautoga has plenty of accommodation, activities and sea tracks for travellers to make the most of.
Tamakautoga is home to Niue’s only full-service resort, the Scenic Matavai Resort, which has a restaurant open for all, as well as a packed schedule of entertainment evenings. There are also holiday homes and guest bungalows in the area for visitors, such as NIC’s Bungalows and Lanutahi Fales.
The village is also the base of Niue Blue, a scuba diving operation with additional tours such as whale watching and swimming.
A natural highlight of the village is Tamakautoga Beach.
(c) niuepocketguide.comNamukulu
Located on the northeastern shores of Niue, Namukulu has proximity to many of Niue’s top sea tracks, as well as offers tourist accommodation.
The highlight of the village for many is the Limu Pools, a safe swimming spot with excellent snorkelling. You’re also not too far from the neighbouring village of Tuapa with Hio Beach and the Hio Cafe, as well as from Hikutavake with the Matapa Chasm and Talava Arches.
Accommodations here include the Kaliki Lodge holiday home, the Clifftop Fale with its own sea track access, and Namukulu Cottages with a swimming pool and bike tours.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMakefu
A little further south from Namukulu is the village of Makefu, offering a few of the island’s natural highlights, such as Avaiki Cave and Palaha Cave. The Makefu Sea Track is also in the area, offering a good spot for whale and dolphin watching.
A couple of the island’s bike trails along the bush roads are also accessible in the area.
There are a few accommodations, including the budget Turtle Lodge, the Anaiki Motel perched on the clifftops above Avaiki Cave, and Lolani’s Retreat.
(c) niuepocketguide.comHikutavake
Sitting at the top east side of the island, Hikutavake is at least a popular village in Niue for visitors, even if there are not many options for staying there.
The large grassy parking area offers access to a range of attractions, including the snorkelling hotspot Matapa Chasm, the sea track to the amazing Talava Arches, as well as the whale watching lookout. The Hikutavake Sea Track also leads down to some rockpools, which have some pools for swimming either 30 minutes before or after low tide.
The option to stay in Hikutavake is at the Matapa Guest House, holiday home-style accommodation.
(c) Niue TourismAvatele
Neighbouring Tamakautoga on the southeast corner of Niue, Avatele has a decent range of accommodations and things to do.
Highlights of the village include Avatele Beach, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also where Niue Blue does its SUP lessons and launches its dive boat, as well as where Taue Vaka Tours does its vaka (canoe) tours. At the beach is also the Washaway Cafe, which is an honesty bar open on a Sunday. Taue Uga Tours for uga hunting also start in Avatele. A small craft shop, Kauhi Krafts, is just outside of Avatele in Pofitu and is also worth checking out. Check out the 10 Things to Do in Avatele for more information.
You have a few options when it comes to accommodation in Avatele, including Lau’s Getaway which are two luxury villas, the clifftop cottages of Breeze, the budget Damiana’s Motel, something-for-everyone Aleki’s Guesthouse and holiday home Yolos Accommodation. See the 10 Best Accommodation in Avatele C049 for more information.
More About Villages to Visit in Niue
