The Biking Times and Distances in Niue That You Need to Know
Niue, indeed, is a small country. You can visit an array of attractions in a fun and eco-friendly way by hiring a bike. However, the country is still 260km2 (101mi sq) so distances can be decieving, often taking longer than anticipated. Just so you have a good idea on how long it will take to cycle in Niue, we’ve put together this guide to the cycling times and distances in Niue.
For more advice on biking in Niue, take a look at the 9 Tips for Cycling in Niue or The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue.
How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Niue?
Cycling around an entire country in less than a day is an exciting prospect, but note that this feat is still a challenge. The main ring road around the island is approximately 60km (37 miles) on pothole-riddled roads in tropical temperatures and perhaps some rain or at least a few chickens to negotiate. How long it takes to cycle around the island depends on how fast you can cycle, but to give you some indication, the approximate speed and time calculations for riding 60km are as follows:
- Speed: 12kmh (7.5mph) = 5 hours
- Speed: 15kmh (9mph) = 4 hours
- Speed: 19kmh (12mph) = 3h10mins
- Speed: 25kmh (15mph) = 2h25mins
- Speed: 27kmh (17mph) = 2h15mins
For more details on what it’s like to cycle around Niue, as well as what challenges you may face, see Can You Cycle Around Niue?
(c) M. Crawford - Niue TourismCycling Times from Alofi
With most of Niue’s cycle rentals based in Alofi, it’s quite possible that you’ll be starting your bike ride from the capital. Here are some approximate times and distances to cycle to popular villages in Niue for cycling at a steady pace (15kmh/9mph)…
Alofi to: (Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)
Makefu – 6.5km / 4m / 26min
Namukulu – 10km / 6.2m / 40min
Tamakautoga (via the top road) – 8km / 5m / 30min
Lakepa (cross-island road) – 14.5km / 9m / 55min
Liku (cross-island road) – 15km / 9.3m / 1 hour
Hanan Airport – 3.5km / 2.2m / 15min
Avatele (via the top road) – 10km / 6.2m / 40min
Note that these times are for cycling at a steady pace without stopping. As you might want to take things slowly to allow for visiting attractions or just enjoying your island holiday, feel free to double these times.
For driving times to these locations, see The Driving Times from Alofi.
(c) niuepocketguide.comCycling Times for the Rest of Niue
The road circling the whole island is precisely 64km (40 miles) where all of Niue’s villages are dotted along this road. While some villages are a short ride between each other, such as Makefu, Tuapa, Namukulu and Hikutavake, others are quite a distance. Here are some approximate times and distances for cycling at a steady pace (15kmh/9mph) between Niue’s most popular village destinations…
Cycling Times from Namukulu
Namukulu to Makefu – 2.8km / 6.2m / 10min
Namukulu to Liku – 20km / 12.4m / 50min
Namukulu to Alofi – 10km / 6.2m / 40min
Namukulu to Mutalau – 10.5km / 3.1m / 45min
Cycling Times from Liku
Liku to the Togo Chasm – 6.5km / 4m / 25min
Liku to Alofi (cross-island road) – 15km / 9.3m / 1 hour
Liku to Lakepa – 5.5km / 3.1m / 20min
Liku to Hakupu – 10km / 6.2m / 40min
Cycling Times from Avatele
Avatele to the Togo Chasm – 12km / 7.4m / 50min
Avatele to Tamakautoga – 2km / 1.2m / 8min
Avatele to Alofi (via the top road) – 10km / 6.2m / 45min
Avatele to Hakupu – 8km / 5m / 30min
Cycling Times from Tamakautoga
Tamakautoga to Hanan Airport (via the top road) – 5.8km / 3.6 / 25min
Tamakautoga to Alofi (via the top road) – 8km / 5m / 30min
Tamakautoga to Avatele – 2.9km / 1.8m / 10min
Tamakautoga to Hakupu – 10.9km / 6.7m / 45min
Note that these times are for cycling at a steady pace without stopping. As you might want to take things slowly to allow for visiting attractions or just enjoying your island holiday, feel free to double these times.
For driving times to these locations, see The Driving Times in Niue You Need to Know.
More Cycling Times and Distance in Niue
