The Foodie Guide to Alofi [2023]

(c) niuepocketguide.com

How to Get to Alofi

Niue receives two flights a week from Auckland, New Zealand, so getting there is made simple. As for getting to Alofi, while many choose to hire a car, airport transfers are also available with certain accommodations. Find out more about transport in Alofi in the 7 Ways to Get to (& Around) Alofi.

Flights to Alofi

There is a very limited weekly schedule from Auckland to Hanan Airport, Niue’s International Airport, with Air New Zealand. Flights take approximately three hours. Flight tickets, The Works and The Works Deluxe, include meals. Learn more about the flight to Niue in How to Get to Niue.

Airport Transfers

Some accommodations offer transfers to and from the airport and your chosen accommodation. This is a good option if you are not renting a car or at least not picking up a car rental as soon as you land. Learn more about getting a transfer in our guide, Airport Transfer Options in Niue.

Car Rentals in Alofi

There are several car rental companies with depots in Alofi. With no public transport except for one taxi on the island, car rental is essential if you want to explore the island. Car rental companies also offer airport drop-off, so you can have your car available when you arrive. Note that you need to purchase a Niue Driver’s Licence from the Police Station for driving in Niue. Check out The Guide to Car Hire in Niue for more information.

(c) niuepocketguide.com

Foodie Activities in Alofi

With a quaint selection of shops and stalls selling pure local food products, such as Niuean honey and vanilla, as well as markets providing an excellent experience with the locals, Alofi can’t help but please foodies! Here are just some food-related activities to get stuck into…

Do a Vanilla Tour

Located in Alofi town, Niue Vanilla has a vanilla store selling organic vanilla products produced at the nearby plantation. Pop in to book a tour, where you’ll be transported to an organic vanilla farm with more than 7,000 vanilla vines. Get an insight into the arduous process of growing vanilla and learn why vanilla is one of the more expensive flavouring products on the market.

Browse the Niue Market

Browse the fresh tropical produce and local delicacies like uga (coconut crab) for sale at the Niue Market. Located next to the Tourism Information Centre, the Niue Market takes place Monday and Friday mornings, early to 8am, as well as Wednesdays from 6am onwards. There is also an organic market on the first Friday of the month from 5pm.

Catch Dinner on a Fishing Charter

Departing from Sir Robert’s Wharf, there are several exciting fishing charters to take you out on the water to do some trolling, jigging and popping for large pelagic fish. In fact, some restaurants rely on your catch to feed the evening’s punters if you head out with BJ Rex on Niue Fishing Charters. Other fishing charters will allow you to take some fish back to your accommodation, but it’s best to organise this with the operator before heading out on the boat. Learn more about fishing in Niue in The Best Fishing Trips from Alofi.

Get more inspiration in our 8 Foodie Experiences in Alofi, as well as what local meals to look for in the 8 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try.

(c) Niue Tourism

The Best Restaurants in Alofi

Eating out is an event in Alofi, with a surprising array of cuisines on offer. Indulge in European, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, American and Niuean dishes across Alofi’s small selection of eateries.

Cafes in Alofi

If you’re looking for a boost to your day for breakfast or somewhere to stop for lunch, enjoy the amazing views and rustic feel of the Crazy Uga Cafe. They do spectacular espresso coffee and cooked breakfasts. More views can be admired from the clifftops where the Vaiolama Cafe is located. Refreshing smoothies and sandwiches are what they do well, as well as sundowner drinks on Thursday evenings. Finally, ‘Tavana’s is the place to be for Niuean fish and chips!

Restaurants in Alofi

Especially in the high season, booking is essential for getting a spot at one of Alofi’s restaurants. They only take one booking for each table for the whole evening. With all the formalities out of the way, you can enjoy a different restaurant each night, each with its own unique differences. Kaiika Restaurant does a varied range of foods, including Japanese sushi, Moroccan rotisserie chicken and New York-style pizzas. In the high season, check out Jennas – Kafiti for its local and international dishes.

For more information and recommendations, be sure to head to The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Alofi.