The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Niue 💑 [2023]© NiuePocketGuide.com
The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Niue 💑 [2023]

The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Niue 💑 [2024]

© NiuePocketGuide.com

Plan the Ultimate Couples Trip or Honeymoon to Niue

An out-of-the-ordinary romantic escape awaits on the island of Niue. While the “Rock of the Pacific” might not exactly evoke images of romance, don’t be fooled. This is a relaxed island with some of the most pristine waters and secluded beaches and coves in the South Pacific.

Not many people have even heard of Niue, but the world’s largest raised coral atoll provides effortless romance with its soothing tropical climate, beautiful land and seascapes, wildlife, welcoming locals and more. Honeymooners will find remote stays elevated on clifftops for incredible views or those looking to tie the knot can create a unique island wedding with the island’s one and only resort.

Let us guide you through your romantic getaway with this wedding, honeymoon and romantic getaway guide to Niue.

An Intro to Niue

Location: Niue is an island in the South Pacific Ocean, between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. It is approximately 2,400 km (1,491 mi) northeast of New Zealand. Find out more in Where is Niue Located?

Size: Niue’s area is 261 km² (101 mi²).

Climate: Daily average temperature – 25°C/77°F, yearly average rainfall – 1,95 5mm/77 in.
Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Niue?

Time zone: UTC/GMT -11
Find out more in What is the Niue Time Zone?

Population: 1,500
Find out more in Who are the People of Niue?

Languages: Niuean and English
Find out more in What is the Niue Language?

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue(c) niuepocketguide.com

How to Get to Niue

What is the best way to get to Niue? Niue can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yacht. The most popular way to get to Niue is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flights to Niue

Your honeymoon to Niue is made simple with only one airline flying to this remote island. Direct flights between Auckland, New Zealand and Niue happen on a limited weekly schedule, with Auckland Airport having hundreds of connecting flights. The flight between Auckland and Niue takes approximately 210 minutes (3 hrs 30 mins). An important thing to note is that New Zealand and Niue have a 24-hour time difference, so when you depart Auckland on a Tuesday morning, you arrive in Niue on a Monday afternoon, for example.

Flights arrive at Niue at Hanan International Airport, approximately a five-minute drive from Alofi. Find out more about the airport in Which Airport to Fly to in Niue. Note that the departure process for Hanan Airport is a little unusual in that you can’t go through airport security until at least an hour after you have checked in. See Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process for more details.

Cruises to Niue

Niue is on the itinerary of a limited number of South Pacific cruises from New Zealand, Australia and the US. Due to the rocky nature of the island, cruise passengers can only disembark at Niue if the weather and the swell are safe enough. Often visits to Niue are cancelled in bad weather. Learn more about cruising to Niue in Which Cruises Visit Niue?

Sailing to Niue

Niue has a small number of moorings available, which are recommended to be booked prior to arrival to ensure a smooth clearance process. The Niue Yacht Club provides facilities. Learn more about sailing to Niue in The Guide to Sailing to Niue.

Arrival Formalities and Customs Declarations

Niue has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Niue has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Arriving in Niue: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Niue for even more tips on making your way to the island.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

The Best Time for a Honeymoon or Romantic Getaway to Niue

Niue is a tropical island with warm temperatures experienced throughout the year. It has only two distinct seasons, the hot and humid wet season and the drier and cooler dry season. Learn more in What is the Weather Like in Niue?

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season, also called winter, is a drier and cooler season with temperatures typically around 21-27°C (70-81°F). The average monthly rainfall is 90-160 mm (3.5-6.3 in). This season is also best for whale swimming, Village Show Days and fishing for particular species like wahoo and mahimahi.

Wet Season (November to April)

The wet season, also known as summer, is Niue’s most hot and humid season with temperatures typically 22-29°C (72-84°F). Rain tends to be more frequent than in the dry season with a monthly average of 156-300 mm (6.1-11.8 in) and there is a small risk of cyclones affecting the country. This season is best for fishing particular species like yellowfin tuna.

So when is the best time to travel to Niue? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Niue, which dives deeper into the subject.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

Couples’ Packing List for Niue

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Niue is to have a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for exploring Niues’s villages. A packing list for Niue might look a little something like this:

  • 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
  • 2 Light blouses/shirts to cover the shoulders for church and sun protection
  • 2 Shorts/skirts which are not too short so you can enjoy wearing them at both your resort and when out exploring
  • 1 Light evening dress to impress at dinner
  • 1 Dress/skirt below the knee for church, spending time in villages, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
  • 1 Sarong (paleu) will be your best friend for hitting the swimming holes and covering your swimwear in between. You can bring your own or there are plenty for sale once you arrive in Niue
  • 1 Light rain jacket/small umbrella (some accommodations like Scenic Matavai Resort and Taoke Fales have umbrellas to borrow)
  • 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you’re against sleeping in your undies
  • 1 Light Cardigan/pashmina/poncho for cooler evenings
  • 1 Sports shorts/leggings for active activities
  • 1 Sports T-shirt/singlet for active activities
  • 1 Outfit to travel between Niue and home
  • 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfort
  • 6 Underwear
  • 4 Socks
  • 1 Bikini
  • 1 One-piece for watersports
  • 2 Boardshorts for guys
  • Mask and snorkel
  • Rash vest
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking shoes/sneakers
  • Reef shoes/water shoes.

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out The Complete Packing List for Niue.

Health Products

Tap water is Ok to drink at certain accommodations on the island, but not everywhere. The island also experiences high UV levels and mosquitos, so packing products for your health is recommended. Natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are advised to protect you and Niue’s fragile ecosystem. Instead of buying bottled water, use reusable purification bottles for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Niue, as well as tips for protecting the health of the environment in the 26 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue.

Local Currency

The currency of Niue is the New Zealand Dollar. Cash is the most widely accepted payment method with many outlets also accepting MasterCard, Visa and New Zealand debit cards. There is no ATM on the island, but you can take money out at selected outlets. See What is the Best Way to Pay in Niue? for more information.

Travel Documents and Paperwork

To enter Niue, you need a passport that is valid for up to three months after your arrival date. A free Visitor Permit is granted upon entry if you are from a visa-waiver country. Otherwise, an Entry Permit is required. There may be other current entry requirements, which we keep up to date in What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Niue?

Marriage Requirements and Wedding Packing List

Of course, every couple will have their own packing list to curate the ideal wedding in Niue. Nevertheless, there are quite a few essential documents to bring to legally wed in Niue:

  • Original or certified copies of birth certificates
  • Valid passports
  • A formal letter from both the bride and groom stating they have never been married before
  • Divorce documents (if applicable)
  • Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).

Check out What are the Marriage Requirements in Niue? for in-depth advice.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© Niue Tourism

How Long to Spend in Niue

Niue might make for an idyllic tropical getaway to simply relax for a few days  – and that’s fine; we all need to R&R from time to time. Most couples, however, are here to explore one of the most unique islands in the South Pacific along with its natural attractions and marine experiences. With that in mind, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes…

4 Days in Niue

The shortest time period between Niue’s two flights a week, four days gives you time to do some sightseeing on both coasts of the island, as well as one tour. See the Niue Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 4 Days for suggestions.

5 Days in Niue

For five days, you can explore both coasts of the island, as well as fit in one or two tours. Check out our Niue Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 5 Days for ideas.

7 Days / 1 Week in Niue

One week in Niue gives you time to visit all of the major highlights along the coast, as well as do some of your bucket list activities. See Niue Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 7 Days for recommended trip ideas.

14 Days / 2 Weeks in Niue

This amount of time in Niue allows you to enjoy all of Niue’s coastal attractions, fit in the activities and tours you’ve dreamed of, as well as time to relax. See the Niue Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 14 Days for itinerary suggestions.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

The Best Ways to Get Around Niue

Enjoy an independent getaway by hiring a car or rely on a mix of accommodation transfers and bike hire. See all of your options in the Niue Transport Guide: 11 Ways to Get Around Niue. Otherwise, here’s a quick overview…

Car Rental in Niue

With no public transport, many choose to rent a car at least for some of their time in Niue. Car rental companies offer airport and accommodation drop-off, as well as pick-up from their depots in Alofi and elsewhere. To drive a car in Niue, you will need to purchase a Niue Driver’s License from the Police Station. See What You Need to Hire a Car in Niue for more information.

Airport Transfers

Many accommodations featured in this guide offer complimentary airport transfers. You’ll be met by your hosts at the airport on arrival and transported to your new abode. Note that this service needs to be booked before arrival. See more airport transfers in How to Get an Airport Transfer in Niue.

Bicycle and E-Bike Hire

Some rental companies hire bicycles and e-bikes to explore part of the island and bike trails. Note that the island is generally too big to enjoy cycling around – see The Cycling Times & Distances in Niue. Find out more in The Guide to Cycling & Mountain Biking in Niue.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

Where to Stay: Couples Accommodations in Niue

Niue keeps its accommodation options small and intimate. There is only one resort on the island, while the rest of Niue’s accommodations come in the form of boutique cottage complexes, holiday homes and guesthouses.

We go through almost all of Niue’s accommodation options in The 30 Best Accommodations in Niue, while our top picks for couples are listed in the 10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations in Niue.

The Resort

By far Niue’s largest accommodation, the Scenic Matavai Resort is a four-star resort with a pool, restaurant and evening entertainment. The main resort has international hotel-standard rooms, while the Scenic Matavai Villas & Apartments offer self-catering facilities and its own pool. Note that the villas and apartments are approximately a kilometre away from the main resort. Find out more about the resort in the 10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Niue.

Cottage Complexes

Accommodations like Namukulu Cottages, Taloa Heights and Breeze offer a handful of self-contained cottages surrounding communal facilities, such as a swimming pool or whale lookout. Check out our descriptions of Niue’s cottage complexes in How to Pick the Best Boutique Accommodation in Niue, as well as the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Niue and the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Niue.

Guesthouses

An affordable accommodation option in Niue, guesthouses and lodges are typically one large home renovated into a B&B-style accommodation. Expect private guest rooms, some with ensuites, as well as shared facilities, such as a kitchen, lounge and bathroom. See what else to expect in How to Pick the Right Guesthouse in Niue for You and check out our top picks in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Niue.

Holiday Homes

Niue has plenty of holiday homes allowing you to experience your own quiet corner of the island. Holiday homes range from one bedroom to four/five bedrooms so there’s a private place to stay for most group sizes. Find out more in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Niue for You, while the top options are listed in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Niue.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue(c) Niue Tourism

Activities in Niue for Couples

Romance is found in the tranquillity, remoteness and pristine nature of Niue. Make the most of this unique raised coral atoll, as well as your special time together, by taking part in some of its romantic activities. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our 101 Best Things to Do in Niue!

Romantic Things to Do in Niue

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Niue.

Learn to Scuba Dive Together

Nothing strengthens the bond quite like learning a new skill together. When in Niue, one of the most rewarding skills you can learn is scuba diving. You have the opportunity to get a PADI qualification in Niue, which is recognised worldwide. Open Water courses are a three-day course including four open water dives in Niue’s breathtakingly clear waters teeming with marine life. Learn more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.

Find Yourself Secluded Snorkelling Spots

What makes Niue an utterly romantic destination is the fact that you find yourself alone in many of the island’s nooks and crannies. Niue’s coastline is scattered with chasms, caves, beaches, reefs and bush walks, where it’s common to have these pieces of paradise all to yourself. What’s more, many of these locations have swimming holes where the snorkelling is excellent! Hire a car and spend a day or two exploring them all with the guidance of the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Niue.

See How You’d Fare in the Wild with One of the Island’s Nature Tours

Can you imagine being marooned on an island together? Well, find out how you would survive by taking one of the fantastic nature tours in Niue. For instance, become acquainted with the Niuean forest on the Ebony Rainforest Tours where you’ll learn how traditional food and medicines are gathered, visit caves and see the rare ebony wood your host uses to carve spectacular sculptures and jewellery. Alternatively, join the Taue Uga Tour to learn about baiting and hunting coconut crabs among stunning rainforest. See The 6 Guided Tours in Niue for more information.

For more inspiration, see the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Niue, as well as our 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

Food in Niue: Where to Eat and Self-Catering

Food is an integral part of the Niuean culture. Not only does the island present a wide range of eateries, but supermarkets are well stocked with supplies for a self-catering holiday. Everything you need to know about food in Niue can be found in The Food Guide to Niue: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Restaurants and Cafes

Niue has a small but varied range of restaurants, bars and cafes with international influences including Japanese, Indian, Chinese, American, New Zealand and more. Due to limited seating at most restaurants, it’s recommended to book a table, especially in the high season. See all of the restaurants on the island in the 20 Best Restaurants in Niue.

Self-Catering

Self-catering facilities are available at almost all of Niue’s accommodations where visitors can buy groceries from the large supermarket, Swansons Supermarket, as well as from smaller grocery stores in Alofi. See The Guide to Food Shopping in Niue for more advice.

Special Diets

With tropical vegetables and coconut cream being staple ingredients in Niue, vegans and gluten-intolerant diners are usually easy to cater for at the Niue Market and Niuean buffets but you will struggle to find “creative” options on most menus. Self-catering is advised for most travellers with special diets or providing restaurants with your own staple ingredients is another option. Check out Niue for Vegans & Vegetarians + The Best Restaurants, as well as The Gluten-Free Guide to Niue for more advice.

What Food to Try

And what are the foods worth trying in Niue? With homegrown food products, from aromatic organic Niue vanilla to honey produced from some of the world’s cleanest bees, and traditional dishes, such as uga and takihi, trying the local staples is one of the best things about visiting Niue. Niuean food is best sampled at arranged umu/Niuean buffet nights, as well as occasionally at the Niue Market and Village Show Days. Find out more about what local dishes to try in the 810 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try.

Food and Water Safety

Tourist accommodations in Niue typically have access to safe drinking water, whether it’s tap water with a UV-filtration system or bottled water in your fridge. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in Niue? for more advice. Food in Niue is generally cooked to safe hygiene standards, but check out Niue Safety Tips for precautions to take.

We go into much more detail on where to eat, what to eat, self-catering and food tours in The Guide to Food in Niue.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue(c) Niue Tourism

Getting Married in Niue

A wedding in Niue is like nowhere else, with only one exclusive wedding venue on the island for eloping couples. The Matavai Conference Centre at the Scenic Matavai Resort offers a varied range of wedding packages and experiences for couples to create a dream island wedding as unique as they are.

Niue Wedding Venues

The Scenic Matavai Resort offers a range of wedding venues, from ceremonies on the resort’s deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean to inside the conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Alternatively, they can even arrange wedding ceremonies at your chosen island location, whether it’s a secluded beach or a dramatic cave. Not only does the resort offer packages, including a floral archway, local dancers, Niuean floral headpieces and garlands, food, beverage and more, but they also have irresistible accommodation, flight and special dinner-for-two deals well worth enquiring about.

Niue Wedding Formalities

In order to get married in Niue, you will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriages Form within a minimum of three working days before you intend to marry. The form can be obtained from the Niue Justice Department, which requires a formal letter from the bride and groom stating that they have never been married before, a certified copy of your birth certificates and passports, and divorce documents if applicable. The Scenic Matavai Resort offers aid with the formalities as part of their wedding service.

For more information, see How to Plan Your Wedding in Niue.

The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue© NiuePocketGuide.com

Typical Costs and Budget for a Honeymoon in Niue

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for every couple travelling to Niue is, quite frankly, an impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in our article, Niue Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

The Cost of Food

  • Main breakfast meal – NZ$9-$28
  • Main lunch meal – NZ$10-$28
  • Main dinner meal – NZ$20-$43
  • Niuean buffet – NZ$65-$80/adult
  • Small coffee – NZ$4.50-$5
  • Can of beer – NZ$4-$6
  • Bottle of beer – NZ$8-$10
  • Glass of wine – NZ$7-$12
  • Bottle of wine – NZ$25-$46
  • Cocktail – NZ$14-$18
  • Smoothie – NZ$10
  • Soft drink – NZ$4-$6
  • Drinking coconut – NZ$4-$7

Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in What is the Cost of Food in Niue?

The Cost of Activities

And there are plenty of activities to do for free, as listed in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Niue.

The Cost of Transport

And again, check out our guide, Niue Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost? for more budget tips and costs.

Spending Money for Niue

Here are a few averages for a daily budget for Niue. These include food, activities, transport and miscellaneous expenses. Each price is per person per day:

  • Budget daily budget: NZ$165
  • Mid-range daily budget: NZ$295
  • Luxury daily budget: NZ$430+

We break down the budgets further in How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Niue?

More About Weddings, Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways to Niue

That’s it for our wedding, honeymoon and romantic getaway guide to Niue. Check out our other travel guides to Niue that may coincide with your style of travel:

While you’re here, you might like more advice from The Complete Travel Guide to Niue or the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue.

Happy travels and thanks for checking out this romantic getaway and honeymoon guide to Niue!

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.

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