What to Do on Departure Day in Niue
We admit it, plane days are kind of weird in Niue. Airport check-in opens as early as 9 am for the afternoon flight and there’s a whole hour to wait between when check-in closes and airport security opens. Ok, so the Hanan Airport has limited staff, so this is just the way they can make it work. However, at least you can check in your bags early enough to allow you time to have one last hurrah in Niue before getting your flight. We go over some short things to do on your last day in Niue that are close enough to the airport so you can arrive back in time for your flight.
Departure Day Process Overview
- 9 am – Airport check-in opens
- 9.30 am to 12:15 pm – Do some fun stuff as suggested in the guide below
- 12:30 pm – Proceed to Departure Lounge
- 1:45 or 2:45 pm – Flights depart.
Check out the complete process for departing Niue in Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process.
© NiuePocketGuide.comThings to Do in Alofi
Alofi is just a five-minute drive from Hanan International Airport, so you’re not too far from the airport in case you find yourself getting carried away with activities. And activities are aplenty, where Alofi has a range of ways to keep you busy for a couple of hours on plane day.
1. Get Some Brunch
If there is an Alofi cafe that you’ve missed by this point? Now’s your chance to grab a refreshing smoothie from the Vaiolama Cafe, an indulgent hot breakfast from the Crazy Uga Cafe or get some fish and chips from Cafe Tavana. Check out your cafe options in the 10 Best Cafes in Niue.
2. Explore the Alofi Sea Tracks
Trust us, even if you think you’ve done all of the Alofi sea tracks, there’s probably one you’ve missed! Now’s your last chance to admire some of that spectacular Niue scenery, perhaps down the Opaahi Sea Track, the Amanau Sea Track or at Utuko Reef? Check out the 9 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi for ideas.
3. Do Some Souvenir Shopping
Get something to remember your Niue getaway by or pick up some gifts for friends and family back home by browsing the stores in Alofi. Alofi has an excellent range of gift stores, especially in the Commercial Centre, so have a potter around and see what you can find. See the 10 Amazing Niue Souvenirs & Gifts for inspiration, as well as The Guide to Shopping in Niue + The Best Places to Shop.
4. Go to the Museum
Finally, it’s worth checking out the Fale Tau Taoga (Niue National Museum), which you only need about 30 minutes. Browse historic relics and admire the woven artwork on display. However, this can only be enjoyed before the Monday flight because the museum is not open on Fridays…
And if none of those activities appeals, then check out the 10 Things to Do in Alofi for more ideas.
(c) niuepocketguide.comThings to Do at the Resort
If you’re staying at the Scenic Matavai Resort and don’t have a rental vehicle, don’t fret. The resort puts on a shuttle for the airport check-in at around 9:30 am then returns to the resort. You can then catch another shuttle at 12:30 pm to the Hanan Airport for departure. In between shuttles, there are a few things you could be doing at the resort.
5. Hang by the Pool
If you haven’t packed your swimwear in your check-in luggage, then you can enjoy one last swim in the pool. The Pool Bar will be open to enjoy snacks and a cheeky cocktail while watching the stunning ocean below the pool deck. See if you can spot any spinner dolphins or whales.
6. Get an Early Lunch
The lunch menu at the resort’s Dolphin Restaurant begins at 11 am, giving you time to have an early lunch before catching your flight. Trust us, it’ll be better (and cheaper) than what they’re serving on the plane.
© NiuePocketGuide.comWhat’s Open for Lunch?
Speaking of lunch, there’s more than the Alofi town centre offerings and resort to grab yourself a refreshing smoothie or a bite to eat. Did you know Fana Cafe is just across the road from the airport and they do “Fana Big Macs” on Fridays?! Alternatively, you have plenty of more options that we list below.
7. Grab a Coffee, Smoothie or a Bite to Eat
Restaurants (usually) open for lunch on plane days include:
- Fana Cafe, Swanson Complex
- Kaiika, Alofi
- Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi
- Vaiolama Cafe, Alofi
- Tavana Cafe, Alofi
- Vanilla Cafe, Alofi
- Dolphin Restaurant, Scenic Matavai Resort in Tamakautoga
For more information on these eateries, see the 20 Best Restaurants in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comThings to Do at the Airport
If you check-in your luggage later in the morning and don’t have time to go anywhere, then you might as well stay at the airport. Luckily, there is a market going on to keep you busy, as well as a few logistics you might need to handle.
8. Browse the Airport Market
On plane days, a small market is set up by the airport, selling a few souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as hot food and snacks. Have a bit of a browse and see if you can pick up some souvenirs for home. For more details, head to the 5 Best Markets in Niue.
9. Get a Quarantine Certificate
If you’ve bought any locally-made products, then it’s a good idea to get them checked at the Quarantine Office at Hanan Airport. They will be able to inform you whether it is necessary to buy a quarantine certificate in order to take the products back to New Zealand. Find out more about these certificates in our guide on How to Get a Quarantine & Phytosanitary Certificate in Niue.
10. Complete the Departure Card
Finally, you will need to complete a Niue Departure Card before passing through airport security. This is just a short form to fill. Find out more information about it in The Niue Passenger Departure Card.
More About Your Last Day in Niue
That’s it for our list of the best things to do on your last day in Niue. For more ideas, as well as what to do on departure day, take a look at these:
- Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process
- Niue Airport: Your Transfer Options
- Which Airlines Fly to Niue?
Finally, if there are any tips we’ve missed, you’re likely to find them in the Niue Travel Tips: 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue.
