Niue

Niue sits atop an undersea mountain with pristine clear water hundreds of metres deep just metres from shore. There are no rivers or streams, rainwater filters through the coral structure of the Island, entering the ocean crystal clear and devoid of any silt run-off. Dives are into the open Pacific Ocean as Niue has no fringing reef or lagoon. These two factors mean that we seldom experience dives with underwater visibility less than 30 metres. Regularly we have 50 metres or more, especially during the calmer dry season, April - November. Water temperature is around 29C in January and 25C in August. 

Within 100 metres from shore dive over canyons, through caves or visit drop-offs. A short coastal trip in our custom built inflatable takes you below the Coral Gardens Motel at ‘Namoui’. Here you dive over pristine coral ridges where we regularly encountering numerous turtles. A trip in the opposite direction takes you to the ‘Chimney’ where 5 metres below the surface you drop vertically 23 metres down a shaft then side exit through a large cavern to the open sea. All this within metres of land.

Avatele dives are a photographers dream both above and below water. We depart from a beautiful small lagoon used by locals to swim and launch their fishing canoes or ‘vaka’. Dive sites are close to traditional fishing grounds and in sight of The Matavai Resort with it’s sweeping views of the bay. Along with clear water, coral gardens and an abundance of colourful reef fish and frequent sightings of the timid Niuean sea snake, you may encounter pelagics, reef sharks or maori wrasse. If caverns are your interest then try our dive below Namukulu Motels, two enormous joined caverns you could park several buses in. From Alofi we swim out 100 metres and descend to a coral outcrop at 40 metres here we look over the edge of Niues undersea mountain, of course its called "The Abyss".

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CLIMATE:  Niue lies in the zone of the southeast trades. Av temp from Dec - Mar is 27 degrees Celsius, April through to Nov has an average temp of 24 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally pleasant all year round.

CURRENCY: The New Zealand dollar is legal tender. Depending on exchange rates you will get approx $1.20nzd for every $1aud.

DRESS: Wearing swimwear in villages and town is not accepted other than at the swimming area. Pareaus (sarongs) are often worn around swimwear in public. In general, tropical attire is recommended to suit the weather. Light weight cotton casual wear is most suitable, with warmer wear for the evenings during the June/July period.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Australian passport holders require 6 months minimum validity on their passport. Visa's are not required for tourists staying less than 30 days.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: We recommend you seek the advice of your local doctor when planning your trip. Water is safe to drink, and bottled water is also available on the island.

LANGUAGE: Niueans are bi-lingual, speaking both Niuean and English

ELECTRICITY: is 240 volts

DEPARTURE TAX: Australian Departure Tax ($38.00) and Sydney Noise Levy ($3.40 for flights ex Sydney) must be prepaid and shown on your airline ticket