Niue

Niue sits in pristine clear water atop an undersea mountain dropping off steeply to hundreds of metres close to the shore. There are no rivers or streams and rainwater filters through the coral structure of the island, entering the ocean crystal clear and devoid of any silt run-off. As Niue has no barrier reef or lagoon, diving here is in the open ocean – usually with visibility around 40 metres. In the calmer dry season during April – November, it’s common to see visibility greater than 50m.

Cave pools in Niue

In Niue you can dive over canyons, through crystal clear caverns filled with painted crays, and along steep drop-offs looking into “The Abyss”. You can dive coral ridges with turtles, or swim down a chimney through the limestone reef. Visit Snake Gully where you can find the placid Niuean Sea Krait, or Bubble Cave where they lay their eggs. Experienced divers can swim right through the island and surface in a stalactite chamber where huge coconut crabs can often be found.

Buccaneer Adventures Niue runs daily dive trips except on Sundays, the national day of rest. They also offer whale watching trips during July to October and you can swim with them or watch from the boat if you prefer. Snorkelling trips are offered all year round, and when possible they will put you in the water with the island’s resident spinner dolphins.

There is plenty to do on Niue, so it’s worth hiring a car or a bike and setting out to explore. There are lots of walking tracks, fishing opportunities, dry caving, golf and even a vanilla plantation tour. Non divers will find plenty of activities to keep themselves entertained.

Accommodation often books out during the whale watching season (July-October) so it’s important to book early if you want to travel during this time. It’s a good idea to think about hiring a car if you’re staying anywhere other than Matavai Resort, as you will need to make your own way to the dive shop each day. It’s not very expensive and there is so much to see on the island.

Matavai Resort

Matavai Resort

This magnificent Resort is located on a clifftop with a breathtaking 180 degree view of the blue Pacific. It is only 10 minutes from all major facilities and services on Niue, and only a short walk to the Buccaneer Adventure Niue Dive centre.

The property underwent a six million dollar refurbishment in 2012. Every room has air conditioning, private facilities, free wifi internet and its own balcony.

The resort has a large landscaped swimming pool and a smaller pool, and a track to the reef & snorkel pools down at the sea. The restaurant features both Niuean and European cuisine, and there are two bars with live entertainment.

Namakulu Cottages & Spa

Namakulu Cottages & Spa

Namakulu is 10km north of Alofi, in a hideaway surrounded by tropical vegetation. There are three 1-bedroom and a 2-bedroom unit, each with private bathroom, full cooking facilities, free wifi internet and balconies with magnificent sea views. The resort has a freshwater swimming pool and you can borrow golf clubs and mountain bikes. There is even a day spa onsite so you can spoil yourself. A spectacular lookout provides an ideal spot to watch the humpback whales between July and October.

Please note that children under 10 years are not permitted at Namakulu Cottages.

Matavai Motel

View from Matavai Motel

This property is set amid beautiful gardens and palm trees that gently sway in the warm tropical breeze. All accommodation has been carefully situated to offer prime ocean views and depending upon the season you can see pods of Spinner Dolphins, resident turtles and Humpback Whales cruise right past your door.