Niue Island

In early January 2005, Niue Island was hit by the devastating Hurrican Heta. Substantial damage was caused much of the topurism industry suffered. However, rebuilding has been swift and several new hotels have been completed.

Niue Island, the "rock" island, lies about 600km to the east of Tonga in the south west Pacific about half way between New Zealand and French Polynesia. There are few beaches on the island, but travellers to this remote island will find an easy going and extremely friendly Polynesian society.
Isolated Niue is a raised atoll or makatae, similar to the islands of Atiu and Mangaia in the Cook Islands and is about 100 sq. miles in size. It is quite flat making it an excellent place to explore by bicycle and tropical forests dominate in the east of the island where bird life is rich.

The capital town is Alofi, located on a peninsula on the west of the island with about 2000 inhabitants, being half the population. The coastline around the island is extremely rocky, with limestone caves making for good snorkelling offshore. Scuba diving off the reef is exceptional, the highlight being the impressive gorgonian fans. Tourism is very low key and the traditional Polynesian lifestyle of farming and fishing is strong. Getting there is expensive due to its isolation from commercial travel routes. Taxis are available at the airport, about 3km south of Alofi Town and cost about NZ$10 although most hotels will meet and greet. Public transport is non-existent around the 60-km paved coastal highway but car hire (NZ$50 per day), mopeds (NZ$20 per day) and bicycles (NZ$8 per day) are readily available. Infrequent cargo boats also visit the island from Tonga.