Tokelau Islands

Tokelau is tiny coral island about 500km north of Samoa which remains a dependent territory of New Zealand. There is no airport so the only way to get there is on the monthly cargo boat from Samoa, a journey that takes over 2 days and nights.
This tiny collection of three coral atolls is the true south seas of old. Tourists seldom visit the islands as the only way of getting there is by cargo boat from Samoa. Those that make the arduous journey will find nothing much to do except chill out with the locals. The atolls themselves are tiny - none rise above 5 metres and are less than 200 metres wide. Travel between the atolls is by local catamaran which sometimes departs fortnightly. Life is very traditional with strict Christian beliefs and all village affairs are dictated by the chiefs and elders. Food and water are scarce. Visas must be obtained from the Office for Tokelau Affairs in Apia, Samoa tel: (685) 20822; fax (685) 21761. Accommodation and a return ticket to Samoa must be pre-booked and it is customary to contact the village spokesman before you arrive asking permission and advising your intentions for travel. Camping is prohibited.