Destination Niue - Behold the coconut

Some like to say the name "Niue" means ‘behold the coconut’, which is wonderfully whimsical, although it probably just means ‘coconut’.

September 26, 2023
Photograph provided by Fish of the Day.
Photograph provided by Fish of the Day.
Photographer:

Either way, you don’t go to Niue to behold the coconut, you go there to behold the reef, or the whales, or fish, or do some tramping or cave exploration.

On land

For that friend or family member who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, Niue is the spot. Cycle tracks surround the island and there are a plethora of walking tracks. From the stunning Talava Arches (a slightly more challenging walk) to the historical site of Opaahi (where Captain Cook made his second ill-fated attempt to land on the island) to the challenge of Ulupaka Cave’s depth and limestone formations.
According to some European cave experts, Niue possesses the most spectacular and extensive cave system in the entire South Pacific. Niue’s coastline is punctuated by literally hundreds of magnificent caves and chasms. All are unique and some, where the sea no longer invades, are used for the storage of canoes, while others have been used as ancient burial places or homes in the past. Many are still being formed, with stalagmites and stalactites in all stages of formation. Many can be explored self- guided, but for those that dare the more challenging and impressive caves, tours the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre.

At sea

Everyone knows that Niue is the spot if you want to watch the humpback whale migrations and witness the beauty of these mammals frolicking in the warm tropical waters between July and October.
Fishing and spearfishing are also one of the main attractions in Niue – from marlin to wahoo, tuna to mahimahi and giant trevally, there’s fish for everyone’s preference.

Divers can explore caverns, caves and chasms that provide sanctuary to a huge variety of marine life. Niue’s pristine hard coral reefs are home to several endemic species. Niue’s greatest feature is its incredibly crystal clear water unlike anywhere else in the world due to its natural limestone filtration, with visibility that can reach up to 100 metres and rarely falls below 30 metres. Mix all this with a wide variety of friendly marine life and you have a dive destination that you will want to explore time and time again.

Information for divers visiting Niue

Location: North-east of New Zealand Seasons: Dry is May–November; rest is wetTemperature: avg. 20–30°C July/January Water temperature: 25–30°C July/January Language: Niuean, English
Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Air New Zealand services Niue with weekly flights from Auckland, New Zealand, which increases to two services per week in the peak season of April – October.

Niue Blue
Ph. (+683) 4311
Email.  dive@niueblue.com
Web.  www.niueblue.com
PADI training, Scuba Diving, Whale tours, Snorkel tours and Dolphin swimming.

Visit Niue Tourism for information:
www.niueisland.com

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