Discover Niue

Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights between Auckland and Niue. Domestic connections are available from Air New Zealand serviced airports. The Auckland to Niue flight time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. You can choose the way you fly on all our flights to the Islands.

Where to go and what to see in Niue

There's nowhere in the Pacific quite like Niue. It has some things in common with other islands, such as coconut palms and a wonderful tropical climate, but it's made differently. The entire island is a raised coral atoll sitting on top of an ancient marine volcano. For you this means accommodation with gorgeous cliff top views and water fun in an ocean that's crystal clear, because there's no sediment to cloud it up.

Exceptional snorkelling and diving

Niue has some of the most remarkable snorkelling spots you've ever seen, including Limu Pools, Utoko Beach, Tautu Reef and Hio Beach. Matapa Chasm, near Hikutavake, is one of the best places to go in Niue for a dip. It was once a swimming pool for royalty, as was the spectacular Avaiki Cave at Makefu. You don't need a boat to access these places - just walk down a track or staircase to the ocean's edge and there they are, complete with living coral and masses of bright-coloured fish.

If you're a scuba diver, you'll rave about the visibility in Niue's waters - up to 80 metres! Along with incredible water clarity, Niue offers amazing cave and cavern diving. There are some spectacular hard coral reefs, too.

Whale watching

From July to October humpback whales live in the seas around Niue. They migrate from Antarctica each year to give birth and nurse their young. You can often see the whales from land, which means your morning coffee at a cliff's edge café could include a free whale tail slapping demonstration. If you dine on the outside terrace at the Matavai Resort, there's every chance you'll see a whale performance from your table.

There are several tour operators offering whale watching trips and the possibility of in-water whale encounters. Niue is one of the few places in the world where, if the conditions are right, you can swim with humpback whales.

Magical caves and chasms

Coral rock is limestone, and where there's limestone you'll find caves embellished with extraordinary formations. Niue's easily-accessed caves offer stalagmites and stalactites with a view of the ocean. At the Talava Arches, the waves are almost in the cave with you! You won't pay admission; Niue's caves are free to see.

Chasm adventures are another Niue specialty. These usually start with a hike through the forest and finish with a long ladder or staircase down a cleft in the rock. At the bottom you could find a lost world or a magical pool - each chasm is unique and the photography opportunities are epic.

Bike trails

For leisurely riding, there are bikes for hire locally. The road system that circles and crosses the island is bike-friendly, because cars travel slowly. There's also an extensive network of off-road tracks through the forest, which will take you to places cars can't reach. The highest point of the island is just 68 metres above sea level, so hills aren't a big deal.

Off-shore fishing

Fishing magazines call Niue the 'fisherman's secret paradise', because you can get to deep water very quickly. In that deep water there are marlin, tuna, mahimahi, sailfish, wahoo and giant trevally (known as GTs in the fishing world).

There are several local fishing operators ready to zoom you out for an exciting day on the ocean. Local charter policy prevails that the catch stays with the boat, however you can usually claim a piece of the catch for your dinner.

Local culture, food and accommodation

When you're driving around on Niue, everyone waves. It's that sort of island. The locals are super-friendly and helpful - they genuinely want you to have an amazing holiday. This level of care is noticeable in the tidy presentation of the accommodation, which ranges from a resort hotel to backpacker hostels and a multitude of private holiday cottages.

The best restaurants in Niue have a seafood and tropical fruit focus, as you'd expect, but they also feature quality ingredients imported from New Zealand. Be sure to try ota, Pacific fish marinated in lime, coconut cream, chilli and fresh herbs.