Niue is a Pacific Island like no other. Known as the Rock of Polynesia, this raised coral atoll offers an unspoiled, adventure-filled escape for travellers looking for something beyond the typical tropical holiday. Here, visitors can swim with whales, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore dramatic limestone caves, and be welcomed into a vibrant local community.
With a small population of around 1,600 people and no crowds, queues, or traffic lights, Niue delivers an authentic and laid-back experience. This is a destination for those who love nature, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Who goes to Niue

Niue is best suited to active travellers who enjoy exploring the outdoors. It is not a typical “flop and drop” island getaway but instead attracts those seeking adventure, meaningful experiences, and memory-making holidays.
The destination is ideal for:
- divers and snorkellers – some of the clearest waters in the world, with visibility over 80 metres
- wildlife lovers – one of the few places where you can swim with humpback whales and dolphins
- fishing enthusiasts – world-class game fishing just 100 metres from shore
- hikers and nature lovers – spectacular sea tracks, caves, and rainforests to explore
- families – best suited for active children who love the outdoors
- couples and solo travellers – perfect for those wanting an off-the-grid escape
How to get to Niue

Niue is accessible via Air New Zealand flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Hanan International Airport (IUE) in Alofi. There are no direct flights from Australia, so travellers must fly to Auckland first.
Important flight details to note are that flights cross the international date line, meaning travellers arrive a day earlier than they depart and it is recommended to overnight in Auckland before and after the Niue flight to avoid missed connections.
Top 10 things to do in Niue




- Swim with humpback whales
Niue is one of the few places in the world where visitors can legally swim with humpback whales (July to October). - Snorkelling and diving
With no rivers or streams, Niue’s water is incredibly clear. Snorkel at Limu Pools or dive into caves and coral reefs. - Explore limestone caves and chasms
Discover spectacular formations at Avaiki Cave, Palaha Cave, and the dramatic Matapa Chasm. - Game fishing
Catch wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna in deep waters just minutes from the shore. - Hiking and sea tracks
Well-maintained trails lead to secret coves, rainforest paths, and breathtaking coastal views. - Cycling around the island
With little traffic, Niue is perfect for cycling, offering easy access to key sites. - Cultural experiences
Visit villages, join a church service, and experience Niuean hospitality at local markets and events. - Sunday island time
Sundays in Niue are a day of rest, offering a chance to slow down, enjoy a quiet beach, and experience the relaxed local lifestyle. - Try Niuean vanilla and honey
Niue’s honey is the only one allowed into New Zealand due to its disease-free status. Visitors can also taste world-renowned Niuean vanilla. - Visit the Niue Ocean Wide initiative
Learn about the island’s pioneering marine conservation efforts and how visitors can support the cause.
Best time to travel to Niue

Niue has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
- dry season (May to October) – cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and the best conditions for outdoor activities. This is also whale migration season and Niue’s busiest time
- wet season (November to April) – warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and increased rainfall, with occasional tropical storms
For the best experience, travellers should visit between July and October to witness the whale migration and enjoy peak weather conditions.
Top Tips for Niue

CURRENCY & BANKS: Niue uses the NZ dollar. It pays to have a bit of cash for any markets etc, but EFTPOS and credit cards are accepted widely. You can also get cash out from the bank, supermarket and other retailers should you need to.
DAYS TO NOTE: Sundays are a day of rest for Niue and start with church service for most. You are welcome to join any church service, and please don’t swim near village greens or churches while these are on. You’ll notice most things are closed – and you can’t even go fishing or mow your lawns on a Sunday. But there are a few eateries open, and all the sea tracks will be waiting for you to explore!
SHOPPING: Don’t expect much in the way of shopping. But Niue’s Vanilla is the best in the world, alongside the Niue Honey – the only honey you can bring back into NZ as the bees are completely pest free! (make sure you get the DAFF paperwork at Niue’s airport before you go though). There are also some wonderful arts and crafts – take the time to visit the various stores and markets, and you will find some unique pieces crafted with love.
GIFTS TO TAKE: In-season produce (such as avocados, strawberries, etc) is like gifting gold (so long as they are store-bought and declared, you are fine) and sharing these amongst your various ‘hosts’ will go down a treat!
DEPARTING NIUE: Once your time is over, keep an eye on the flight times with Air NZ. You are best to head up to the airport and check in as early as possible, but unlike anywhere else in the world, you can leave the airport after you do so! Make sure you fill up your rental car with petrol, and please return it to the airport 2 to 2 ½ prior to departure – the vehicles require full valet, grooming, and mechanical check for the new arrivals, and they need to do all this before the plane touches down.
How to book Niue

Niue is best booked through Australian wholesalers specialising in the South Pacific. If you want to deal with the operators directly, it is suggested you use the operators listed on the Niue Tourism Website, where all their contact details are listed and have been through the Niue Tourism accreditation programme. Some operators offer commission or wholesale rates, but many don’t so packaging things up and popping in a margin for you is often the best approach. Some other points to remember when booking include:
- Flights – only available via Air New Zealand, so book flights early
- Accommodation – Scenic Matavai Resort is the only resort on the island, but self-catering options such as Namukulu Cottages and Taloa Heights are popular. There are plenty of self-catering / independent properties around the island though, and many visitors prefer this style. All the accommodation options are available on the Niue Tourism website – Niue Island Accommodation – Stay in Paradise. For families, Namukulu Cottages, Scenic Matavai Apartments/Villa and Taloa Heights are self-catering and all have swimming pools (but, chances are kids will prefer the amazing sea tracks and swimming spots around the island, so a pool isn’t essential!) For large groups, you can book out entire properties, with the Scenic Matavai Apartments and Namukulu Cottages popular options. Friends and families can be together but have their own space with different units on the one property.
- Car rental – a rental car is essential, as there is no public transport. Options include Niue Rentals and other local providers which can be found here – Getting Around Niue | Local Transport Options
- Tours and activities – book in advance, especially for whale swims and fishing charters as these book out fast. You can find an array of tours and activities here – See & Do | Explore Niue
How to learn more about Niue

Travel agents can access resources through Niue Tourism, which offers training, travel updates, and an accreditation program for operators. Agents can also take advantage of self-famil opportunities when available.
The Island Guide is a great resource to pass onto your clients to help them prepare for their trip. They will get a copy of the island guide and the Island Map when they land in Niue (from the lovely Tourism team at the airport) as well as a weekly ‘what’s on’ guide… which includes the Tide Times – the only timetable they need to follow!
The best way to learn more about Niue is to go yourself! Niue Tourism has offered a Self Famil programme several times – a heavily subsidised package that gives you the chance to explore Niue when it suits you best, and perhaps with family or friends. This is always VERY popular and reaches capacity quickly, so when you see it advertised in the trade press, jump at the chance! Outside of this, contact the operators directly, and it is at their discretion if they have an agent rate/discount they can offer you. It is highly unlikely you’ll get any discounts through the peak period of July to October… blame (or thank!) the whales for making this period so popular!
Your personal Niue Specialist

Above all else, please don’t hesitate to contact Sarah Porter for any and all the help you need. If you have ‘active relaxers’ who want meaningful and memory-making holidays… catching wahoo, swimming with dolphins & whales, snorkelling & diving in gin-clear water, and being welcomed into a fun and vibrant island community – then they will love it! And remember… Niue has such a high return visitor rate, so you only need to sell Niue once, and people usually plan their next trip back as the sun sets on their last night in paradise.
Sarah was fortunate enough to call Niue home for over three years, living there with her young family. Sarah is more than just a sales rep – she is an expert on all things Niue, and she is here for you to make sure your clients have a wonderful holiday in Niue, arriving as a visitor and leaving as a friend.
You can contact Sarah at +64 21 995 226 or email sarah@niueisland.com