Nature at Its Best on the Niue Islands

What according to you is a perfect holiday?  To most of us a perfect holiday is all about relaxing preferably on an isolated beach with crystal clear waters.  The moment will be savored if there were whales and dolphins in the water.  Generally, we look for an unforgettable experience, which we can narrate to the next few generations.  Then, we have holiday destinations which fail to provide all our requirements to a large extent.  We have places which are either very cold with freezing temperatures or areas which are very humid.

The place I’m about to provide information is an island I’m sure you must have never even thought existed in the first place.  The Niue Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, it is also known as ‘The Remote Eden.’ In short, it is the place you’ve always wanted to be in your dreams.  The place has dolphins and whales, then there are beautiful butterflies in virgin rainforests, you can also dive into crystal clear waters, get up close and personal with dolphins; the air is so pure, it’s like you are the only person on the island as no crowds surround you like other places and the best part is it is very difficult to leave the place.

The entire island is similar in size to the United States’ capital Washington DC.  To many, the island resembles the great Garden of Eden and hence the comparison to Eden, contrary to its isolation of course. The island has had several names in the past and lets’ go through some interesting facts about the history of this island nation.  It is believed the Polynesians from Samoa had settled on the island around 900 CE.  In 1774, Captain Cook christened the island as ‘Savage Island,’ and the place was known by this name for the next couple of centuries.  Later, the island regained the Niue name, which simply meant ‘Behold the coconut.’  Some other popular names for this beauty are ‘Rock of Polynesia’ and ‘The Rock.’

The island nation must be one of the smallest in the world. The country is spread over just 262 sq km and has a population of around 1500 people.   The country is in a free association with New Zealand and many of its citizens have also migrated to the Black Caps republic for better economic prospects.  Nevertheless, Niue is a tourist’s dream come true and the tourism industry offers immense growth potential for the future.

One can access the nation only via air as it is surrounded by water.   You need to fly to Auckland in New Zealand.  From Auckland you need to catch Air New Zealand’s weekly service to Niue.  Once in the island nation, there is only one major resort named Matavai Resort, which consist of 22 rooms out of which only 6 are air-conditioned.  Other smaller accommodations landmarks are Coral Gardens Motel.

Once you are out of your hotel there is a lot to explore.  I would recommend you to have the traditional Polynesian dishes like mango casserole.  You can have dinner at Alofi’s Jennas Café, however, one needs a prior reservation as she cooks only on order. For all you dive freaks, Snake Gully is the place to be.  You should also visit Ana Mahaga to view some dolphins.  You can also view Mark Cross’ metaphorical paintings at his residence in Alofi or at the Matavai Resort itself. Then there’s the Avaiki Cave and much more.

Take my word; there is a lot to explore in this tiny island.  The ideal time to visit the nation should be between May and October Agree, the facilities are grossly inadequate but the future promises a lot better for this nation.  Hence, it is recommended that one does a booking well in advance and travel to the place.  I also hope Air New Zealand increases its weekly frequency to at least tri-weekly or even daily.  In short, Niue is the place to be and I’m sure once you get back you will let us know about some new experience which we had never heard of.