Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have led to it being separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to about 2,100 in 2002) with substantial emigration to New Zealand, 2,400 km to the southwest. It is self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974, with Niue fully responsible for domestic affairs, and New Zealand asked to retain responsibility for foreign affairs and defense.
The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and a financial services industry.
The word "Niue" is not used in the local language to refer to this island, meaning in fact "Look! There's a coconut". Captain Cook called it "Savage Island", thinking (incorrectly) that the natives who came to greet them were painted in blood.
Niue's timezone is GMT-11 mainland New Zealand is GMT+13 in daylight saving time. So Niue is ''one day later'' than the mainland.
Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds.
Steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau.
The easiest way to arrive in Niue ({{IATA|IUE}}) is by plane from Auckland. Be careful not to schedule your flights around religious holidays such as Easter, as seats are often at a premium since many Niueans return home at these times.
Air New Zealand [http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz] is the only airline to fly into Niue using scheduled services with only one flight a week. Huge crowds gather at the airport to meet every flight. Everyone (including New Zealanders) must have a return ticket. There is a $30 departure tax upon leaving (not included in price of plane ticket)
Hanan International Airport is about 2 km southeast of Alofi. Taxis meet the flight and many accommodation options include free transfers. If you don't have accommodation booked, just about anyone will give you a lift
There are no ferries from foreign ports. Outside of the cyclone season you can sail your own yacht to Niue. If you flew in during sailing season it's a good place to hitch on yachts off the Rock
Hire a vehicle or bicycle on arrival at one of several rental shops (e.g. Alofi Rentals) There is no public transport system. Getting around the island by car takes approximately 40 minutes. A Niue drivers license is required and can be obtained from the Police department for $10 when you present your home license. There are three petrol stations on Niue; all are in or near Alofi
Hitchhiking is very easy on Niue; almost anyone will pick you up. Don't hitch on top of cars like I did, but riding in the back of utes is OK, but be careful not to get an eye poked out by a palm leaf as you pass by.
Alofi and all the other villages are small enough to walk around. Cycling around the island takes around three hours.
Niue is dotted with many caves and limestone arches
Dolphins and whales can be seen off the coast
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At low tide, the coastline around here is full of tiny little private 'beaches', little sandy coves varying from 5 to 15 metres long! Lie down and sunbathe, or explore the numerous reef pools. Do be careful to leave well before the tide returns over the outer sea wall, and do take water and shoes. </see>
Kayaking, fishing, diving (Niue Dive offers PADI certified dives), golf, cycling, etc. Niue is different to all the other Pacific islands in the sense that there are no beaches. Go spelunking in one of the many caves around the island.
Play touch rugby with the locals at Alofi High School
Snorkelling is best at Limu Pools and Matapa Chasm
English (often with a distinctive New Zealand accent) is widely spoken. The local Niuean language is increasingly falling out of favour but you'll win the hearts of many locals by learning a few Niuean words
Few souvenirs are available. Postcards are available at the post office and there are two souvenir shops in Alofi. There is also an art gallery at the Niue Commercial Centre. Niuean weaving is among the finest in the Pacific and make great souvenirs.
Cash is essential just about everywhere! No businesses accept EFTPOS and a very small handful of upmarket hotels and Niue Dive accept credit cards. You can get a cash advance on a '''Visa card only''' at Bank South Pacific for a $10 fee + 3.5% commission.
Even though some places accept credit cards '''the system is often down'''. If you run out of money '''you will be stuck'''
There is a Western Union transfer service at Bank South Pacific.
Frosty Boy serves great vanilla bean shakes and ice cream. Run by the fabulous Brian and Ira Merrifield
Visitors can purchase up to three bottles of duty-free wine and spirits within four days after arrival from the Customs and Bond Store behind the shopping centre. It is only open until noon on weekdays. Bring your boarding pass.
For the really adventurous, try Noni juice at the Vaiau Farm. Anything that tastes that bad has to be ''really'' good for you!
Most places to stay are in or near Alofi, and there are one or two options going toward Avatele. Accommodation is nonexistent on the eastern side of the island unless you have friends or are fortunate enough for a local to invite you in. Camping is permitted as long as you're not on private land but is strongly not recommended due to mosquitoes and, like in many Pacific islands, locals can take it like you're rejecting their hospitality
There are no universities and there is only one high school
Niue is a very safe island. The only jail is located next to the only golf course and is considered an open prison. Crime is extremely minimal if not nonexistent
Wear a helmet whilst cycling because an accident would be catastrophic and the nearest major medical facilities are in New Zealand and Australia. The only hospital is little more than a general practitioner's office, and combined with the fact that there is only one flight a week this is NOT a good place to have an accident or major illness. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Seatbelts in vehicles aren't obligatory but it's advisable to wear one anyway
Some of the caves, especially Vaikona, it is strongly advised to go with a guide unless you're experienced because people have been lost and injured in some of the island's caves
Reef shoes are strongly recommended if snorkelling because coral cuts can easily become infected. If you cut youself rinse the cut straight away with generous amounts of soap and water.
Swimming gear is OK in swimming areas but not in villages. Don't swim nude or topless, and don't swim where locals are fishing during the spawning season. Wave to everyone when they pass by
Niueans are among the friendliest people in the world. If they're able to help you, ''they will''. Refusing an offer of dinner or a cuppa can be considered offensive
Visitors pay a one off fee of NZ$25 to RockET who register their computer MAC address onto a single wireless base station of their choice. Connection speed seems poor and is a frustrating experience if previously used to broadband. If you don't have your own laptop there is an internet cafe next to the bakery at NZ$12 an hour. Some accommodation options offer internet access.
Skype doesn't work anywhere and there are no phone cards. Mobile phones from other countries won't work. Your best bet is to contact any and all friends/family from New Zealand (or your home country) before leaving for Niue because it's about NZ$2 a minute to call New Zealand, NZ$2.50 a minute to call Australia and about NZ$4.50 a minute to call everywhere else. Conversely, Niue is one of the most expensive countries to call, costing about NZ$2.20 a minute via Skype and NZ$6.50 a minute via landline. If you need to call from Niue the Telecom Office is open 24 hours.