Alofi

Ships moor or anchor in this port, so passengers go ashore by tender.

Alofi is Niue’s Pacific Ocean capital, with a 2001 census population of 614. It comprises Alofi North, population 256, and Alofi South, population 358, where the government headquarters are based.

By population, Alofi is the world’s second smallest national capital city, after Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau.

On the island’s west coast, Alofi stands at the centre of Alofi Bay near the only break in Niue’s encircling coral reef. The bay runs for 30% of the island’s length, about seven kilometres, from Halagigie Point to the south to Makapu Point in the north.

Alofi is small enough to cross on foot in just a few minutes.

Cycling around the island takes about three hours.

Some very reliable taxis operate here, although their hours vary with demand. Check with the Niue Tourism Office on arrival for details.

Cars, motorbikes and bicycles can be hired for your stay.

Steps lead down to the reef and huge pools full of tropical fish. Snorkelling is excellent for first timers at low tide, but a guide is always recommended.

Niuean weaving is regarded among the Pacific’s finest traditional art, and local women are very proud of their skills. Hats, mats, bags and baskets are fashioned entirely by hand, in traditional methods, from locally grown pandanus.

None of the artwork for sale is factory-made in China or anywhere other than Niue.

The New Zealand dollar ($NZ) is Niue’s currency.

Niueans speak both Niuean and English fluently, so visitors are unlikely to encounter anyone who does not speak English.

Niue is not a 24-hour, 7-day culture, so shopping takes careful timing and planning to avoid running out.

Because of the owners’ religious beliefs, the island’s major supermarket has limited opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM.

No activities are allowed on Sundays.