Niue Travel Guide
GENERAL
Capital
Alofi.
Geography
As a country located in Oceania listed on homosociety, Niue is 480 km east of Tonga, 560 km southeast of Western Samoa, 920 km west of the Cook Islands and 980 km west of Rarotonga. There are untouched forests that have not been entered by anyone for centuries and are among the most pristine forest areas in the world. Fascinating diving grounds and good water sports make for a varied holiday stay.
Government
Associated Territory of New Zealand since 1974. 1974 Constitution. Unicameral Parliament (Fono Ekepule) with 20 members. Niue was declared a British Protectorate in 1900 and annexed to New Zealand a year later along with the Cook Islands. In 1974 Niue became the smallest state of all of New Zealand’s outer territories with internal autonomy, but remains freely associated with New Zealand. Niuaners continue to retain New Zealand citizenship but administer the island themselves.
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, represented by High Commissioner Ross Ardern, since December 2013.
Head of government
Toke Talagi, since June 2008.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz. Three-pin plug, adapter required.
Time zone
Niue Time: CET -12
GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
Air New Zealand (NZ) flies from Auckland, New Zealand to Niue.
Air passes
The Star Alliance South Pacific Air Pass is valid in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and is valid on the Air New Zealand network. With the South Pacific Air PassYou can fly to the following destinations: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Australia), Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch (New Zealand), Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Vanuatu. The pass is only valid in conjunction with an international flight ticket and is valid for a maximum of 6 months from the first trip. A minimum of two coupons must be purchased prior to arrival in the Southwest Pacific, additional coupons (up to a maximum of 8) can be purchased locally. Stopovers have to be paid extra. The trip must be started outside of the South Pacific and it is advisable to book flights in advance.
Departure fee
NZ $ 34 in cash, exempt from children under 13.
Arrival by ship
No international passenger shipping, but there are berths for yachts.
ON THE GO
On the way by car / bus
The network of paved roads covers 123 km. Left-hand traffic. No local public transport.
Rental cars are available from local car rental companies, advance booking is recommended. Mountain bikes, motorcycles and scooters can also be rented.
Documents: On presentation of the national driver’s license, the Police Department will issue a local driver’s license.
A few taxis are available.
MONEY
Currency
New Zealand. From time to time commemorative coins are minted and are available from the Philatelic Bureau and Westpac Bank.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels and resorts. The majority of travel companies accept Visa and American Express. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. You can withdraw money with a credit card in the Kiwibank in Alofi.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri 8.30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions, however, a declaration must be made for the import and export of amounts above NZ $ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
The exchange is possible in the banks on Niue.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Niuean and English.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Niue duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227 g tobacco or a combination of tobacco products up to a total weight of 250 g;
3.5 liters of spirits or 3 liters of wine; 8 liters of beer in cans (no glass bottles);
Goods valued at up to NZ $ 250.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Shake hands to greet and say goodbye. Light summer suits or summer dresses are usually worn. The desired clothing is always stated on invitations to official events. »Fiafa« means that casual clothing is accepted.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. Telephones are available in hotels, motels and guest houses. Note: Most residents make phone calls over the Internet because cyclone Heta destroyed most of the phone lines. The telecommunications network is operated by the Telecommunications Department located in the Central Administration Building in Alofi.
Internet
Main provider: Internet Niue (Internet: www.niue.nu). Internet access has been restored since the Heta cyclone. There is also an internet café, open Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., across from the tourist office.
Post Office
Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Hats, baskets, handbags and mats made from native plants. Arts and crafts are best bought in the Niue Handicraft Shop or in the cultural center in Alofi. Colorful t-shirts, stamps and coins are other nice souvenirs. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Most places have shops that are open in the evenings and on weekends.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The Niue Sport Club provides entertainment and hosts disco nights and dance performances by the locals. The Niue Hotel and Sails Restaurant are known for their Fiafia nights.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Camping
You cannot camp on Niue.
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly Christians, especially Protestant denominations.
Social rules of conduct
Before entering private land, one should ask for permission. Sunday is dedicated to doing nothing and going to church morning and evening. Fishing, boating, and other activities are prohibited on Sundays. The Niue Tourism Office can provide information on further restrictions (see addresses). Casual clothing is common and appropriate due to the temperatures. When going to church, however, women often wear hats and men wear long trousers. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Tips are not common.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate with southeast trade winds. During the day it is pleasantly warm, the nights are refreshingly cool.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +683 Area (square km) 262 Population 1190 Population density (per square km) 5 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
