No less than 20 percent of this small island’s total land mass belongs to the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, an unspoiled tropical rainforest reserve whose plants and wildlife are completely safe for humans to closely inspect. Most of Niue’s other attractions are underground caves which once housed many locals or stunning chasms towering over peaceful ocean pools. The Tamakautoga Sea Track and Beach is among the few island beaches where visitors can easily sunbathe and swim.
Huvalu Forest Conservation Area
Volcanic eruptions created this pristine rainforest reserve’s terrain centuries ago. Today, banyan trees and coconut crabs are just two of the dozens of harmless wildlife and plant species living in this conservation area which forms 20 percent of Niue’s total land area. The Fue and Vinivini tracks are the area’s two main trails, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle or even motorcycle. Hikers will pass some of the South Pacific’s most outstanding limestone features on their way to Togo Chasm. Address: Eastern Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Matapa Chasm
These steep cliffs tower nearly 33 feet over a cool fish-filled pool which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Giant boulders shelter the pool from the nearby ocean, whose waves can clearly be heard as visitors head toward the pool’s mouth. Diving from the chasm to the pool is not for the faint of heart. It takes no more than 10 minutes to hike between Matapa Chasm and the Talava Arches. Address: Northwest Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Talava Arches
Captain James Cook made special note of this gigantic rock archway and its surrounding complex cave network during his 18th century voyages around the South Pacific. Both the cave’s interior and the sharp rocks leading to its interior can be slippery, but those who venture inside believe it is worth the effort. Visitors should bring plenty of water to refresh themselves during this hot and steamy walk. Low tide is the best time of day to fully admire these caverns and arches. A dip in the nearby Matapa Chasm provides the perfect way to cool off. Address: Northern Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Liku Sea Track and Cave
The east coast village of Liku stands no more than 1,640 feet from its namesake cave and sea track. The sunrise view from the large open cave entrance is a perfect way to begin a relaxing day on any of the coastline’s countless private sandy coves at low tide. These coves and reef pools range between 16 and 49 feet in length. Food, water, and sturdy footwear are musts when exploring this area, which disappears underwater once high tide hits the outer sea wall. The outrigger canoes inside the cave are well protected from the crashing ocean waves. Address: Liku, Eastern Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Anapala Chasm
A chain rail with steps helps guide visitors down the deep descent to this chasm next to Hakupu Heritage Park. The fresh water spring at the end of the journey is an important drinking water source for this island without rivers or lakes. The gravel road leading to Anapala Chasm can be hard to find when the grass around the nearby church grows high. Several small waterfalls flow into and out of the surrounding rocky pools. Address: Southeast Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Avaiki Cave
Niue’s first settlers are believed to have docked at this gigantic and gaping limestone cave whose peaceful pool is one of the island’s most relaxing swimming spots, especially at sunset. There are actually two caves in this complex, and the second can easily be accessed from the first. The island’s ancient kings once used these caves as their exclusive meeting places, but today, anyone can see the large stalagmites dangling over the deep pool. Both the pool and the walking paths at its nearby reef are easiest to reach at low tide. Address: Northwest Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Togo Chasm
Visitors will feel like Indiana Jones as they navigate this chasm and its surrounding unusual landscape. Although a long walk through steep and jagged terrain is necessary to reach Togo Chasm, hikers of most abilities will manage as long as they are in good shape, wear sturdy shoes, and drink plenty of water. Walking sticks will help those with weak knees make the uphill journey to the parking lot. A concrete layer on the track prevents hikers from getting stabbed with the sharp points on the impressive coral pinnacles which are between 16 and 26 feet high. Address: Southeast Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Palaha Cave
None of Niue’s other caverns are as colorful as this dramatically sculpted northwest cavern which is linked to several smaller caves. The sunset at the charming small pool at Palaha Cave’s mouth is especially beautiful at low tide. This cave is also among the easiest to access on the island, thanks to clear signage and a relatively easy-to-navigate walking path. The cave’s stalactites and stalagmites are colorful shades of red and green. Address: Northern Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a
Tamakautoga Sea Track and Beach
This beach is the closest thing Niue offers to a stereotypical South Pacific white sandy sunbathing and swimming spot. Sea waters supply refreshingly warm water to this pool, which is located between Avatele and Alofi, during both low and high tide. High waves sometimes make this beach unsafe for swimming or even impossible to reach. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking shoreline view from the sandy coral reef. Address: Southwest Niue Phone: n/a Website: n/a