Jackal on a Mooring in Alofi

Niue is a flat shelf of limestone that pops out of the South Pacific. Its entirley surrounded by a 100 ft cliff of limestone. The interior is a lush plateau. Population of 1500 people, it has 50 hotel rooms on the entire island and last year managed 3000 tourists. Aproximatly 75 yachts visited last year. It is an independent nation state. Abeight a tinny one. Currency is the New Zealand dollar and the island has a close association with New Zealand. There is NO CASH POINT on Niue, however cards are accepted at the bank, Monday to Friday.

Navigation

Nuie has only one port, the town of Alofi. Its deep all around and there's really nothing to hit. Alofi is listed as an anchorage in Charlie's charts. However its really too deep to be classed as an anchorage. However their are 22 mooring bouys, however they maybe missing out of season (May to November).

Landing is achieved off an always swelly dock. However the crane on the dock can be used to hoist your dinghy ashore.

Alofi bay is wide open from South West through to North. So I would suggest avoiding being there in wind or swell from any where in that sector. However in the south easterlies it is pleasant, if a little rolly.

Officialdom.

The officals take themselves seriously, but are friendly and helpful. On approach call Niue Radio, and Niue yacht club on VHF 16 and arrange a mooring and to clear in or out. Avoid weekends. There is an exit tax of £30NZ per person. Normally checkins occur at 10am and 4pm. So hurry allong to make these times if possible.

Limu pools

Supplies.

Niue has no cashpoint, no marina and the dock is unsuaitable for yachts, unless you like being slamed by the ever present pacific swell. Diesel can be purchased at the fuel station, up the steep hill and 1/2 a mile south of the dock. But you'd be far better off filling up in The Cooks or Tonga before you come as lugging gerry cans on and of the dock is a posible not a recomended due to the swell.

The exception to the supplies rule is the Bakery, which is exceptionally good. Best bread in the South Pacific. The bakery is in Alofi and looks at a first glance to be a pool hall. I'm afraid I was unable to visit the shops as they were closed.

Yacht Services

Can be summed up in 3 words "Niue Yacht Club". Providing VHF, moorings, Ice Creams, beer and eats. WiFi in the anchorage can be arranged through them as well. No Spares or repair facilities exist on Niue.

Tombsoning in Matapa Chasam

Attractions

Niue's attractions are mostly is unique geography. Diving is said to be fantastic with many a limestone cavern. The water for the island disapears into the limestone, appearing arround the edge in caves and chasams. With stalagmites and stalagtites. For the younger and stupider Matapa Chasm is recomended as a climb up the rocks on the left provides wonderfull tombstoning oportunities. Matapa, like many of the chasams, caves and pools is fed by fresh (if cold) water. Making a change from normal pacific swimming.

Cars can be hired from Niue Rentals (683) 4216. Stanley is exeelnent friendly and helpfull. After a brief sunday introduction from the local priest (Niueans go to church twice on sundays) he opened up specially and let us rent with foreign currency.

I would seriously concider bike hire. The island is not too large, and pleasantly free of steep hills, bar the one up from the dock. Avaiki Cave, Palhala Cave, Limu Pools, Matapa Chasam and Talava Arches being an easy ride from Alofi.