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Introduction
Reputedly the world’s largest coral island, Niue’s rugged coastline and reef offer excellent fishing, diving and snorkelling opportunities. Parakeets, white-tailed terns, weka and other exotic birds live on this island and butterflies are a common sight darting among the hibiscus and orchids. The island is well off the beaten track, and tourist numbers are low (about 1000 visitors in 1995).
ALOFI: Recommended sites in Alofi include the Huanaki Cultural Centre, exhibiting unique Niuean artefacts; the Huanaki Museum, located next to the hospital and housing an interesting collection of artefacts and historical records; the Women’s Club Town Hall, with a craft shop featuring various handicrafts for sale; and Alofi Market, open Friday.
THE NORTH: Some 5km (3 miles) north of Alofi, near Makapu Point, Peniamina’s Grave, the resting place of the Niuean who first brought Christianity to the island, can be found in a small clearing on the left side of the road. The Experimental Farm, a centre for animal husbandry and plant testing, is another popular destination for visitors. Opaahi is the site of Captain Cook’s landing where he received a hostile reception from the local people and was almost hit by a spear.
There are good swimming holes at Vaitafe, 800m (2625ft) south of Fulala and 2.5km (1.5 miles) north of Lakepa, at Avaiki, and at Limu, perhaps the most beautiful on the north coast with its colourful coral and its wide variety of marine life (thatched cottages and a barbecue area can also be found here).
THE SOUTH: Avatele Bay is another excellent location for swimming and snorkelling and visitors may watch the many fishermen in their canoes and dinghies who fish the bay’s waters for tuna, wahoo and marlin, as well as the spectacular sunsets that set over the bay.
An interesting excursion is to the deserted village of Fatiau Tuai, 1600m (5249ft) from the main road on the seaward side of Vaiea Village. The original inhabitants suffered from an eye disease and the entire population was moved by the Government to Vaiea. The coastline here is stunning for its rough surf crashing against the shore and shooting up through blowholes.
Chasms are another of Niue’s natural wonders. The amazing Vaikona Chasm can be reached by the Namuke sea track from the main road about 4km (2.5 miles) south of Liku. Togo Chasm is also popular. Located on the eastern side of the island, 4km (2.5 miles) north of Hakupu, it is one of Niue’s most magnificent scenic areas with a tropical rainforest, towering coral pinnacles and an oasis of white sand, coconut palms and a pond hidden beneath overhanging cliffs (guide recommended). Matapa Chasm is another well-known scenic attraction, reached by road from the foot of Hikutavake Hill. Vaotoi Pool, 3km (2 miles) north of Hakapu, is the scene of the wreck of a Japanese fishing vessel which was beached during a storm in 1967. However, access to many of the chasms and pools are along difficult paths and an experienced guide is usually considered necessary.
CAVES: There are hundreds of caves and grottoes which are excellent for land explorations or dive sites. Various caves are used as repositories for canoes as well as for the bones of dead ancestors. Avaiki Cave is reported to be where the first settler’s canoe landed. Talava – The Arches are a group of extraordinary arches and caverns, many containing stalactites and stalagmites, which may be visited at low tide. Other caves known for their spectacular formations are Ulupaka Cave, reached by a track 800m (2625ft) south of Lakepa, and Palaha Caves, 180m (591ft) north of Palaha. Anatoloa Cave, 1600m (5249ft) north of Lakepa and a five-minute walk from the main road, is hard to find but is well worth the effort. Niuean mythology cites it as being the home of a dangerous god and human bones have been found within it.
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