Niue – Guidebook

Niue is known as 'The Rock' of Polynesian and is reputedly the largest upraised coral atoll in the world. Niue is a single land mass in the center of a triangle of Polynesian Islands made up of Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. With its unique rugged coral landscape, coastline and reef, Niue provides excellent snorkelling, diving and fantastic swimming coves which replace the usual white sandy beaches typical throughout Polynesia.

Airport
Hannan International Airport is located 7 km from the main township of Alofi. Polynesian Airlines operate regular services between New Zealand and Niue enroute to Apia, Samoa.

Business Hours
In the township of Alofi the business hours are 8.30am-4pm weekdays and 4pm-8pm on Saturdays.
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Climate
Niue lies in the South East trade zone with average temperature from December to March being 27 degrees, with April through to November having an average temperature of 24 degrees. The weather is generally pleasant year round.

Currency & Banking
Niue currency is in New Zealand dollars. The Westpac Bank offers full banking facilities and is open Monday to Friday.

Niue's only commercial bank the "Bank South Pacific" is currently ONLY accepting "VISA" credit cards. Niue Tourism understands that the Bank South Pacific is under negotiation with a number of commercial partners for the acceptance of all other credit cards. Until further notice all visitors coming to Niue that don't have "Visa Credit Card/s" need to bring enough cash to cover their expenses whilst on Niue.

Visitors are also reminded to ensure that they take out comprehensive travel insurance as part of normal travel protocol.

Customs & Dress
Sunday is a day of rest on Niue with local people attending church. Visitors are asked to use discretion while visiting Niue when taking part in activities on a Sunday, bearing in mind the Sunday Observance. Fishing and boating are prohibited on Sundays.

Wearing swimwear without a sarong or paleu (sulu) in Niue is frowned upon.
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Departure Tax
International Departure tax is NZ$20.00 per person including children.

Drinking Water
Niue's main water supply is artesian, extracted through bores. It is recommended that visitors do not drink the local water unless boiled, bottled water is highly recommended and readily available.

Electricity
240 voltage, the same as New Zealand.
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Languages
Niueans are bilingual speaking both Niuean and English.

Location
Located 2493 km north-east of New Zealand and on the eastern side of the International dateline.

Population
Total population on the island of Niue is approximately 2300, making it a very safe and clean Pacific getaway.
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Shopping
The main shopping center is in Alofi, with the Post Office, Westpac Bank, Information Center and many local shops selling clothing, souvenirs, local handcrafts and gifts.

Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Niue.

Vaccinations & Health
Unless the visitor is arriving from an infected area, no vaccinations are required.
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