Adventure Magazine Feb 2020

NIUE
Niue
was formed by volcanic upheavals; the island sits atop 100-foot
(30-meter) cliffs rising straight out of deep ocean, that is why it is sometimes
called “the Rock.” There is no crime, no traffic lights and probably more
chickens than people. A clean, sparsely populated piece of paradise. Niue
boasts amazing diving in its gin clear water, superb fishing and it is a country
full of surprises. Pick up any brochure and you’ll find a range of activities but
here are our ‘insider’ top picks.
ESCAPE!
Drink cocktails at All Relativf
All Relativf is the coolest little bar at the back
of the shopping centre “complex” on Niue. All
cocktails are NZD $16 with happy hour being
$13, and you definitely get value for money –
no light handed pours here! Open 2pm till late
Monday – Saturday. Local produce is used where
possible, including the limes and Niuean honey.
Not just cocktails here, smoothies (for those
who don’t or can’t drink alcohol) as well as a
good wine and beer list. Drinks are served on
old school CDs, good music playing and John is
always up for a chat. Well worth a visit.
Enjoy a meal at Wok on the Rock
This restaurant, located in Alofi, has only
been open a few months and serves tasty Asian
inspired dishes. Renowned chef Ray McVinnie
helped with the menu design.
Fish for Yellow Fin Tuna
Fishing in Niue is legendary, as Niue's deep
waters are accessible almost immediately from
launching. For many anglers, the key target
species of Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahimahi and Wahoo
to name but a few. But what people don’t know is
if you catch with Fish Niue, you can go to BJ’s (the
captain) restaurant Falala Fa – not hard to find,
nothing in Niue is hard to find and they will cook
that catch as an entrée for free – and it is superb!
Swim with the Dolphins
Buccaneer dive offer a dolphin trip with a
difference – they literally drive around in their
boat until they see the Spinner Dolphins you
then leap over the side with your mask and fins
on and see the wee fellas dancing under water.
Super fun experience. We also followed this up
with a snorkel where we saw turtle and seasnakes,
all in all a great experience.
Hike to Vaikona Chasm
Not on the map and not for the faint
hearted. You can only discover this Chasm with
a local guide. Reached by a short hike through
the forest and coral pinnacles, then descent
into a sloping cave to reach the chasm floor and
nearby small freshwater pool.
Explore the rock pools
Well they are more like chasms really.
There are very few beaches on Niue but the
water is crystal clear and the island has several
chasms or rockpools. The trick to get the best
out of these is to work out is best time to visit
each rockpool. The Matavai Hotel had a booklet
of tide times to help. Reef shoes are not a
suggest they are a must!
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