The small South Pacific island of Niue which, despite its size of just 100 square miles, packs a punch as being the world’s largest raised coral atoll. Its rugged terrain, limestone formation and the lack of beaches, has earned this gem of an island a nickname of “The Rock”.
With just 17 mooring buoys in Alofi Bay, the World ARC fleet split into two groups - arriving 72 hours apart and staying for three days - in order to fit everyone in.
All boats wanting to land dinghies ashore, first had to get to grips with the unusual dinghy hoist. Due to the swell, cruisers must lift their dinghy out of the water using a crane and then ‘park’ in spaces in the car park. It's certainly quite an art, but was soon mastered.
Located on the island’s west coast, Manuiz Café Bar is not only the perfect venue to watch the sun set, but it quickly became the place for everyone to together for sundowners in the evening.
Manuiz is also home to the Niue Yacht Club (NYC), which describes itself as the biggest little yacht club in the world! They, along with Niue Island Tourism, were kind enough to host each group to lovely welcome party, where the drinks, chatter and food flowed.
Island Tours
On a guided four-hour trip of the island with Niue Orientation Tours, we got to explore Niue’s rugged coastline; visiting its unique geology and abundance of chasms, caves, coral reefs lagoons and stunning freshwater pools.
The tours included Anapala Chasm, where we had to climb down 150 steep steps through the craggy limestone formations. At the bottom, we were rewarded with a freshwater pool, which used to be one of the water supplies for the island.
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Togo Chasm, felt like it was straight out of a film-set. After a 10-minute hike through the rain forest, we reached a hinterland of jagged wind-carved lava rock. Venturing down a steep ladder, below was a surreal sandy oasis, where the impressive waves lashed over the rocks.
A highlight for many was Avaiki Cave. Only accessible at low tide, this beautiful cathedral cave offers rock pools, topaz-blue water and the chance to snorkel with lots of very colourful fish.
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Other sites visited for snorkelling stops included Limu Pools and the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Niue, which was Matapa Chasm. Dive company, Niue Blue, were also very popular, taking people out to the best dive spots around the island in addition to boat trips where they could swim with dolphins.
The Scenic Matavai Resort with clifftop dining and stunning sunset views, was the perfect finishing touch to a visit to Niue. Here, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, which was accompanied by a beautiful show of traditional Niuean singing and dancing.
There’s no doubt that the ruggedly beautiful island of Niue - with its kind, hospitable people - has touched the hearts of many of us, and will be known as a place where some dreams were realised and incredible memories created.
