Where is the state of Niue located? Full description of Niue. Visa and customs regulations

Niue is a country in Oceania. It is an island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of. The country borders the waters of Tonga, American Samoa and the Cook Islands. The area of ​​this state is 260 thousand km. The coastline is 64 km long.

Niue Map

Niue's territory consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast and a central plateau. This is one of the world's largest coral islands.

The country's tropical climate provides rich vegetation. Here, in tropical forests Various types of coconut, yams, cassava, limes, etc. grow. You can also find a wide variety of taro, passion fruit, and sweet potatoes. Animal diversity is not very rich in this country. However, the fauna of various regions of Niue is represented by wild pigs, several types of dogs, rats, etc. The country's water bodies are also home to several species of fish. Natural resources: fish, arable land.

Niue's climate is tropical, varying with the southeast trade winds.

The capital of Niue is Alofi. There is no administrative-territorial division in the country. Niue is a self-governing parliamentary democracy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II (since February 6, 1952). Representatives of the government are also the Governor-General and the High Commissioner of New Zealand. The head of government is the prime minister. The monarchy is hereditary. The Prime Minister is elected Legislative Assembly for a period of three years.

The population is 1,190 people, mainly Niueans (66.5%), as well as immigrants from European, Asian and Pacific islands. Niue and English - official languages. Religion: Congregational Christian church Niuean (67%), other Protestants (3%), Mormons (10%), Roman Catholics (10%), Jehovah's Witnesses (2%). Literacy by total population: 95%. Urbanization rate: 37.9%. The population density is 6.4 people/km².

The country's economy suffers from typical Pacific island problems: geographic isolation, few resources, small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues. Subsidies from New Zealand are used to pay government employees' salaries. Niue has cut government spending by cutting the civil service by almost half. The agricultural sector mainly consists of subsistence horticulture, although some cash crops are grown for export. The industry consists mainly of small factories for the processing of passion fruit, lime and the production of coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps is an important source of income for foreign collectors. Efforts to expand GDP include: developing tourism and financial services. Economic assistance from New Zealand in 2008-2009 amounted to $5.7 million.

Exported goods: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit, papaya, root vegetables, football balls, brands, products self made. Export partners: New Zealand, France and the Czech Republic. Imported goods: food, live animals, industrial products, machinery, fuel, lubricating oils, chemicals, medicines. Import partners: Nigeria, New Zealand, USA, Australia and.

Length highways is 120 km. There is 1 airport in Niue.

Participation in international organizations: ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO.

Capital: Alofi. Currency: New Zealand dollar.

Niue - amazing island in the Pacific Ocean, which is its main attraction. There are not as many beaches here as a sophisticated tourist would like, but the water is stunningly clear - visibility in some places reaches up to 90 meters. The steep slopes of the underwater base of the island, densely overgrown with coral “gardens,” extend into the ocean abyss, and the surrounding waters are saturated with schools of fish of all kinds and colors. This allowed the island to become one of the diving centers in the region. There are no rivers on the island, so rainwater is filtered through the thickness of the island’s coral massif, emerging into the ocean already crystal clear and devoid of absolutely all impurities. A characteristic feature of snorkeling in these places is the constant accompaniment of the diver by dolphins. Between June and November, humpback whales also visit Niue on their route from Antarctica to warmer northern latitudes. If you have some luck, it is also possible to encounter them on one of the dives, and this is an absolutely unforgettable sight! Niue's natural caves and catacombs have traditionally been used by locals to store canoes and as burial grounds, but many of the island's underground wonders still lie undiscovered, attracting numerous tourists.

The spectacular Avaiki Cave is where the first settlers' canoe landed and is one of the islands' most revered sites, although the cave is closed to the public during the kaloama season, when the small sardine-like fish enter the cave in the millions to spawn. Talis Cave Tours offers an exciting expedition into the grandiose underground voids and grottoes. Narrowing in some places to the size of a keyhole or expanding into huge caves with amazing stalactites, stalagmites and bizarre limestone formations, these places are one of the main attractions of the island. Sea fishing is one of the ` business cards` Niue. Traditional canoes and ultra-modern fishing boats go out to sea in the hundreds every day to catch the fish that are so abundant here. The spectacle of local poutine at sunset is especially exciting. When fishing, you can simply enjoy the lush coastal landscape and observe through the clearest water the marine life, the ubiquitous dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish and sea ​​snakes. So, even if the catch is small, which is unlikely in itself, the pleasure of such a pastime is guaranteed. The island has about 2,500 hectares of some of the most serene forests in the world, called 'tapu' by locals, where no human has set foot for centuries - many 'tapu' were considered 'taboos' (is that where their name comes from?), others were simply located according to the concepts of the aborigines, “too high”. Now all the island's forests, except one, protected by the village of Nakupu, are accessible. These forests have a lush undergrowth, coconut palms and ebony, some of which are the oldest known in the world. A light and scattered forest is a great place for hiking and picnics, and along the edge of the forest the coast immediately begins with picturesque ledges of coral outcrops, where you can easily find cozy bays for swimming or sunbathing.
Niue. Basic information
Currency
New Zealand dollar
Visa
Visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Entry with a foreign passport > 6 months. actions. Children: Power of attorney from parent(s) for children under 18 years of age. Since Niue can only be reached from New Zealand, you will need a New Zealand transit visa.
Time
It is 10 hours ahead of Kiev in summer and 11 hours in winter
Geography
The national formation of Niue consists of a raised coral atoll of the same name and three underwater reefs located in Pacific Ocean in Polynesia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn on an area of ​​39 thousand km², between Tonga in the west and the Cook Islands in the east. total area Niue's landmass is 261.46 km², making it the largest raised atoll in the world. The distance to the Republic of Tonga in the west is about 480 km, to the island of Rarotonga to the east - about 930 km, to the city of Auckland (New Zealand) to the southwest - about 2400 km
Main partners of the country
New Zealand
Diving
Niue Island has excellent diving conditions. Here the dives take place almost directly into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, as Niue does not have any barrier reefs or lagoons.
Within 100 meters from the shore you can make dives of any complexity, many of them pass through numerous picturesque underwater canyons, through caves or underwater caverns in the coral massif.
Beautiful place for diving - the area of ​​​​the Coral Gardens motel in Namui, where the most popular 'routes' pass along ancient coral 'mountain ridges' and where encounters with numerous sea turtles regularly occur.
The Chimney ('Chimney') area is very popular, where already 5 meters below the surface a vertical 'underwater passage' begins through a 23-meter cave, which turns into a natural shaft and exits through a large cavern into the open sea.

The Avatele area is a photographers dream, both above and below the water.
The route usually starts from a beautiful small lagoon used by the locals to anchor their fishing canoes (`waca`). Diving sites close to traditional sites fishing Islanders, in the area of ​​​​the Matavai resort, will provide such views for filming that are unlikely to be found anywhere else outside of this bay. Along with clear waters, coral gardens and an abundance of colorful reef fish, another unique experience awaits the diver here - encounters with the timid and rare Niuan sea snake, as well as the not so rare reef sharks or Maori wrasses and giant whiting, are quite common in these waters.
If diving into caves is a rather dangerous event and requires some preparation, then diving at the Numukulu motels, where under the water there are two huge, interconnected caves that could fit several buses, is simpler and more accessible for beginner divers.
From the Alofi area you can make excellent dives, sailing just 100 meters from the shore and descending to the outcrop of the coral base of the island at a depth of 40 meters, here you can already see the edge of the seamount that is essentially Niue, called Ebyss, which means the Abyss .
Attractions
Alofi, Fatiau Tuai
History of the country
According to historians, the island of Niue was inhabited in the last centuries of the first millennium BC by Polynesians from the islands of Tonga, Samoa and Pukapuka (an island in the Northern Group of the Cook Archipelago). At the same time, the existence on the island in the distant past of two hostile tribes most likely indicates that the settlement of Niue took place in two stages. The Motu people were the first settlers of Niue and may have come from the Samoan Islands. The Tafiti people most likely settled on Niue later. However, the beginning of the documented history of Niue dates back only to the middle of the 18th century. The European discoverer of the island was the English navigator James Cook, who discovered the island in 1774. Due to a hostile encounter with the natives, the traveler named the island Savage Island (translated from English as “Savage Island”).
For quite a long period of time, Niue remained out of the sight of Europeans. It was not until 1830 that a member of the London Missionary Society, John Williams, landed on the island. The missionary period in the history of Niue began. The missionary Peniamina, who was trained in Samoa, played a significant role in the Christianization of local residents. Already around the middle of the 19th century, the Niueans were converted to Christianity.

On April 21, 1900, a British protectorate was established over the island. However, already in 1901, Niue was annexed by New Zealand, and the island became administratively subordinate to the Cook Islands. Until 1974, when Niue became a self-governing entity in free association with New Zealand, the island was governed by an authorized New Zealand representative.
On October 19, 1974, Niue adopted a Constitution that established a new form of relationship with New Zealand. According to it, Niue became independent in resolving internal issues, and legislative power passed into the hands of the Legislative Assembly of Niue (Niue Fono Ekepule). At the same time, residents of Niue retained New Zealand citizenship.
How to get there
There is no direct connection with Kyiv. To get to the island you need to make 2 transfers.
Climate
In general, Niue's climate is hot and moderately humid. Due to the lack of mountains and small area climatic conditions almost the same throughout the island.
Niue Island is located in the southern part of the tropical cyclone belt and in the zone of southeast trade winds, as a result of which strong storms are observed on the island from April to October. Destructive cyclones hit Niue every ten years. The island has two distinct seasons: a hot wet season from November to March, characterized by high temperatures and humidity and coinciding with the cyclone season, and a cooler dry season from April to October with warm weather. on sunny days, cool nights and strong breezes. The average annual temperature in Niue varies slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January-February is 30 °C, in July-August - 26 °C. The average annual precipitation is about 2180 mm, although in the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3300 mm, and in the dry months 80-140 mm, the bulk of which falls in January-March.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at most hotels, resorts, rental companies and dive centers.
Culture
Pre-colonial organization of the people of Niue. Traditional Niuean dance (Pasifika Festival, 2002)
The Maori prefixes for the names of the tribes Ngati-, Ngai- and Ati-, which translate as "descendants of someone", were not used in Niue. Instead of Ngati, the words Tama (Niue Tama) or Fagai (Niue fagai) were used on the island. For example, associations of close relatives were called Tama-hamua (Niue Tama-hamua), Tama-kautong (Niue Tama-kautonga), Tama-hato- kula (Niue Tama-hato-kula). Fagai also represented an association of people, but the main factor was not blood relationship, but living together for the purpose of “feeding”. In the distant past, Niue had a special system of government that differed from the models presented on other islands of Oceania.

One of distinctive features there was the election of a supreme leader, or king, whose title was not hereditary. The institution of the king in Niue, or patu-iki (Niue patu-iki, translated as “chief of chiefs”), was most likely introduced from the islands of Tonga or Samoa (before its appearance, only heads of families existed on the island). Initially, the king was chosen from members of the island's leading family. Subsequently, the appointment of the king became the prerogative of the inhabitants of the victorious village (however, the elected king still had to receive the approval of other villages). Little is known about the functions of patu-iki. Under him there was always a council, or fono (Niue fono), whose representatives constantly communicated with local residents. In each village of Niue there was also an agent of the king, called alaga-waka. There was also a chief alaga-waka, or alaga-waka-ne-mua (like a modern prime minister), who very often seized supreme power in Niue and ruled independently (he also had an assistant with him, whose name was Niue Hagai). There were also other chiefs on the island, called Iki and Patu. The Iki were presumably warriors before becoming chiefs. The Patu were essentially the heads of families and were led by the Fagai. Together with the iki, they served as judges, or fakafili of the police, or leoleodeacons. From them the fono, the councils of each island village, were formed. In the distant past, Patu also led troops during wars and could have been warriors.
Summer time
No
Medicines
Carefully take all necessary medications with you.
Voltage
240 V, 50 Hz
Population
1679 people 6.4 people/km²
Regions
The island of Niue is divided into 13 districts, the centers of which are 13 villages, the names of which are the districts themselves. Avatele, Alofi, Vaiea, Lakepa, Liku, Makefu, Mutalau, Namukulu, Tamakautoga, Toi, Tuapa, Hakupu, Hikutawake.
Authorities
Niue - self-governing public education in free association with New Zealand. This implies the independence of Niue in resolving internal issues of the territory, being part of the Kingdom of New Zealand, headed by the monarch of New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth II, and providing residents of Niue with New Zealand citizenship. New Zealand, in turn, is responsible for the island's defense and foreign policy, and also provides administrative and economic support to Niue.
The Niuean Constitution, adopted on October 19, 1974, establishes a monarchical form of government with a Westminster parliamentary system similar to that of New Zealand.

The highest legislative body is the unicameral Legislative Assembly of Niue, consisting of 20 deputies. Fourteen members of the assembly represent Niue's 14 constituencies (one member from each constituency). Six members of the assembly are elected from a common list. The term of office of the assembly is three years.
According to the Constitution of Niue, the head of state is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose representative on the island is the High Commissioner.
The head of the government is the Prime Minister, elected by members of the Legislative Assembly from among its members at the first meeting after the parliamentary elections. The prime minister's term of office is three years.

The Cabinet of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister and three ministers. Nominees for ministers from among the members of the Legislative Assembly of Niue are proposed by the Prime Minister of the country to the Speaker of Parliament, who appoints the ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers is executive body responsible to parliament.
Niue's judicial authorities are represented by the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Food and water
Tap water is considered safe, but it is still better to drink bottled or boiled water. Meat and fish products are not dangerous for consumption. Wash fruits and vegetables well.
Square
261.46 km²
Beaches
The number of beaches is small
Behavior rules
Generally accepted
Holidays
1st of January - New Year
January 2-3 - Takai holiday (the whole set of festive ceremonies takes a week)
6 February - Waitangi Day
March-April - Easter and Easter holidays
25 April - ANZAC Day
June - Queen's Birthday (usually celebrated on the first Monday in June)
October 16 - Constitution Day (two days)
October 23 - Peniamin Day (floating date)
December 25-26 - Christmas
Nature and animals
Natural world The islands are quite diverse. Its forests (about a hundred species of plants) have a lush undergrowth; groves of coconut palms grow along some sections of the banks and the perimeter of the first terrace, and in mountainous areas there are rare species vegetation (for example, some native ebony trees are considered to be among the oldest on Earth). There are about 120 bird species on the island. Of the animals, only the Polynesian rat is represented.
Fish species caught within just 500 meters of the shoreline include wahoo (which can grow up to 6m in length), tuna, mahimahi (delicious tasting fish!), giant trevally, sunfish and marlin.
Industry
Virtually absent
Religion
The main religion in Niue is Christianity
Health risks
Solar activity, frequent ebbs and flows. Before visiting the island, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and polio, as well as yellow fever is recommended.
Sanitary standards
Basic hygiene standards
Connection
Now roaming with the island is practically impossible for subscribers of Ukrainian operators.
Agriculture
Peculiarities geological structure Niue's low soil fertility and lack of rivers impose great limitations on the development of agriculture on the island. The peculiarities of the geological structure of Niue, low soil fertility, and the absence of rivers impose great restrictions on the development of agriculture on the island. From 30 to 40% of the island's total land area is unsuitable for agriculture, and those lands on which something is cultivated produce an insignificant harvest, which is almost entirely used to satisfy the country's internal needs. Niue's main crop is taro, some of which is exported to New Zealand. Crops include cassava, sweet potato and yam. Bananas, fruits, limes, coconut palms and vegetables are grown in small quantities for the domestic market. IN last years Attempts are being made to grow vanilla in Niue. Chickens, pigs, and a small number of livestock are also raised on the island.
Capital
Alofi
Customs regulations
Import national currency(New Zealand dollar) is not restricted, while the import of other New Zealand means of payment (including postal notes, money orders, checks and promissory notes, but not traveller's cheques) requires permission from the Reserve Bank. The import of foreign currency is not limited. Export of local currency is allowed in quantities not exceeding NZ$100, foreign currency - up to the amount declared in the entry declaration.
Telephone code
+8-10-683 (city code + tel.)
Transport
Poor transport connections impose significant restrictions on the development of trade relations with the countries of Oceania and the whole world, as well as tourism. A 64-kilometer road stretches along the coast of the island, passing through 13 villages of Niue. There are also two main roads running through the center of the island (total length is about 230 km). Most roads are paved and maintained by road services to a very high level. There are no natural bays on the island. However, the village of Alofi has a pier, which can only be approached by small ships. In 1970, Hannan International Airport was built on Niue, which was subsequently expanded in 1994 to accommodate Boeing 737 aircraft. . Regular flights to the island are provided by the New Zealand airline Air New Zealand. There is no public transport on the island.
Tourism
Although the tourism sector in Niue is in its infancy, tourism development on the island is one of the government's priorities. The main limitations for the development of tourism are very poor air connections with other countries of the world and the almost complete absence of developed tourism infrastructure.
Festivals Exhibitions
Uluwehi Marin Festival in Mutalau (4-6 June), Hakupu (Hakapu) Village Festival and the annual School Sports Day, Alofi South Village Festival. August begins with the Lakepa Village Festival and ends with the Island's Mixed Darts Championship. The village festivals of Tuapa and North Alofi open their doors in September.
Flag
The golden yellow color of the flag symbolizes the warm feelings experienced by the people of Niue towards New Zealand and its citizens. Four small stars symbolize South Cross and New Zealand, which has administered Niue since 1901. The larger star in the blue circle symbolizes Niue's self-governing status, which is surrounded on all sides by ocean waters. The Union Jack in the upper left corner symbolizes Niue's close ties with Great Britain: on October 19, 1900, a British protectorate was established over the island.
Tips
It is not customary to leave a tip
Timezone
-11:00 GMT
Economy
The New Zealand government continues to provide significant financial assistance to Niue, and largely thanks to it, the island has enough high level life compared to other Oceanian countries. Periodically, Niue has experienced an increase in commercial production, mainly in the agricultural sector. However, this does not have a long-term effect. Industrial production in Niue is almost completely absent. This is due to the fact that transport costs are too high, and the island itself is located too far from the main markets. Niue's economy is largely based on public sector revenues, which are predominantly subsidized by the New Zealand government.
Language
Niue, English.

Visa to Niue
Address of the foreign embassy/consulate in our country There is no embassy of the country in the Russian Federation.
Address of our embassy/consulate in the country There is no foreign office of the Russian Foreign Ministry in the country.
Addresses of organizations in the country
Coordinates of the main tourism office in the country: Niue Tourism Office - Niue Island Commercial Centre, Alofi, Niue Island Phone: +683-42-24 Fax: +683-42-25 Email: [email protected]
Types of visas to this country For stays up to 30 days, a visa is not required. Upon entry you must present: 1. A passport valid for at least three months from the end of the trip; 2. Confirmation of hotel reservation (fax or printout from the Internet) or an invitation (fax or printout of an email message) from a private person indicating the place of residence in Niue, or a travel agency voucher; 3. Return tickets or tickets to the onward country 4. Proof of financial solvency may be required 50-60 USD per day per person
Entry into the country
Since Niue can only be reached from New Zealand, you will need a New Zealand transit visa.
For children To enter the country with a child, the following is required: 1. Child’s birth certificate; 2. International passport of the child or international passport of the parent in which the child is registered; 3. If a child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents, a notarized power of attorney for the child’s departure from the second parent is required 4. If a child is traveling accompanied by third parties, a notarized power of attorney for the child’s departure is required from both parents
Links Niue Tourism Portal www.niueisland.com

An associated state, allied with New Zealand, is located in the South Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Polynesian islands. It is the largest raised coral atoll on the planet, surrounded by several reefs, 480 km east of the Kingdom of Tonga. The surface of the island is covered with shrubs and virgin forests, which are home to more than 30 species of exotic birds.

Too steep slopes and rocky coastline serve as a serious obstacle to the establishment of maritime transport communication with neighboring countries and islands of Polynesia, and also negatively affect the development of the tourism industry associated with beach holidays.

A brief excursion into history

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was officially declared a protectorate of the British Empire and almost immediately annexed by New Zealand, and since 1974 it has acquired independence, maintaining a commonwealth with the Kingdom of New Zealand. In addition to Alofi, there are 12 more settlements on the territory of the state with populations ranging from 14 to 227 people. However, in recent years, migration has become commonplace here and the number of islanders has been steadily declining. Almost all villages are located along the ocean coast, but at the same time, access to water, except in rare cases, is very difficult. The islanders speak English language and local dialect, and the New Zealand dollar is used as the national currency. More than 60% of residents adhere to the Christian religion. The hour difference between Niue and Moscow is 15 hours, regardless of the time of year. You can call the country using telephone code 683. Government of Niue website www.gov.nu/wb.

Economy

The main area of ​​activity for local residents is Agriculture, while industrial production is completely absent, due to the remote location relative to the mainland and, therefore, low economic interest on the part of importers, and fishing is not effective enough, due to the almost complete absence of bays and lagoons. Mainly exotic fruits such as bananas, limes, coconuts and numerous vegetable crops are grown on the island.

Tourism

The tourism infrastructure in Niue is very poorly developed. The island is mainly visited by tourists from New Zealand, Canada and the USA, less often from Europe. At the same time, the development of this area of ​​activity seems to be one of the priority areas in terms of improving the economy and general standard of living in the country, taking into account the unique natural resources of these places, as well as the unusual culture and traditions of the islanders.

Climate

The country is moderately hot humid climate. Despite the fact that the total territory of Niue is over 260 square meters. km, weather are the same in all regions, which is largely due to the lack of mountains and hills. From November to March it is invariably rainy and hot, and the average temperature is usually around 28 degrees. January to March receives the largest share of precipitation of the year. The period from April to October is considered best time for a trip to this part of Polynesia. The thermometer usually hovers around +26 degrees, and there is no suffocating stuffiness characteristic of the rainy season. On the other hand, severe storms and droughts are common.

Nature and wildlife

The country places great importance on the environment, which is why Niue has several beautiful nature reserves, the most famous of which are National Hakupu Park And Anono Marine Reserve with an area of ​​more than 27 hectares. As an outstanding natural attraction of the island, representing animal world, is the unique Tongan flying fox, which plays a significant role in the island’s ecosystem. Unfortunately, the existence of this species is now under threat due to extensive deforestation taking place on the island. Another unique natural object counts Avaiki cave, retaining its appearance for 3 million years. It is also interesting that in the absence of rivers and lakes, the island has a regular source fresh water, located in its center, under the edge of the former atoll, and representing a water layer several tens of meters thick.

Visa and customs regulations

For residents of the CIS, entry into the country is visa-free, and upon departure you must pay a fee equal to 20 New Zealand dollars. Customs rules comply with generally accepted standards.

How to get there

The only one international Airport island state, Hannan, is located next to the capital Alofi and is served by the New Zealand airline Air New Zealand, so you can only get here by air from New Zealand.

Transport

You can get around the island by car, motorcycle or bicycle, since there is no public transport here. The cost of rent is low, and you can arrange it at any of the rental points available in almost every village.

The capital of Niue is a small village Alofi with a population of just over 600 people. The city is conventionally divided into northern and southern regions, although, in essence, it is one long street with administrative buildings, shops, educational and government institutions located on it. The local port has the status of the main one in the country and ships regularly sail from it to ensure the export of local fruits and vegetables. In addition to the port, there are several piers in the area around Alofi used as canoe moorings. The most famous of them is called Opahi Landing and became famous for the fact that in 1774, in this place, the legendary English navigator James Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the rocky shores of the island. In the end, the traveler and his team managed to land on land, where they were greeted extremely unfriendly local residents, because of which Cook subsequently called Niue Savage, which means “island of savages.”

Niue is one of the most exotic countries on the planet, but... tourist map few people in the world know it, which, however, can be called an additional reason to get to know the island better, especially since it is worth it.

Kitchen

Niue's national cuisine is characterized by coconut delicacies, fish, poultry and beef. Local cafes and restaurants also often offer a variety of exotic fruits and sweets. Dishes are always served fresh and always combined with herbs. Local drinks are also recommended for sampling.

Shopping

For shopping lovers, the island is a real blessing. Prices are low, bargaining is appropriate, and the choice of assortment cannot be called narrow. In these populated areas You can buy fruits, souvenirs, inexpensive clothes, and handicrafts. There are few hotels and they are not particularly comfortable, but the cost of accommodation is extremely low, especially compared to the prices of accommodation in New Zealand.

Useful information for tourists about Niue, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Niue, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Niue.

Geography of Niue

Niue, or Savage, is an island and state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of the Tonga Islands. Bordered by the territorial waters of American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga and French Polynesia.

The national formation of Niue consists of the raised coral atoll of the same name and three underwater reefs. It is the largest raised atoll in the world.

Niue was once active volcano, which went extinct approximately 3 million years ago, and its upper part, located above ocean level, was subjected to severe erosion due to natural factors(rains, ocean waves).

State

State structure

Niue is a self-governing state entity in free association with New Zealand. The head of state is the British monarch, whose representative on the island is the High Commissioner. The head of government is the prime minister. The highest legislative body is the unicameral Legislative Assembly.

Language

Official language: Niuean, English

Most residents speak both official languages. The Niuean language is represented by two dialects: Motu (the dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and Tafiti (the dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern).

Religion

The majority of believers (about 97%) are Christians. Most of(61.1%) of the island's population considers itself to be adherents of the so-called Ekalesia-Niue (the Protestant Church of Niue, which has close ties with the London Missionary Society)

Currency

International name: NZD

The New Zealand dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1 and 2 dollars, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Many resort areas also accept US and Australian dollars as payment.

Currency exchange is possible at any hotel or exchange office, although you can actually exchange any foreign currency other than Australian or New Zealand dollars only at the Bank of South Pacific and Westpac offices in Alofi.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at most hotels, resorts, rental companies and dive centers. Travel checks can be cashed at most banking institutions on the island.

Niue Map

Popular attractions

Tourism in Niue

Popular hotels

Tips

Tipping is not officially accepted; in the case of renting a boat or yacht, the amount of additional payments should be agreed upon in advance.

Purchases

Retail establishments are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 08.00 to 16.00, but many private shops operate according to their own schedule.

There is no sales tax or VAT charged within Niue.

Medicine

Emergency numbers

Unified rescue service (fire service, police and ambulance) - 999.
Ambulance - 998 (Lord Liverpool Hospital) or 41-00 (Medical & Dental Centre).
Main office police - 43-33.
Fire service - 41-33.

National characteristics of Niue. Traditions

Drinking alcohol openly is also not accepted, regardless of the day of the week.

Fishing is limited and only possible with permission from local authorities (fishing tours offered by hotels usually already include all the issued permits).

Underwater hunting using harpoon weapons is prohibited. Special attention is also paid to caring for coral reefs.

Niue is a country in Polynesia that has not yet been explored by tourists. But we cannot say that this is some kind of “terra incognita”. Despite the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, New Zealanders, as well as a small number of Canadians and US residents, like to relax here. But these are mostly extreme sports enthusiasts who want to try themselves in the role of a modern Miklouho-Maclay. Because the disastrous breath of globalization barely reaches this island lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Most of its territory is impenetrable jungle. There is only a ring road along the coast (sometimes three and a half meters wide), and two highways connecting the eastern and western parts of the island. In this dwarf state there is only one town - Alofi (also the capital), which is two merged villages. What are tourists looking for in Niue? How to get there, where to stay and what to see, read in this article.

Where is Niue located?

Niue is an island country, or more precisely, a raised coral atoll. Located dwarf state in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and the South Tropic. The island is quite remote from other archipelagos. The closest islands of Tonga lie 480 kilometers to the west. To the east is the Cook Archipelago. The closest island to Niue, Rarotong, is 930 kilometers away. In the northwest is the Samoan archipelago. Niue is an independent state entity in free association with New Zealand. In addition to the land, the state also owns three underwater seas, Beveridge, Antiop and Herens. They are exposed only at low tide. The area of ​​the island of Niue is 261.46 square kilometers. Highest point(no name, near the village of Mutalau) reaches 68 meters above sea level. These figures make Niue a record holder: the largest single and highest atoll in the world.

History and political system

Niue is a country that appeared on the world map in 1974. The atoll began to be populated in the first centuries by immigrants from Polynesia. The first European to arrive on the island's shores was James Cook (in 1774). The natives greeted him with hostility, which is why the navigator gave the atoll the name “Savage” - “Savages”. In 1900, she took the island under her protectorate. But a year later it was annexed by New Zealand. When in the second half of the twentieth century it became unprestigious to have colonies, the metropolis transferred freedom of self-government to Niue. At the same time, residents of the atoll have the right to New Zealand citizenship. Since 1974, Niue has been a self-governing state entity in collaboration with the former colonialist. Niue is a member country of the South Pacific Commission and the Polynesian Islands Forum. As for government structure, then it is a constitutional monarchy.

How to get there, where to stay

Until recently, none of the Russian tour operators sent travelers on vacation to Niue. The country, whose photos look like illustrations of an earthly paradise, is not experiencing an influx of foreigners. An interesting fact is that eighteen and a half thousand Niueans live in New Zealand, while on the island itself the population is only 1,600 people (by this indicator, Niue is the third most sparsely populated country in the world after Tokelau and Pitcairn). But what kind of people these are! The only flight from Auckland that the local airport can handle is greeted by the population with songs and dances. A real show is playing out before the eyes of a few discouraged tourists. Moreover, it includes local passengers who returned home from “ big land». Good hotels there are two on the atoll: Matavai and Namukulu Cottages. They need to be booked in advance. There are several other hotels that are simpler.

How to prepare for a trip

The ancient name of the island - Savage (Savage) - is to some extent justified even now. Those tourists who have visited the atoll recommend stocking up on cash before flying from Auckland to Niue. The country whose money does not have a single ATM on its territory. Public transport, by the way, too. IN good hotels Guests are given free bicycles. The entire territory of Niue is covered by broadband Internet. But Wi-Fi in hotels costs ten New Zealand dollars per day. All local schoolchildren are given laptops in educational institutions. So in the field of IT technologies, Niueans are ahead of the rest. There should not be a language barrier for tourists. On the atoll, both young and old speak excellent English. It is the second official language.

Climate

Niue is an island located in equatorial latitudes. Therefore, the climate here is hot and humid. There are two seasons in a year. From November to March it is summer here. It is hot and very humid. Tropical cyclones often sweep through, causing damage to the island's already poorly developed infrastructure. The most destructive was Typhoon Geta, from which Niue (the country) suffered greatly in 2005. The dollar did not fall as much during the global period as the temperature decreases during the dry season (April-October). The atoll lies in the path of the southeast trade winds. Strong winds swell the sea and strong storms begin. This period is characterized by sunny and warm days, but rather cool nights. Beach holiday is not particularly developed on the atoll, since there are few bays here, the bottom is shallow and coral, you can only swim in special shoes. By the way, there are no rivers or even streams on the island. Everything comes from It can be drunk even from the tap.

Sights of Niue

The main wealth of the country is its paradise nature. The government pays great attention to its protection. The tiny atoll has several nature reserves. Tourists recommend going to Huvalu - this is virgin forest area 54 sq. km. It occupies the central and eastern parts of the island and is located between the villages of Hakupu and Liku. Further south, another park begins - Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park. It is included in the list cultural heritage humanity, since here are the burial places and remains of the dwellings of the ancient inhabitants of the island. The water area from Cape Makapu is also under state protection. Niue's currency, the New Zealand dollar, should not mislead you regarding prices. In this former colony, everything is slightly more expensive than in the metropolis. And this is justified: products (except coconuts, taro and cassava) are flown to the atoll by plane.