Salacia: Impressions and photos of Niue

Impressions and photos of Niue

Alofi Bay on the west coast of Niue has 20 moorings for visiting yachts in deep clear water. The village of Alofi is nestled on top of the limestone cliffs overlooking the yachts as shown in the photo from one of the many lookouts.

Yachts moored at Niue

The bay provides a calm mooring for yachts hence Stephen and Cyndy were treated to haircuts in the cockpit so we are still finding little pieces of hair even after many washes of the deck.... but they both look very spivvy!

The island is surrounded by crystal clear blue water so that visibility when snorkelling was about 70 metres. Whales can be seen frolicking in the deep bay and word spreads quickly around the village when they are seen.

Niue is one of the safest destinations as there is very little crime (the jail stores a mower at present) and no dangerous animals or insects. The people are very friendly and helpful and speak both Niuean and English.

There are a number of churches of different religions in each village and Sunday is a total day of rest where quiet recreational activities are allowed but boating and fishing are not permitted.

The villages are built along a main road and are spread out along the coast line around the island.

Visitors and freight come to Niue once per week by air from Auckland hence fresh fruit and vegetables are quickly depleted each week. All the food that is served in the tiny restaurants is very fresh as it is mostly varieties of local fish with the salad in Niue consisting of finely shredded cabbage, carrot, cucumber with a few little pieces of gherkin or tomato to garnish. Loads of freshly cooked chips are also served with meals so Stephen and Ross enjoyed fish and chips washed down with New Zealand beer for lunch today.

Only cash is used on the island.......no credit cards at all! The small bank only deals in Visa accounts so no Visa card; no money!

The island has numerous huge caves and chasms along the coastline with beautiful coloured coral and clear water for swimming and snorkelling.

Cyndy enjoying the cave pools

Iridescent blue and yellow fish swim in the shallows and large coloured Parrot fish swim along the reefs close to the jetty.

Ross and Dain at Matapa Chasm

Some unusual features of Niue include:

A Yacht Club with no yachts however they work extremely hard to take care of visiting yachts and crews from around the world outside of the cyclone season (between March to October).

All boats including local fishing boats and dinghies from the yachts are lifted out of the water by crane onto the jetty as the surge is too big for them to remain safely tied up at the wharf.

Lifting the dinghy at Niue

Stephen, Cyndy and Ross soon learnt to drive the crane and Dian looked after the bags coming ashore or going on board after our walk up the steep road to the village.