Welcome to the Alofi – Niue cruise port guide. Consider yourself lucky if you are making Niue your port of call for the day. First thing you need to know about this island is that there is not a lot to see and do on this conservative island. It is not an island which is build to welcome massive forms of tourism or to entertain visitors with wild attractions and cocktails bars. This is a simple low key island which is probably one of the last ports of call that just wants to show its island exactly the way it is. Niue doesn’t shout of its rooftops how they are the best or most beautiful. You just have to take it as it is and that makes it such a special experience. You will get a sense of local life on a remote island in the middle of the South Pacific. Alofi is where your cruise ship will take you, which is situated on the west side of the island. It is the capital city of Niue and home to less than 1000 people, which makes it the 2nd smallest national capital city in the world (first being Ngerulmud, capital of Palau). Read the Niue cruise port guide underneath for all the information on your docking location, transportation options and more.

Alofi – Niue cruise port fast facts:

– Alofi is a tender port – Your cruise ship will anchor in Alofi bay.

Alofi – Niue cruise port guide: tender port

Niue does not offer a pier that is large enough for cruise ships to dock. Your cruise ship will therefore be at anchor in the Alofi bay and ferry you to shore with their small tender boats. Alofi offers a simple, basic dock where tender boats can dock. Expect there will be several steps as well as a hill you will need to climb up to get to the center of Alofi.

Tourist information

Usually the local tourist information will send over some maps and/or representatives in the early morning to answer any questions you might have about Niue as cruise destination. If you arrive and there is no one from the tourist information present, than please know there is visitors information center in the Alofi town Center, across from the Parliament Building. This is open from Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday (as is everything in Niue)

Shore Excursions

Check if your ship will be able to offer shore excursions on the island. Alofi in not know for being able to offer an extensive supply of tour busses.

Transportation

There are most likely a few people there that are willing to take you around for the day, but don’t expect lines of taxis. Because transportation is limited on the island we highly recommend you to prebook something before you leave home to make sure you will have transportation for you there.

Beaches

There are a few tiny beaches within walking area of the cruise dock. Please know there is a steep climb down the rock to get there and there are no facilities at the beach. The beach is called Utuko Beach. Make sure to bring water shoes if you are planning on visiting it. The rest of the island doesn’t offer much beach either.

Wi-fi

There is actually a wi-fi place right at the commercial center, which is only a couple of minutes walk from the cruise dock. You can’t really miss it when you make your way up the hill. Please know prices for tourist are higher as for locals. Expect you will need to pay about 10 dollars to get in. It is pretty uncommon to find free wi-fi on Niue.

Shopping

There are a couple of stores located in Alofi, but this is with no stretch of the imagination a shopping destination. There is a “commercial center” where you can find a local supermarket, art gallery, internet cafe, post office, hair salon and some other basic stores.

Renting a car

Please know you will need to obtain a Niue Driver’s License from the Niue Police Department before you are able to rent a car. Always verify this information with your rental company as not all rental companies will apply this regulation. The Niue’s drivers license can be bought at the local Police Department and costs around NZD$23. Renting a car is a nice way to get around. Know that it only takes 30 minutes to cross the island so you can plan a nice full day going all around. Speed limit in the island is 60 km per hour on open road and 40 km per hour in villages.

Renting a bicycle

Renting a bicycle is actually a great idea if you want to get active and you are not demotivated by the heat. There are even a couple of bike treks close to the cruise port which are great for sightseeing as well. The island is not mountainous and therefore great for bike tours.

Sailing into Alofi by cruise ship

Niue is completely surrounded by a coral reef. The only break in the reef is at the bay of Alofi. This is actually also the spot where you might have to opportunity to see whales. Out of the 86 species of whales, dolphins and purpoises, 6 species are know to live around Niue. Sei whale, Sperm whale, spinner dolphins and humpback whales can be spotted here if you are lucky. Close by the cruise dock you will also find the whale spotting area where there is great information posted on this by Oma Tafua, the Niuean whale conservation organisation.

Things to see and do in town:

There are quite a few thing you can see and do when visiting Alofi by cruise ship. If you are planning on having an easy day and to not go on an excursion than we could recommend you to visit: – Tomb Point – Commercial center (with a small playground, wi-fi cafe, art gallery and local supermarket) – Utuko beach

Things to see and do out of town:

– Huvala Forest Conservation Area – Talava Arches – Hio beach – Vaikona Chasm (guided only) – Limu Pools – Matapa Chasm – Hikulagi Sculpture Park – Ulupaka Cave (guided only) – Uluvehi – Avaika Cafe – Anapala Chasm – Togo Chasm

Alofi – Niue cruise port