Niue Island (on English maps it is also referred to as Savage) is an island of coral origin, which is located in Polynesia in the southeastern part Pacific Ocean and distant east of the Tonga Islands. In Polynesian the name of the island is Niue Fekai, which translates as “cannibal” and “coconut tree”. The English version of the name Savage Island was assigned by James Cook, who named it after his discovery due to the unfriendliness of its local inhabitants.

Niue Island is the largest coral island in the world and has an almost regular round shape with a diameter of approximately 18 kilometers with two small bays that extend slightly into the land. The island's land area is about 261 square kilometers. Almost along the entire length of the coastline, the island is surrounded by a coral reef, which has short breaks in the area of ​​the east coast.

According to experts, the island of Niue, which was originally uninhabited, was settled by colonists from the Samoan archipelago around the 9th century. Around the end of the 16th century, Niue and its inhabitants were invaded by Tongan tribes who arrived on the island by boats and canoes. The island was discovered for Europe by James Cook's expedition in 1774. At the beginning of 1900, Britain established its protectorate over the island and in mid-1901 delegated jurisdiction to its dominion, New Zealand.

Currently, Niue (since 1974) is a self-governing territorial entity in free association with New Zealand, has its own constitution and autonomous government.

The monetary unit in circulation on the island is the New Zealand dollar (sometimes called the New Zealand dollar or, simply, the kiwi) (NZD code 554), which consists of 100 cents.

The local population is small. IN this moment According to the latest census, no more than 1,900 people live permanently on the island. The ethnic composition is dominated by the so-called Niueans, who are descendants of immigrants from Samoa and Tonga; immigrants from Asia, Europe and other Polynesian islands also live compactly on the island. The official languages ​​in Niue are English and Niuean, which is a transformed form of the Tongan language.

The administrative center of the island is the town of Alofi (on a number of maps it is designated as Alofi). The population of Alofi, which is conventionally divided into southern and northern part does not exceed 600 people. Other settlements are small villages that are scattered along the entire coast of the island.

The main areas of Niue's national economy are copra production, fishing and, of course, tourism. Niue will leave deep positive impressions for tourists and guests arriving on the island for a long time.

You can get to the island either by air or by sea, usually from Australia and New Zealand. South of Alofi there is a small airport that has international status and receives regular flights from Tonga, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand. Alofi, located on the shore of a small bay of the same name, is also seaport, which accepts small passenger and cargo ships. A serious obstacle to navigation in coastal waters is the coral reef, which is interrupted only in the area of ​​Alofi Bay.

Arriving tourists can stay in small hotels in Alofi, which do not pretend to be fashionable, but can provide basic service to clients. At the moment, there are about eight hotels in Alofi, which can simultaneously accommodate about seven hundred tourists and guests of the island.

The climate in Niue is quite hot and not very humid. All this contributes to development on the island beach tourism. Almost along the entire coast of the island there are beaches with pinkish sand due to the presence of fractions of crushed coral fragments in it. In some places, the coast consists of low cliffs, which offer vacationers a panoramic view of the sea and the landscape of the island. Officially, Niue has three organized and equipped beaches, which are located on west coast not far from Alofi, but many vacationers prefer the natural beaches and rocks that are in abundance here. When relaxing on the beach and swimming in coastal waters, it is worth remembering some precautions, since very strong levels of emitted ultraviolet radiation at these latitudes can have a detrimental effect on the skin of vacationers, and strong enough surf can pose a danger for swimmers and make it quite difficult to get out of the water, especially in the area of ​​coastal cliffs.

Recently, the island has been visited by more and more surfers, the stormy period here, which lasts from October to January, and the warm coastal waters provide the opportunity to surf at the highest level with maximum pleasure.

There is also something to do for diving enthusiasts. The reef surrounding the island takes on amazing shapes along its length, forming a mass of underwater caves and grottoes, which are also found on the coast. When diving, you should remember that spearfishing with harpoons is strictly prohibited in Niue. You should also beware of the poisonous flat-tailed catuali snake, which lives in coastal reefs.

There are no special attractions on the island, but all this is compensated for pristine nature islands. Niue is home to more than 500 species of herbaceous, shrub and woody plants, a third of which are endemic. In the eastern part of the island grow the tropical forests of Huvalu, consisting almost entirely of Niuean lat, which has five varieties. On the coast of the island grow shrubs, which have changed under the influence of environment. There are not a large number of mammal species on the island; their only prominent representative is the Tongan fox, the number of which has recently decreased greatly. More than 30 species of birds live on Niue, which can be classified as both alien and indigenous species. The latter include the spotted larva-eater and the Polynesian starling.

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 tourism infrastructure, New Zealanders like to relax here, as well as a small number of Canadians and US residents. 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. The dwarf state is located 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 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. To all local schoolchildren in educational institutions they give out laptops. 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 that is already weak developed infrastructure islands. 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 a virgin forest with an area of ​​54 square meters. 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.

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. Coastline has a length of 64 km.

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 grow different kinds coconut, yams, cassava, limes, etc. 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 by the Legislative Assembly for a term 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 are the official languages. Religion: Congregational Christian Church of Niue (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. Sale postage stamps for foreign collectors it is an important source of income. 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, soccer balls, stamps, handicrafts. 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.

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 about 3 million years ago, and its upper part, located above ocean level, was subjected to severe erosion due to natural factors (rain, 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. The majority (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 any foreign currency other than Australian or New Zealand dollars can only be exchanged at the Bank of South Pacific and Westpac offices in Alofi.

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

Tourism in Niue

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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).
Central Police Office - 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 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 - General information

Officially recognized name– Niue (also known as Savage).

Location– located Island state Niue in Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is part of the Kingdom of New Zealand. It does not have land borders with other states, but Niue has borders with the territorial waters of the Tonga Islands, the Cook Islands and the islands of American Samoa.

Territory– 261.46 square kilometers (229th place in the world).

Population- approximately 1,800 people (237th place in the world).

Ethnic composition of the population characterized by homogeneity (homogeneity). 81% of the total population are Niueans (descendants of the indigenous people of Polynesia), 11% are representatives of other islands of Oceania (mostly Fijians, Samoans, Tuvalians and Tongans), and a small number of residents are Europeans, and they make up 3%; 2.5% are Asians, 2.5% are representatives of other nationalities.

Religion- the majority of the population are adherents of Protestantism - 62%, about 9% are Catholics, Mormons - 8% and Jehovah's Witnesses - 2%. Small religious groups on the islands include: Hindus, Baha'is, Methodists, Sikhs, Seventh-day Adventists, as well as representatives of various Christian faiths. A small number of island residents consider themselves atheists.

Capital- Alofi.

Largest cities– Alofi, Hakulu, Avatele, Tamakautoga, Vaiea, Liku, Hikutawake, etc.

The official language is English and Niuean. It is worth noting that the Niuean language is only a drop in the ocean among the large group of Polynesian languages. Writing in this national language appeared relatively recently and uses the Latin alphabet of 17 letters. The language also has two dialects within one island: the Tafiti dialect, characteristic of the south of the island, and the Motu dialect, characteristic of the northern part of the island.

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.

The person in charge is Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, her viceroy in the Pacific region is the Governor-General, but direct power on the island is represented by the Chairman of the Governor-General.