Alofi - Docking

Important Note: The End of May/early June and early July are busy times here as World ARC yachts stop here.

Approaches

Although there are navigation lights marked on most charts, some of these north and south of the wharf approach have not been repaired after Cyclone Heta damage. There are two red leading lights that indicate the approach to the wharf and two bright white lights illuminating the wharf area after dark which can be seen for a distance seaward.

The FADs in Alofi Bay should be avoided. See Yachting Essentials for details.

It is advisable to approach in daylight and, if possible, to use radar to establish distance off. Provisions have been made for a night approach - see below - however, the FADs are not lit. Depth soundings will offer no help due to the steep-to nature of the coast.

Anchorages:

Anchoring is discouraged because of the seabed topography where anchors can get into crevices.

Moorings:

There are currently 15 moorings available at a cost of $30NZ per night, suitable for yachts up to 16 metres. A pre-booking system is in place for moorings, managed by the Niue Yacht Club.   - see Clearance for details. Note, if you turn up and pick up a mooring that someone has pre-booked, you will be asked to move if the existing booking cannot be re-allocated. It is highly beneficial to pre-book moorings in advance to ensure a place.

During rally visits throughout the cruising season, there is limited availability. It is worth contacting the NYC in advance of your arrival to check no big fleets are due in:  email:  nyc@niueisland.com

All NYC moorings are regularly inspected, new ropes and shackles fitted where required and passed as fit for purpose and safe for vessels to use pending sea conditions.

There are a mixture of single and double blocks that will all accommodate vessels up to 16 metres - pending sea conditions.  Larger or heavy vessels should specifically request a double block mooring.

The moorings are approx. 5-ton concrete blocks with polyester lines and pink pick-up floats. The concrete blocks have been placed on sand patches between the coral outcrops, to minimize environmental impact. Pass your rope through the stainless steel eye on top of the mooring, tie off on board and put the float back in the water.

Note that the far north mooring is a privately owned mooring for a local fisherman and is not available for yacht use.

All mooring buoys are numbered and have reflective tape on the pick-up float to ensure easier mooring in the dark. You will be given a gps position of your mooring when booking.

Getting Ashore

Landing with your dinghy can be an interesting experience as there is no beach, just a concrete jetty/wharf (see image above of wharf).  Your tender must be lifted out by the dock crane onto the wharf, where there is a trolley for moving it clear of the landing zone.

You will need a 3-point bridle for your dinghy, be sure to have this prepared beforehand.

There is a dedicated storage space for dinghies.  DO NOT leave your dinghy over the access way for other boats as the area is used for launching fishing and dive boats and for emergency vessels as well.

Please read the "Do's and Don'ts for Yachties" prior to going ashore.

Last updated: June 2025