Niue - Facts

Niue FAQs

Pre-Arrival – Boat: The Niue Yacht Club manages the moorings in Niue and require a notice of arrival and a mooring reservation in advance. See Clearance for all the details
Pre-Arrival – Crew: Most international visitors receive an automatic Visitor's Permit for up to 30 days on arrival. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Niue has only one port of entry located in Alofi. See Clearance for details.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are fees (payable in NZ$) associated with clearance, immigration, biosecurity and for the use of moorings. See Fees for more details.
What security concerns should I know about? Niue is generally considered a safe and secure destination. See Security for more details.

Niue Facts for Sailors

• The island of Niue is one of the world's smallest self-governing states and rules in free association with New Zealand. Most Niueans now live in NZ - about 20,000 are Niuean born or of direct Niuean descent - while the island of Niue itself has a population of approx. 1600.
• The island is a raised volcanic atoll of rocky limestone which sits above the largest block of coral and the caldera in the original volcano holds 3 cubic kms of fresh water. Niue boasts an extensive cave system and the diving here is excellent.
• In April 2022, Niue designated all of its 317,000 square kilometre territorial waters as a maritime conservation area, leading most other nations in protectiong the ocean environment.
• Lying on the direct route from French Polynesia to Vava'u in Tonga, Niue is a favourite stop for westbound yachts.
• Niue's mooring field is an open roadstead on the West coast, close to the main settlement at Alofi. Whilst it offers the best shelter on the Island, it is in an exposed position if the predominant Trade Winds change, with a westerly component.
• The undersea topography of the volcanic slope, coupled with fragile coral regrowth, makes it essential for visiting cruisers to pick up a mooring ball.
• One must always keep an eye on the weather, particularly when visiting ashore.
• Take care on the approach to Alofi Bay as there are two Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) as you enter the bay. These are unlit. For more details on the FADs and supplies and repairs possible on Niue see Yachting Essentials.
• The pace of life in Niue is relaxed and calm.