NIUE – The new Paradise

The Tongans called it “Behold Coconuts” when they first discovered the island of Niue. The word Niue means “Behold Coconuts” in the native Tongan and Samoan language. The rock island just 1500 miles to the north east of New Zealand had huge straight cliffs of more 60 feet height rising out of sea. The Island was full of coconut trees initially and hence was given the name Niue. The population of the island is miniscule and sometimes in the fall the number of whales visiting the island outnumbers the visiting humans.

Almost 25% of the island is a virgin dense rainforest with caves and coves all along the coast line. These caves with the homes to the natives till the mid 1800s. Even with a population just below 2000, the tourists can find guides who can take you through the mysterious rainforest, explore the caves, take your for reef walks and guide your way in the most beautiful and stunning cave system in the whole pacific region which are fully underwater. If you visit Niue during the month of October then you can witness the 14 days of celebration as the women folk weaving baskets and cooking delicacies in a special earth oven called 'umu'. The annual celebrations are a part of the cultural heritage of the island.

Niue is just like a paradise reborn. Just 3 hours from New Zealand by flight, it is out of our modern world.  There are no crowds any where so there are no queues for you to do anything you like. It is one of the safest places on the face of the earth with practically no crime. Any once can walk safely even in the dark with no fear. It is a tightly knit society which offers protection to all. Even the forests are save in Niue as there are no carnivores or poisonous or something large enough to harm you in any way. It is a safe heaven.