Best kept secret
like a beach, but there is no water. If Tom Hanks and his volleyball, Wilson, ever wanted to film a second instalment of Cast Away, it should be here.
The ‘‘beach’’ is accessed by a long ladder – where you can lie on the sand under a tree and marvel at nature’s incredible power to create the most magical little spaces.
Niue is also gaining a reputation as being one of the best places to swim with humpback whales, which frequent the waters from July to October. Or you can swim with dolphins – frolicking in front of the resort – any time of the year.
The English discovered Niue in the 1700s, but locals wouldn’t let Captain Cook land – which led him to name the place ‘‘Savage Island’’.
Three hundred years later, only a handful of foreigners get to visit this place each week – and what they find is something that’s anything but savage. This is a place with so much compassion that the fire service gets called out to help a duck. It also has so much beauty, it won’t be a secret for much longer.
The island is essentially a giant piece of coral that grew on top of an old underwater volcano – and there is a vast network of coral caves, inlets and caverns dotted around the island.
The writers’ trip was supported by Air New Zealand, Niue Tourism and Scenic Matavai Resort.
FACT FILE
Getting there:
Air New Zealand flies to Niue twice a week. See: airnz.co.nz.
Staying there:
Scenic Matavai is the best choice for beautiful ocean-front accommodation and has one of the best restaurants on the island. Rates start from around $180 a night. See: scenichotelgroup.co.nz.
Playing there:
The NOT – or Niue Orientation Tour – is highly recommended. Keith (the commodore of the world’s only yacht club without any yachts) – provides an excellent trip around the island. See: niuetours.com.
Niue has so much to do underwater, from whales to dolphins, diving or snorkelling. Buccaneer Adventures, right next to Scenic Matavai, is the best place to book with. See: niuedive.com.