Pacific Island Paradises

Hikutavake Toi Namukulu Mutalau Tuapa Makefu Lakepa Liku Alofi Tamakautoga Avatele Vaiea Hakupu Action, adventure, excitement The tiny Pacific Island paradise of Niue is affectionately referred to as 'the rock.' The world's largest coral atoll certainly does 'rock' as one of the world's top 'under the radar destinations' and is finding favour with visitors in search for a new and inspiring holiday experience. Niue offers a generous serve of soft adventure that can be enjoyed both on, under and off the water. The island is one of only three places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales and it is also one of the few places where visitors can whale watch from the shore as the humpback whales migratory path takes them to Niue's pristine waters for the months of April to October. The island is also rapidly gaining a reputation for its international events that range from fishing competitions to rallys and ironman events, all taking full advantage of the unique terrain and spectacular coastline that Niue is renowned for. History Despite a lack of documentary evidence, it is widely accepted that Niue has been inhabited for over a thousand years. The oral history of Niue has been passed down through her people through legend and story telling which point to the first settlement as being that of the Gods, Huanaku and Fao, together with the 176 www.paradisesonline.com Fire Gods from Fonuagalo, the Hidden Land. There is a general concession that Niuean people are of mixed Polynesian origin with migrational connections to Tonga and Samoa. Captain James Cook first sighted Niue in 1774 but was refused landing on his three attempts to step ashore at what is now known as Alofi, the island's capital. For this rebuke, Captain Cook retaliated by naming Niue 'Savage Island.' From the mid 1800's British missionaries received a warmer welcome and established Christianity, which led to Niue chiefs receiving British Protectorate status in 1900. In 1901 Niue was annexed to New Zealand, and in 1974 Niue gained self-government in free association with New Zealand. From this time to today, Niue follows a Westminsterstyle rule and enjoys a continued close association with New Zealand, which is home to many thousands of Niueans making them the fourth largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand. Today, visitors to the island will find a nation of around 1800 people who are warm, friendly, generous with their hospitality and in sharing some of the unique traditional experiences of their culture and island. Nature Nature abounds in Niue and with its small populous and comparatively remote location; it is one of the Pacific's

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