Pacific Island Paradises

NIUE last bastions of unspoiled beauty and pristine environments. With only one full service resort, and the remainder being in more boutique and cottage accommodation the impact on this very natural environment is minimal. Nature is one of Niue's greatest assets and offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage with some of the world's most enchanting nature experiences. Because Niue Island is a coral atoll, the island features a particularly unique geology including spectacular coves and a reef that plunges to deep ocean just 50 meters from the shoreline. The atoll makeup of the island also results in near perfect water visibility and allows marine life including whales, dolphins and game fish to swim significantly closer to the shore compared to other islands and coastlines. Niue is one of few places on the planet where the migrating humpback whales can be viewed from many vantage points on land—these include the island's main resort, the Matavai from which visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the whales. These majestic marine mammals enjoy the warm, pristine waters of Niue from the months of April to October each year and are a key attraction for visitors to the island during this time. The deep blue waters of Niue are also home to hundreds of species of fish making for spectacular under water experiences as well as being nirvana for sport fishing. On land, the island is a vast conservation area boasting lush tropical flora that is home to the giant Uga crab, prized for its good looks and flavour! Accommodation The island's only full service resort hotel, the Matavai has recently completed a significant refurbishment of its guest rooms and hospitality spaces. Its ocean facing 178 www.paradisesonline.com frontage and all-ocean view guest rooms makes it a favourite for visitors preferring a resort style offering. Visitors to the island can also enjoy boutique cottage and motel style accommodation, which also includes the newly constructed Matavai Motel (opens December 2012). Here guests can opt for a self -catering style stay or the best of both worlds with the ability to use the resort facilities at nearby Matavai Resort. Local culture Local village festivals and cultural activities are a highlight of many visits that showcase the colourful and rich traditions around dance, food and traditional arts and activities. Sport and family fun also feature highly in the activities on offer in Niue with the entire community turning out for events and everyone being very welcome. Many cultural experiences focus around the ocean which is the lifeblood of this island nation. The traditional on water mode of transport and fishing is the 'vaka' or canoe is a key attraction with traditional canoe making and carving being a sought after attraction for visitors as well as the many events that feature these vaka. The visitors information centre is a focal point for displaying and selling traditional arts and crafts such as weaving and carving along with the twice weekly market and local show days. Activities Niue presents a myriad of nature based activities that make the most of the island's natural features and unique flora and fauna. Water lovers will not be left wanting with some of the world's best underwater experiences. The island is one of only three places in the world where visitors can swim with the humpback whales. This magical encounter is frequently described by lucky travelers as one of the best things they have done in their lives. Swimming with the dolphins is another popular encounter that never fails to blow people away. Niue's water visibility and extensive marine life makes for prime diving and snorkeling conditions. Divers can explore underwater caverns, caves and chasms and snorkelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a spectacular cove or beach to take a dip. Best of all, with so many great swimming locations and so few people it isn't hard to find one all to yourself. Keen fishermen and women will be blown away by the island's game fishing offerings. Fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and even marlin are found so close to the island that the action begins within minutes of hitting the water rather than far out to sea as is usually the case for serious game fishing. The secret is spreading amongst the international fishing community with Niue hosting an increasing number of fishing competitions and having featured on popular New Zealand fishing shows. The adventures continue on shore with popular activities including enjoying the island's extensive bush and coastal tracks, exploring the remarkable caving system or even partaking in a relaxing round of golf on the island's 9-hole course. There are also a number of uniquely Niuean tours available including plantation tours or even nighttime Uga crab hunting where visitors head into the bush with an expert guide and learn how to catch this local delicacy. With so much to see and do, visitors soon realise that a weeklong visit is not nearly enough and are always eager to plan their return to this truly untouched paradise.

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