Alofi

Introduction

Alofi is the capital and largest settlement of the island of Niue and has a population of about 580 inhabitants. The village consists of two smaller vilages, aptly named Alofi South (434 residents) and Alofi North (134 residents). Tthe government headquarters are located in Alofi South. Alofi is located at the westcoast of the island along Alofi Bay, opposite the only break in the coral reef that surrounds Niue. You can base yourself in Alofi to explore the island or go out to snorkel or dive with whales.

In January 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which killed two people and did extensive damage to the entire island. Many of Alofi's buildings were destroyed, including the hospital. Government buildings were shifted to a less exposed site 3 kilometres inland from the westcoast, named Fonuakula, after the storm. This site is still within the village boundaries of Alofi South.

Neighbourhoods

The two villages of Alofi South and Alofi North combine to make the capital city of Alofi.

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Alofi features a tropical rainforest climate under the Koppen climate classification, with no discernable dry season. The city has a noticeably drier stretch from June through September. However, all of these months average more than 60 mm of rain, the limit for a dry season month. Like other cities with this climate, average temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 25 °C throughout the year.

Getting There

By Plane

Flights arrive at Niue International Airport (IUE), also known as Hanan International Airport. Currently only Air New Zealand is servicing Niue from Auckland once a week.

By Boat

There are no regular ferries or other boats making the trips to Niue, so your only option are by private yacht which can enter at Alofi wharf.

Getting Around

By Car

Transport in Niue takes place on a road network, and via an (international) airport and the sea port. A ring road around the island's coast is the major route, and roads cross the central plateau linking Alofi to the villages of Lakepa, Liku and Hakupu on the opposite coast. All villages in Niue are connected by roads. There are utility roads to the inland and some coastal areas, unsealed, used mainly for accessing taro plantations, coconut areas and walking access to the sea.

By Public Transport

Because of Niue's size there is no public transport network. You can however order a taxi.

By Foot

By Bike

With a mix of sealed road, dirt track, slow drivers and almost no traffic makes the island a great place for cycling. Also every May there is an annual cycling race that circuits around the islands ring road.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet is widely available. Niue is the only country in the world to boost the fact that its Government offers everyone free access to the internet.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Landlines are available, but there is no cell phone coverage at all.

Post

The post office is located near South Pacific Bank in the Commercial Center in downtown Alofi.