Tokelau

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Quick Facts

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Population

1,400

Government

Non-selfgoverning territory under NZ administration

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

Tokelauan, English

Calling Code

+690

Nationality

Tokelauan

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Introduction

The great dilemma of anthro-tourism in the Pacific is that in order to get to the places where cultures are most traditional and least touched by modernity, you have a real challenge awaiting you in terms of transportation and getting there. Sure, places like Tonga and Samoa serve up a bit of culture, but theirs is watered down. Tokelau is an anthro-tourist's dream -century old traditions shaped by Christianity is the basic way of life here - but is difficult to get to, with a fortnightly ship running between it and Samoa being the only way of getting there (unless you own your own boat).

There is a lack of things to do other than swimming, snorkelling and fishing, so make sure you like those activities before you come. If you do, the islands' coral reefs and lagoons offer marvelous visibility and stunning scenery.

Brief History

Geography

Tokelau is a group of 3 coral atolls located roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.

Atolls

Tokelau's 3 atolls are listed below.

• Nukunonu (once the Duke of Clarence Group) is the largest of the three atolls.
• Atafu (once known as the Duke of York Group)
• Fakaofo (once Bowditch Island)

Villages

• Nukunonu
• Atafu
• Fenuafala, which is located on Fakaofo

Sights and Activities

As Tokelau consists of three atoll, these are described shortly below. All of the attractions are within minutes of eachother.

Atafu

Atafu is the smallest of Tokelau's three atolls. It is also the most traditional atoll, located in the north. Protestant fervour means there are rationed alcohol sales and there is also a greater reliance on old-style dugout canoes. Traditional houses are one of the nicest attractions to observe on Atafu and there are more here than on any other atoll because of its supply of building wood, which is called kanava.

Fakaofo

This is the most southern atoll of Tokelau. It dominated the other two atolls in the 18th century Tokelau Wars. Nowadays, Fakaofa still calls itself 'the Chiefly Island'. There is a good example of a traditional village hall. The hall also has a coral slab personifying the ancient Polynesian god Tui Tokelau. There are no less than 62 islets and of the three atolls has the highest population of roughly 600 inhabitants. For such a small place, the existence of three churches to cater to the atoll's Protestant and Catholic inhabitants, is remarkable as well.

Nukunonu

The atoll of Nukunonu has 24 islets and is the largest of the three atolls that make up Tokelau. It also has the largest lagoon and is blessed with an abundance of pandanus trees for weaving. The other main feature on the atoll is the extremely pragmatic village hall which basically is a cargo shed!

Events and Festivals

Weather

Tokelau has a hot and humid tropical climate. Temperatures hoover around 30 degrees Celcius throughout the year and never drop much lower than 23 or 24 degrees at night. Temperatures are slightly higher during the wetter November to March period and slightly lower between April and October. This last period is the best season to visit as it rains less (but still significantly) and there is almost no chance of hurricanes, which can strik from December to March. Also, most ships leaving from Samoa and travelling between the atolls are full from November onwards and from January onwards crossings by boat can be very rough and are not recommended.

Getting There

By Plane

Tokelau has no airport, so your options of getting there are limited to sea transport only.

By Boat

Samoa - Tokelau vv
Although not much of an option for most travellers, it still is the only option to visit the isolated island of Tokelau. Once every 2 or 3 weeks the MV Tokelau travels from Apia in Samoa to Tokelau, which takes about 36 hours. Book in advance while many people from Tokelau use this service to visit their home country.

Pacific Expeditions is one of the few options to get here on a trip, other than with your own yacht. They have 3 weeks trips starting in Samoa and visiting American Samoa, Kiribati en route to Tokelau.

Getting Around

Travelling between the 3 atolls is only possible by boat. The MV Tokelau or some other boats that travel two or three times a month between Apia on Samoa and all three atolls. Getting around is best done by small aluminium dinghy or the more-traditional kanava outrigger canoe which is popular on the atoll of Atafu.
Travelling around the atolls other than by boat is best done by foot, other ways are either not possible or not necessary, as distances are minimal.

Red Tape

No special requirements, except of course a valid passport.

Money

See also Money Matters

The New Zealand currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins. Bills are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Although there is actually a local Tokelauan currency, these are very hard to get in the regular circuit and can only be bought as souvenirs.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

There is not a great deal of choice in accommodation Tokelau. There is one hotel, the Luana Liki Hotel and one resort, Falefa Resort on the largest island of Nukunonu. There is a guesthouse, Feliti Lopa on Atafu.

• Luana Liki Hotel comprises 6 rooms. (Location: Nukunonu. Ph: 4140)
• Fale Fa Resort (Location: Nukunonu. Ph: 4139)
• Feliti Lopa Guesthouse (Location: Atafu. Ph: 2146)

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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