Niue, often referred to as the “Rock of Polynesia,” is a unique destination for yacht cruisers, offering clear waters, intriguing limestone caves, and a welcoming community. The Niue Yacht Club (NYC), humorously known as the “Biggest Little Yacht Club in the World,” plays a pivotal role in accommodating visiting yachts.
Mooring and Anchorage:
- Moorings: NYC maintains 15 moorings in Alofi Bay, situated on the island’s western side near the main wharf and the settlement of Alofi. These moorings are regularly inspected and can accommodate vessels up to 16 meters, depending on sea conditions. Larger or heavier vessels should request a double-block mooring. It’s advisable to book a mooring in advance through the NYC to ensure availability.
- Anchoring: Due to the island’s steep underwater topography and fragile coral ecosystems, anchoring is restricted to specific areas around Alofi. It’s recommended to consult with the NYC for guidance on suitable anchoring spots.
Arrival Procedures:
- Advance Notification: Prior to arrival, yachts should contact Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16 to inform them of their approach. Upon arrival in Alofi Bay, it’s essential to wait for instructions before coming ashore, as Niue Customs are strict about this protocol.
- Documentation: Ensure all necessary forms, such as the Niue Vessel Report Form, Niue Health Declaration, and Niue Biosecurity Declaration, are completed before arrival to expedite the clearance process. These forms can be downloaded from the Niue Tourism website.
Facilities and Services:
- Shore Facilities: The NYC provides clean showers and bathrooms at the main wharf. Additionally, the club has set up headquarters at Manuiz Restaurant and Bar in Alofi, a short walk from the wharf, where sailors can relax and access information.
- Dinghy Access: Access to the wharf is facilitated by a lifting crane. Dedicated storage space for dinghies is available, but it’s important not to obstruct access ways, as the area is used for launching fishing and dive boats, as well as emergency vessels.
Local Regulations and Customs:
- Biosecurity: Niue has strict biosecurity rules. Only food and products purchased in Niue can be transported on and off the boat. Pets must remain on board, and a bond may be required for their secured custody.
- Cultural Etiquette: Niue is a conservative and religious country with traditions that should be respected. For instance, it’s against local customs to swim where vaka (canoe) fishermen are nearby. Sunbathing naked or topless on deck is also discouraged, as it can be seen from land.
Weather Considerations:
- Cyclone Season: The cyclone season runs from December to March, with an average temperature of 27ยฐC and high humidity. It’s advisable to avoid cruising during this period due to the risk of cyclones and high winds.
- Trade Winds: Niue lies in the zone of the Southeast trades. Average temperatures from April through November are around 24ยฐC, making this period more favorable for cruising.
Activities and Attractions:
- Diving and Snorkeling: Niue boasts some of the best water visibility in the world, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. The island’s unique geology offers extensive cave systems and pristine coral reefs to explore.
- Whale Watching: Humpback whales frequent Niue’s waters between June and September. Only licensed operators can approach whales; otherwise, vessels must stay at least 200 meters away. It’s also prohibited to use jet skis, yacht tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, etc., for whale watching.
By adhering to local regulations and respecting Niue’s customs, yacht cruisers can enjoy a memorable and enriching experience on this unique island.
YACHT CLUB
Known as the โBiggest Little Yacht Club in the Worldโ
Niue Yacht Club has 15 moorings available to use. All moorings have been recently fully inspected, new ropes and shackles fitted where required and passed as fit for purpose and safe for vessels to use pending seas conditions. There are a mixture of single and double blocks that will all accommodate vessels up to 16 metres pending sea conditions. Larger or heavy vessels should specifically request a double block mooring.
Mooring Coordinates
#7 19ยฐ 03.322โS 169ยฐ 55.512โW
Please note: ONLY moorings #1 and #7 are available during cyclone season.
Contact
Email โ nyc@niueisland.com
Channel 16 โ Niue Radio/Telecom
Arrivals and Departures
On Arrival in Niue
- Pickup the numbered mooring you have been allocated
- Ensure you have read and understood the Notice to Mariners HERE โ and are familiar with the Doโs and Donโtโs for Yachties
- Every yacht must contact Niue Radio on channel 16 when within VHF range. This channel is monitored 24 hrs a day and will contact Customs and Immigration with your details for your check in process. Please DO NOT come ashore unless instructed by Niue Radio.
- Check-in and check-out times for immigration, customs and biosecurity are as follows:
oย Monday โ 9-11 am
oย Tuesday to Friday โ 9-10 am & 2-3 pm
oย Saturday & Sunday โ 9-10 am & 2-3 pm *by arrangement and subject to staff availability - Ensure you have your documentation and your vessel ready for inspection.
o Niue Vessel Report Form
oย Niue Health Declarationย
oย Niue Biosecurity Declaration - Yachts coming onto the mooring field for shelter and repairs have up to 24 hours to carryout repairs and/or rest before they must leave or clear through Customs and pay the departure tax of NZ$150pp.
- Head to the Visitor information centre, and they can help you book transport and activities on the island whilst you are here and enjoy your time in Niue.
On Departure from Niueย
- Ensure all mooring fees have been paid in full
- Present your departure documents for clearing
- Tell your friends what a great time you had in Niue โ and come again!
Fees:
There are fees associated with clearance, immigration and biosecurity.
- Clearance NZ$50 per vessel
- Afterhours Customs Clearance NZ$20.00 per vessel. *by arrangement and subject to staff availability.
- Departure Tax NZ$150 per person
oย Free if staying less than 24hrs
o Free for under 12โs
ย Amenities
- Daily Rubbish removal (Mon-Fri) and destruction
- Vessel clearing costs โ government staff and vessel
- Pet clearance costs
- Use of winch
- Wharf storage for dinghys
ย
Local Interactive Map Niue
WEATHER
PILOT CHARTS
american-samoa Pilot Charts provide historic points and aggregated information ofย wind flows, air and ocean temperatures, wave heights, rain, barometric weight, and climate conditions at various seasons. This data was acquired from oceanographic and meteorologic perceptions over hundreds of years starting in the late eighteenth century. These diagrams are planned to help mariners choose routes around and approaching Cuba with respect to the normal climate and sea conditions using prevailing seasonal wind information.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Niue’s primary port of entry is Sir Robert’s Wharf, located in Alofi, the nation’s capital. This wharf accommodates smaller vessels, including yachts, and serves as the main point for customs and immigration clearance. Due to Niue’s unique topography, larger ships anchor offshore, and cargo is transferred via barges.
For maritime arrivals, it’s essential to contact Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16 upon approach to coordinate customs and immigration procedures. Clearance times are typically Monday from 9โ11 am and Tuesday to Friday from 9โ10 am and 2โ3 pm. Completing necessary forms, such as the Niue Vessel Report Form, Health Declaration, and Biosecurity Declaration, prior to arrival can expedite the process.
The Niue Yacht Club (NYC) provides 15 moorings in Alofi Bay, accommodating vessels up to 16 meters. Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability. The NYC maintains facilities at Alofi Wharf, including toilets, solar-heated showers, freshwater refills, a laundry tub, and rubbish bins. Keys to these amenities are available at the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre, located near the wharf.
It’s important to respect local customs and regulations. For instance, swimming or snorkeling with humpback whales or spinner dolphins is prohibited unless with a licensed operator. Additionally, Sundays are reserved for rest and religious observance, so activities like diving, boating, or fishing are not permitted on that day.
For comprehensive information on sailing to Niue, including mooring details, customs procedures, and local guidelines, resources like the Niue Pocket Guide and Noonsite offer valuable insights.
ย
DOCUMENTS
ENTRY EXIT REQUIREMENTS
| DOCUMENTATION | |||||||||||||||
| Passport | Valid for at least _ months; requires one blank page | ||||||||||||||
| Boat Documentation | Coast Guard Doc (Original) | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance | |||||||||||||||
| Crewlist | Required at checkin/out | ||||||||||||||
| Zarpe | Required at checkin/out | ||||||||||||||
| Fishing License | |||||||||||||||
| Official Procedures | |||||||||||||||
| Official Country Visa | |||||||||||||||
| Immigration Visa | |||||||||||||||
| Required Permits | |||||||||||||||
| Upon Arrival Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain/Authority | ||||||||||||||
| Upon Departure Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain | ||||||||||||||
| Total Entry & Exit Fees: | |||||||||||||||
| Notes: | |||||||||||||||
| Recommended Agent: |
|
||||||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||||||
| Required Vaccinations | None | ||||||||||||||
| Pets | |||||||||||||||
| Currency: New Zealand dollar |
American Dollar to 
TOP ย
MUST SEE
Niue, a unique raised coral atoll in the South Pacific, offers a variety of natural attractions. Here are some must-see sites along with their approximate coordinates:
- Talava Arches
- Description: A massive natural rock archway accessible via a trail through coastal rainforest and limestone caves.
- Coordinates: 18.9646ยฐ S, 169.8832ยฐ W
- Location: Near the village of Hikutavake, northwest coast of Niue.
- Matapa Chasm
- Description: A deep, clear pool encased by steep cliffs, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Coordinates: 18.9646ยฐ S, 169.8833ยฐ W
- Location: Adjacent to the Talava Arches trailhead, Hikutavake village.
- Limu Pools
- Description: Crystal-clear pools sheltered by rocky formations, perfect for snorkeling.
- Coordinates: 18.9780ยฐ S, 169.9180ยฐ W
- Location: Namukulu village, west coast of Niue.
- Togo Chasm
- Description: A secluded sandy chasm surrounded by coconut palms, reached via a forest and coastal trail.
- Coordinates: 19.0730ยฐ S, 169.8250ยฐ W
- Location: Approximately 4 km north of Hakupu village, east coast of Niue.
- Avaiki Cave
- Description: A historically significant cave with a natural swimming pool, once reserved for Niuean royalty.
- Coordinates: 18.9930ยฐ S, 169.9180ยฐ W
- Location: Between the villages of Makefu and Tuapa, west coast of Niue.
- Anapala Chasm
- Description: A freshwater chasm accessible via a descent of 146 steps, offering a unique swimming experience.
- Coordinates: 19.0840ยฐ S, 169.8500ยฐ W
- Location: Near Hakupu village, southeast coast of Niue.
- Hikulagi Sculpture Park
- Description: An open-air art space featuring sculptures made from recycled materials, reflecting Niuean culture and environmental themes.
- Coordinates: 19.0000ยฐ S, 169.8500ยฐ W
- Location: Near the village of Liku, east coast of Niue.
- Palaha Cave
- Description: A cave known for its colorful limestone formations and a small pool at its entrance, offering a picturesque sunset view.
- Coordinates: 18.9900ยฐ S, 169.9200ยฐ W
- Location: Near the village of Tuapa, west coast of Niue.
- Ekalesia Church
- Description: A historic church known for its architecture and cultural significance in Niuean society.
- Coordinates: 19.0550ยฐ S, 169.9200ยฐ W
- Location: Alofi, the capital of Niue.
- Lakepa Blowholes
- Description: Natural blowholes that create impressive water spouts during high tide, offering a spectacular display.
- Coordinates: 19.0330ยฐ S, 169.8500ยฐ W
- Location: Near the village of Lakepa, east coast of Niue.
ย
REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Niue, a unique raised coral atoll in the South Pacific, offers essential services for visiting yachts, primarily through the Niue Yacht Club (NYC). Known as the “Biggest Little Yacht Club in the World,” the NYC provides 15 moorings in Alofi Bay, accommodating vessels up to 16 meters. Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability.
Upon arrival, yachts should contact Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16 to coordinate customs and immigration procedures. Clearance times are typically Monday from 9โ11 am and Tuesday to Friday from 9โ10 am and 2โ3 pm. It’s advisable to complete necessary forms, such as the Niue Vessel Report Form, Health Declaration, and Biosecurity Declaration, prior to arrival to expedite the process.
The NYC maintains facilities at Alofi Wharf, including toilets, solar-heated showers, freshwater refills, a laundry tub, and rubbish bins. Keys to these amenities are available at the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre, located near the wharf.
It’s important to respect local customs and regulations. For instance, swimming or snorkeling with humpback whales or spinner dolphins is prohibited unless with a licensed operator. Additionally, Sundays are reserved for rest and religious observance, so activities like diving, boating, or fishing are not permitted on that day.
For comprehensive information on sailing to Niue, including mooring details, customs procedures, and local guidelines, resources like the Niue Pocket Guide and Noonsite offer valuable insights.
ย
EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO
EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO
ย
SAR (SEARCH AND RESCUE)
ARCC Fuaโamotu International Airport Tonga for SAMOA
Latitude, Longitude:
(-21.25,-175.1333313)
Telephone: +676 35393
Fax: +676 35395
RCC Tonga Defence Services (TDS)Latitude, Longitude:(-21.13330078,-175.1999969)Telephone: +676 23099Fax: +676 23934
ย