Tucked away somewhere behind New Zealand is the island of Niue.

Not much happens here, just a lot of paradise. I went expecting peace and quiet and found more than enough to keep me busy.

Niue is just 260 sq km - a little larger than London - with a population of just over 2,000, which means that any visitors are warmly welcomed. And the crowds are not likely to bother you as the island only has around 90 hotel rooms. Search for Cheap Flights to New Zealand, to continue your holiday to Niue.

Despite the beauty of the Niuean beaches and the virgin rainforests not many people make their way to the island, often over shadowed by the more popular neighbours Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

Coming off the plane from New Zealand the first thing you hear is the cry of Fakaalofa lahi atu! It's worth learning as it means hello.

Most people head to Niue for relaxation, swimming with whales or dolphins, snorkelling or just lying on the beach. However, by getting on a bike and cycling around the islands there are a great number of treasures to be found and for the truly adventurous there are tours that take you into the virgin rain forest to discover unique wildlife hidden beside massive trees. Thankfully there is nothing deadly or poisonous in the forests, adding to the paradise atmosphere.

One site to definitely find is the Togo Chasm. Within the lunar-esque rocks jutting out of the sea - with crashing waves battering them incessantly - is a sandy enclave with palm trees and the caves and pools of water that hide wildlife.

If the quietness gets too much for you, the best way to enjoy a knees-up is at one of the village days.

Each village has its own day where locals show off their wares - such as weaved hats, mats, bags and baskets - followed by music and dance into the evening. At the market, the unique goods are not aimed at the tourist market, and so are truly authentic. Also they are in short supply, so anything you see that takes your fancy should be snapped up quick smart.

The focus of the evening's entertainment is the large 'umu', or earth oven, which is prepared by villagers, with pigs or chicken are cooked alongside root vegetables and other local delicacies of game, fish and fruit.

On my visit to the island I missed the Hakupu Village Annual Show Day, by two days, but I was invited to a Niuean version of a Bar Mitzvah.


Rattling off 'Fakaalofa lahi atu' to everyone I met; I soon made friends and was invited to a haircutting ceremony. The cutting of hair marks the entrance into manhood of a teenager where his long ponytail kept since birth is snipped off among plenty of music and fun. I warn you though, that guests are warmly invited to give the new man a cash present, something that took me a while to twig.

Eating out in Niue is a matter of enjoying whatever the island has to offer. The handful of bars and restaurants sell fresh seafood, forest fruits and meat.

I went to Niue not knowing what to expect and I found a warm welcome, unforgettable sites, a great time and Fakaalofa lahi atu ringing in my ears.

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