Niue (country). Currency of the country, population. Attractions in Niue

Niue is a country in Polynesia, not yet known by tourists. But it can not be said that this is a kind of "terra incognita". Despite the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, New Zealanders like to relax here, as well as a small number of Canadians and US residents. But these are mostly extremals who want to try themselves in the role of modern Miklukho-Maclay. Because the disastrous breath of globalization only barely reaches this islet lost in the vast Pacific Ocean. Most of its territory is an impenetrable jungle. There is only a ring road along the coast (sometimes three and a half meters wide), and two routes connecting the eastern and western parts of the island. In this dwarf state there is only one town - Alofi (it's the capital), representing two merged villages. What are tourists looking for in Niue? How to get there, where to settle and what to see, read in this article.

Where is Niue located

Niue is an island country, or rather, a raised coral atoll. There is a small state in Polynesia, in the Pacific, between the equator and the South Tropic. The island is quite remote from the other archipelagos. The nearest islands to Tonga lie 480 kilometers to the west. In the east lies Cook's archipelago. Nearest to Niue, Rarotong Island is separated by 930 kilometers. In the northwest is the archipelago of Samoa. Niue is an independent state entity that is part of a free association with New Zealand. In addition to land, the state also owns three underwater coral reefs: Beveridge, Antioop and Harens. They are exposed only at low tide. The area of Niue Island is 261.46 square kilometers. The highest point (without a name, near the village of Mutalau) reaches 68 meters above sea level. These figures put Niue in the record: the largest single and tall atoll in the world.

History and political system

Niue is a country that appeared on the world map in 1974. The atoll was settled in the first centuries BC by immigrants from Polynesia. The first European, who arrived to the shores of the island, became James Cook (in 1774). The natives greeted him hostilely, why the navigator gave the atoll the name "Savage" - "Savages." In 1900 the British Empire took the island under its protectorate. But a year later it was annexed by New Zealand. When in the second half of the 20th century colonies became unjustifiable, the metropolitanate gave Niue the freedom of self-government. At the same time, residents of the atoll have the right to New Zealand citizenship. Since 1974, Niue has been a self-governing public entity in partnership with a former colonialist. Niue is a country consisting of the South Pacific Commission and the Forum of Polynesian Islands. As for the state system, it is a constitutional monarchy.

How to get where to live

Until recently, none of the Russian tour operators did not send travelers to rest in Niue. The country, whose photos look like illustrations to an earthly paradise, does not experience an influx of foreigners. Interesting is the fact that New Zealand has eighteen and a half thousand Niueans, whereas on the island itself the population is only 1600 people (according to this indicator, Niue is the third most sparsely populated country in the world after Tokelau and Pitcairn). But what kind of people! The only flight from Oakland, which is able to take a local airport, the population meets with songs and dances. Before the eyes of a few discouraged tourists played a real show. And it includes passengers from local, returning to their homeland from the "big earth". There are two good hotels on the atoll: Matavai and Namukula Cottages. Book them in advance. There are several other hotels easier.

How to prepare for the trip

The ancient name of the island - Savage (Wild) - to some extent justified and now. Those tourists who have visited the atoll recommend to cash in before departure from Oakland, going to Niue. A country whose money is a New Zealand dollar does not have a single ATM on its territory. By the way, public transport, too. In good hotels, guests are given bicycles for free. The entire territory of Niue is covered by broadband Internet. But the wy-fi in hotels costs ten New Zealand dollars a day. All local students in educational institutions are issued laptops. So in the field of IT-technologies, the Niueans are ahead of the whole planet. The language barrier for tourists should not arise. On the atoll, both old and young are fluent in English. It is the second state language.

Climate

Niue is an island located in equatorial latitudes. Therefore, the climate here is hot and humid. In the year there are two seasons. From November to March here is summer. It is hot and very wet. Often tropical cyclones sweep, causing damage to the already poorly developed infrastructure of the island. The most devastating was Typhoon Geta, from which in 2005 Niue (country) suffered greatly. The dollar so did not fall during the global economic crisis, as the temperature in the dry season (April-October) decreases. Atoll lies on the path of the southeast trade winds. Strong winds blow up the sea, strong storms begin. This period is characterized by sunny and warm days, but pretty cool nights. Beach vacation is not particularly developed on the atoll, because the bays here are small, the bottom is shallow and coral, you can swim only in special shoes. By the way, there are no rivers or even streams on the island. All fresh water comes from artesian wells. You can drink it even from the tap.

Attractions in Niue

The main wealth of the country is its paradise nature. The government pays much attention to its protection. On a tiny atoll there are several reserves. Tourists recommend to go to Huvalu - a virgin forest area of 54 square meters. Km. It occupies the central and eastern part of the island and is located between the villages of Hakupu and Lika. Further to the south begins another park - Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park. It is included in the list of the cultural heritage of mankind, since here there are burials and remains of the dwellings of the ancient inhabitants of the island. The water area from Cape Makapu is also under state protection. Currency Niue - New Zealand dollar - should not mislead you about prices. In this former colony, everything is somewhat more expensive than in the metropolis. And this is justified: the products (except coconuts, taro and cassava) arrive on the atoll by plane.