Niue, whose capital city is Alofi, is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, and most of its diplomatic relations are conducted by New Zealand on its behalf. Niueans are New Zealand citizens, and Queen Elizabeth II is head of state in her capacity as Queen of New Zealand. 90–95% of Niuean people live in New Zealand. Niue is not a member of the United Nations, but its status as a freely-associated state has been accepted by UN organisations as equivalent to independence for international law purposes. Niue is a member of some UN specialized agencies.
Alofi is the capital, with a population of 1,611 (census of 2011), Alofi has the distinction of being the second smallest national capital city in terms of population (after Ngerulmud, capital of Palau). It consists of the two villages: Alofi North and Alofi South where the government headquarters are located.
Alofi is located at the centre of Alofi Bay on the west coast of the island, close to the only break in the coral reef that surrounds Niue. The bay stretches for 30% of the island's length (about seven kilometres) from Halagigie Point in the south to Makapu Point in the north. It is also notable aparently that Alofi contains the world's largest toothbrush fence.
The area is marked by steep limestone cliffs, coastal caves and the beautiful Alofi Bay. 2004's Cyclone Hete caused extensive damage to the southern half of the city, but essential services such as the hospital and government buildings have since been rebuilt in more protected locations.
Alofi doesn't have a substantial range of souvenirs, but there are two shops that sell t-shirts, magnets, etc. At the post office you can send postcards overseas.
Click on any of the small photos to get a larger version of that photo
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The main advantage for cruise ships like ours is that there is the oporunity to break the long sea voyage between Tonga and the Cook Islands at Niue. Niue has little in the way of beaches, or indeed any attractions. We were taken in a (bad) excursion round the island in mini buses. Hemmed in by the surrounding jungle, one did not see anything from the bus - I asked to get out after a while, and half the bus decided to abandon the bus as well.