Alofi

Alofi is the largest city in and capital of Niue.

The airport is 2 km from town. Most accommodation options are in or near Alofi so getting in isn't a problem once you're on Niue.

Hitching is very safe and easy and just about anyone will pick you up.

Alofi is small enough to walk across in only a few minutes. If you don't want to walk, hire a bicycle for NZ$15 at Alofi Rentals and $10 Niue Rentals.

Walking would be the best option as you will be able to capture the scenic areas properly.

The wharf is a good place to undertake water activities. Visibility is excellent and you can see many tropical fish. Note that fishing and other activities are prohibited on Sunday

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.

Niuean weaving is excellent and makes a great gift to friends back home

All the main eating places are in Alofi, so there is a variety of food from fish and chips, to Indian food, paninis, pizza etc.

In the town centre, we have "Tavana's Cafe" which offers fish and chips and others.

• Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi. Open early. Choose from either the "Big Uga" or "Little Uga" breakfast. There's also coffee and fruit smoothies. Tuesdays nights it's open for dinner.

Falala Fa Cafe & Bar- Main road, ALofi South. It is a fully licensed Bar for a variet of cocktails. Katuali Coffee House- Peta Hill, ALofi South. They sell sandwiches,pizza, sweet slices etc Gill's Indian Restaurant & Takeaway- Opaahi, Alofi South. Serves Beef, Lamb or Chicken curry with rice and Roti Talo's Restaurant & Bar- Paliati, ALofi SOuth. Thursday nights special Buffet Dinner and Entertainment

There are many many more places to go out and eat.

• Customs & Bond Store. Visitors can purchase up to three bottles of duty-free wine and spirits within four days of arrival. Bring your boarding pass.
• Double M Butchery, Shopping Centre. Good range of products plus fresh meats and cheeses. Vanilla beans and spices are also for sale here.
• Jenna's, Alofi. Best fish and chips on the island.

• Niue BackPackers (ira.merrifield@gmail.com), Alofi Niue, ☎ (683) 4074. Four Bedrooms, one with ensuite, communal kitchen and lounge. BBQ on desk. $25 PP. per night

You'd have to have a broken leg to have trouble getting out of Alofi. If it's too crowded for you, visit Liku, Hakupu, or some of the other villages dotted around the island.