When you hear Niue referred to as "the rock" of the pacific it conjures up imagines of a small, isolated location with little to do.  The result of volcanic activity and sitting atop of a volcano it is unique and fascinating in its geography.

I can now confirm 100% that you will not be short of things to do, just days to do them in.  I have 3 days to fill which I did with little effort thanks to Niue Tourism and Matavai Resort.

My first day was visiting a few of the swimming locations on the island.  First stop was an easy stroll through the bush.

For my efforts, after 15 mins the coastline opened up and I was rewarded with the most breathtaking swimming location I have ever seen.

The pictures you see in the tourism promotion clips just dont do Niue justice.  There is endless locations like this along the entire east side of the island.  You could fill your days just discovering amazing isolated locations to enjoy the crystal clear waters.

 

I stayed at the Scenic Matavai Resort which is perched up on a coral clifftop.  The pictures I had seen on the resort before arriving had left me thinking as to how special a resort could be without a sandy beach to entice you.  When you experience the first glimpse of the views from the deck it is so breathtaking you are instantly converted.

Scenic have done such an exceptional job of building a stunning resort without disturbing the natural environment and coral rocks formations and that have been here for thousands of years.

The resort rooms are beautifully appointed, pool areas luxurious, staff a delight and food outstanding.

I couldnt fault a thing throughout my stay and my New Zealand hosts Missy and Matt run an excellent ship with your every need met and then some.

 

If you want to hang your togs up for the day there is loads of other activities to choose from.

Misa's Nature tour is one of these.  Misa has been hosting visitors to his home property, sharing with them stories of his childhood growing up in a village on the west side of the island for many years. Through his stories I learn about traditional weapons, food, medicines and the many ways they survived in one of the most isolated island in the pacific.

 

There are many local characters that I come across on my stay including the recent winners of the honey awards in London.  His factory looks more like and bootlegging production of the 30's.  You can tell he is quietly chuffed if not perhaps pinching himself to have beaten hundreds of other competitors from all over the globe for the top prize.  Referred to as the "bee man" his comical yellow jeep is iconic with the locals who enjoy the generosity of free honey.

 

Niue is the most authentic and real destination I have visited.  The local people are humble when you praise them but one thing is clear, each and everyone of the Nuiean residents you encounter share in the same vision.  To maintain their pristine and untouched home and share it with those that want not only a tropical getaway, but emerge themselves in a vacation to enrich and revitalise your soul.

 

Thanks Nuie for sharing with with me, I will most certainly return.