Niue

Niue is the world's largest up-lifted coral landmass, covering 259 sq. kilometers and rising, atop an undersea mountain, 70 metres above the blue Pacific Ocean. Pristine clear water, hundreds of metres deep, lies just metres from shore, its crystal clarity untainted by run-off, as the island has no rivers or streams and all rainwater is filtered through the Islands coral. Niue has no fringing reef or lagoon, so dives are into the open ocean where visibility is excellent; seldom less than 30 metres and often 50 metres or more, particularly during the dry season (April to November). Water temperature is an enjoyable 29'C in January and 25'C in August.

Diving Niue is to dive an underwater wonderland, and a photographer's delight, with a chance to encounter Spinner Dolphins and Humpback Whales (in season) and where you can dive over canyons, through caves or visit drop-offs within 100 metres of the shore. Alternatvely take a short boat ride to some wonderful sights, including the Coral Gardens Motel at 'Namoui,' with pristine coral ridges and where numerous turtles are regularly encountered, and the 'Chimney' where you drop 23 metres down a vertical shaft, before exiting sideways through a cavern into the open sea, or head to 'Snake Gully' to meet the plentiful, yet timid, sea snakes. The advanced diver can see the Gorgonians at 'Tepa Fans' (30-40 metres) finishing with a wall dive to see pelagics, reef sharks and Maori Wrasse. There is the chance to swim out 100 metres from Alofi and descend to a coral outcrop at 40 metres wnere you can look over the edge of the Niues undersea mountain, 'The Abyss'!