A yacht enroute to Fiji from New Zealand could make a stop in Niue, as it lies roughly along the route.
Niue is a popular stopover for yachts traveling between New Zealand and Fiji, particularly during the sailing season.
The journey from New Zealand to Niue is a common passage, and from there, it’s a further sail to Fiji.
Niue Yacht Club is known as the “Biggest Little Yacht Club in the World – where no one owns a yacht or knows how to sail!”
Niue is a world-class sailing destination. Discover the beauty of our island and experience the warm hospitality of our community.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time visitor, our club offers a range of amenities and services to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Location
The Niue Yacht Club facilities and the moorings are situated on the western side of the island near the main wharf and settlement of Alofi.
Niue Yacht Club has 15 moorings available to use. All moorings have been recently fully inspected, new ropes and shackles fitted where required and passed as fit for purpose and safe for vessels to use pending seas conditions. There are a mixture of single and double blocks that will all accommodate vessels up to 16 metres pending sea conditions. Larger or heavy vessels should specifically request a double block mooring. While NYC takes all measures that the moorings are safe and fit for purpose, however it takes no responsibility in the in event of unforeseen failure. All use is strictly at own risk.
The Yacht Club has clean and tidy showers and bathrooms at the main wharf – simply follow the signs when you land ashore.
NYC have set up an HQ at Manuiz Restaurant and Bar in Alofi which is a 5-10 minute walk from the wharf. The Visitors Information Centre sell NYC merchandise and can arrange vehicle rental and other tours for you and your Mooring fees can also be paid there. They also have a free guide map and island guide for you there or download these from HERE.
Access to the wharf is via a lifting crane on the wharf. There is dedicated storage space for dingys. At times this area will become congested so please DO NOT leave your dingy over the access way for other boats as this area is used for launching fishing and dive boats and emergency vessels as well.
Please follow the do’s and don’ts and check in procedures outlined on this site and enjoy your time in Niue.
All vessels should leave the moorings in high or strong westerly winds due to the close proximity of a lee shore. Vessels should either head to sea, hove to, or seek shelter in the lee side or Eastern side of the island.
How to Book
Moorings in Alofi Bay Niue can now be booked online. Each mooring has its own number and co-ordinates. Each mooring has been inspected and where required serviced to ensure safe anchorage is available for visiting yachts.
Moorings are NZ$30 per day, per vessel. This also includes free use of the bathroom facilities, free fresh water refills and various other services.
The vicinity where the moorings are located is a fragile recovering coral reef area, it is important to eliminate any impact while visiting.
As part of the booking process, you will initially need to provide the following information:
- Arrival and departure dates
- Master name
- Contact details
- Vessel name and length
- Number of people on board
- Credit/debit card details for payment
Once your booking has been successfully made, you will receive a confirmation email that will also notify relevant authorities of your arrival details. You will then be sent or can download from the website the relevant arrival documents and procedures to enter Niue.
If you wish to extend please do not make a new booking, instead please. Email [email protected] to request an extension. These will be subject to availability at the time of extension. If no extension is available, then you may be asked to vacate the mooring.
Please note if you do not pre-book your mooring we cannot guarantee space will be available for your arrival. Pre-bookings will also take precedence over extensions.
Mooring Coordinates
- 1 19°03.183’S 169°55.349’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 2 19°03.226’S 169°55.357’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 3 19°03.234’S 169°55.400’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 4 19°03.289’S 169°55.440’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 5 19°03.321’S 169°55.456’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 6 19°03.361’S 169°55.484’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 7 19°03.322’S 169°55.512’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft) – CLOSED
- 8 19°03.375’S 169°55.517’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 10 19°03.174’S 169°55.394’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 11 19°03.210’S 169°55.440’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- 12 19°03.450’S 169°55.441’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 13 19°03.263’S 169°55.487’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 14 19°03.292’S 169°55.505’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 15 19°03.299’S 169°55.534’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 16 19°03.345’S 169°55.541’W – Suitable for vessels over 15M+ (50-80ft)
- 17 19°03.355’S 169°55.613’W – CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
- North #1 19°03.083’S 169°55.288’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- North #2 19°03.060’S 169°55.282’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- North #3 19°03.030’S 169°55.281’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft)
- North #4 19°03.005’S 169°55.247’W – Suitable for vessels up to 15M (30-50ft) – CLOSED
Arrivals and Departures
On Arrival in Niue
Pickup the numbered mooring you have been allocated and inform Niue Radio on channel 16 you have done so. If you do not know the mooring number please Niue Radio can confirm this for you or re-direct you if need be.
Ensure you have read and understood the below Notice to Mariners – and are familiar with the Do’s and Don’t’s for Yachties.
Every yacht must contact Niue Radio on channel 16 when within VHF range.
This channel is monitored 24 hrs a day and will contact Customs and Immigration with your details for your check in process.
Please DO NOT come ashore unless instructed by Niue Radio.
Check-in and check-out times for immigration, customs and biosecurity are as follows:
- Monday – 9-11 am
- Tuesday to Friday – 9-10 am & 2-3 pm
- Saturday & Sunday – 3-4pm *by arrangement and subject to staff availability
Ensure you have your documentation and your vessel ready for inspection.
o Niue Vessel Report Form
o Niue Health Declaration
o Niue Biosecurity Declaration
o Immigration Vessel Declaration – Please complete this form and return via email to Immigration Niue with your passport bio pages before arrival
Yachts coming onto the mooring field for shelter and repairs have up to 24 hours to carryout repairs and/or rest before they must leave or clear through Customs and pay the departure tax of NZ$150pp.
Head to the Visitor information centre, and they can help you book transport and activities on the island whilst you are here and enjoy your time in Niue.
On Departure from Niue
- Ensure all mooring fees have been paid in full
- Present your departure documents for clearing
- Tell your friends what a great time you had in Niue – and come again!\
Fees:
There are fees associated with clearance, immigration and biosecurity.
- Clearance NZ$50 per vessel
- Afterhours Customs Clearance NZ$20.00 per vessel. *by arrangement and subject to staff availability.
- Departure Tax NZ$150 per person
- Free if staying less than 24hrs
- Free for under 12’s
These Fees include:
- Daily Rubbish removal (Mon-Fri) and destruction
- Vessel clearing costs – government staff and vessel
- Pet clearance costs
- Use of winch
- Wharf storage for dinghys
Other useful information, visit our friends www.noonsite.com
Read reports from other cruisers to Niue HERE
Contact Us
- Email – [email protected]
- Channel 16 – Niue Radio/Telecom
https://www.niueisland.com/niue-yacht-club
Niue FAQs from NoonSite
Pre-Arrival – Boat: The Niue Yacht Club manages the moorings in Niue and require a notice of arrival and a mooring reservation in advance. See Clearance for all the details
Pre-Arrival – Crew: Most international visitors receive an automatic Visitor’s Permit for up to 30 days on arrival. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Niue has only one port of entry located in Alofi. See Clearance for details.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are fees (payable in NZ$) associated with clearance, immigration, biosecurity and for the use of moorings. See Fees for more details.
What security concerns should I know about? Niue is generally considered a safe and secure destination. See Security for more details.
Niue Facts for Sailors
The island of Niue is one of the world’s smallest self-governing states and rules in free association with New Zealand. Most Niueans now live in NZ – about 20,000 are Niuean born or of direct Niuean descent – while the island of Niue itself has a population of approx. 1600.
The island is a raised volcanic atoll of rocky limestone which sits above the largest block of coral and the caldera in the original volcano holds 3 cubic kms of fresh water. Niue boasts an extensive cave system and the diving here is excellent.
In April 2022, Niue designated all of its 317,000 square kilometre territorial waters as a maritime conservation area, leading most other nations in protectiong the ocean environment.
Lying on the direct route from French Polynesia to Vava’u in Tonga, Niue is a favourite stop for westbound yachts.
Niue’s mooring field is an open roadstead on the West coast, close to the main settlement at Alofi. Whilst it offers the best shelter on the Island, it is in an exposed position if the predominant Trade Winds change, with a westerly component.
The undersea topography of the volcanic slope, coupled with fragile coral regrowth, makes it essential for visiting cruisers to pick up a mooring ball.
One must always keep an eye on the weather, particularly when visiting ashore.
Take care on the approach to Alofi Bay as there are two Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) as you enter the bay. These are unlit. For more details on the FADs and supplies and repairs possible on Niue see Yachting Essentials.
The pace of life in Niue is relaxed and calm.
Electricity:
240 volts, 10 amps, 2 pin plug, same as New Zealand.
Water:
Fresh water is available on the wharf, there are 2 taps, just bring jerry cans.
Fuel:
Diesel or petrol is available from Central Services and delivery to the wharf can be arranged for a small additional fee. Yachts must supply their own fuel containers. Bulk refueling is also possible, with the yacht moored alongside the wharf for as long as it takes to transfer fuel and as swell conditions permit.
Gas/LPG:
Propane gas is available. Ask at the Yacht Club.
Repairs:
Very limited. Minor repairs to diesel and outboard engines. Aluminum welding of spars available. Given sufficient notice, specific spares can be flown in from New Zealand, on the weekly flight.
Provisioning:
The island has a small store with basic provisions and frozen meats. The amount of stock will depend on shipments to the island.
Moorings:
Moorings are limited. End of May/early June and early July are busy times here as World ARC and ARC Pacific stopover, therefore it is best to avoid Niue when the Rallies are in town. Contact the NYC [[email protected]] for exact dates.
Navigation:
Approaching Niue there are two FAD positions for Alofi Bay. These fish aggregation rafts are lying low in the water and are unmarked. They are moored in 300 metres of water and while the GPS location is for the concrete attachment blocks below, the rafts swing on a wider arc than these marked positions. Please be aware of these FADs as there are no other impediments to your safe arrival to Niue.
Alofi North:
Long. 169°55.229296 W
Lat. 19°02.326004 S
Alofi South:
Long 169°55.592968 W
Lat. 19°03.244836 S
Allow for a 500 metre swing radius.
