Niue
Through a uniform field of low, gray cloud cover and misty rain, Niue’s ancient, lushly-covered reef flat (approx 200 feet above sea level) emerged into view. The National Geographic Endeavour was steaming steadily towards one of the largest coral islands, yet one of the smallest nations, in the world. Upon dropping anchor, our vessel launched Zodiacs, which carried us to the island’s main concrete pier.
The intrepid and daring boarded a bus for a short ride along the coast to a small seaside alcove where we would have the opportunity to snorkel with sea snakes. Along the route, our guide enlightened us with salient slices of Niue’s history and sobering statistics concerning the island’s present economy. A significant contingent of Niue’s inhabitants has left, or is leaving, for economic opportunities in New Zealand and Australia. Abandoned homes lined the road. Most revelatory was the story concerning a recent cyclone, which generated monster waves that crashed mightily on to the island’s reef flat, wiping out structures and taking lives.
At the alcove, we donned snorkeling attire and swam roughly one-half a kilometer out to snake gully, home to bevies of banded sea kraits. Kraits are closely related to sea snakes, except unlike sea snakes, which live their lives entirely at sea and bear live young, sea kraits are essentially amphibious, coming ashore to rest to lay eggs. Dramatic sub-surface topography, numerous species of reef fish, lively coral formations, and, of course, the kraits combined to produce an unforgettable underwater experience. The divers had a similarly fine underwater experience with an added bonus, a swim through a cavern that terminated in a glorious cave replete with stalactites and stalagmites.
Those with a penchant for swinging irons took the opportunity to launch golf balls along the nine links of Niue’s only golf course. While not Augusta, it was a unique experience, and rather unlikely that even Tiger Woods could lay claim to such an achievement. Near the golf course was a small dilapidated building with barred windows, the island’s hoosegow, housing just two inmates, ironically one the former warden accused of murder himself. All tour options ended at the town center where most of us purchased t-shirts or stamps emblazoned with Niue’s name or flag, souvenirs denoting our having visited one of the South Pacific’s most unique locales.
Through a uniform field of low, gray cloud cover and misty rain, Niue’s ancient, lushly-covered reef flat (approx 200 feet above sea level) emerged into view. The National Geographic Endeavour was steaming steadily towards one of the largest coral islands, yet one of the smallest nations, in the world. Upon dropping anchor, our vessel launched Zodiacs, which carried us to the island’s main concrete pier.
The intrepid and daring boarded a bus for a short ride along the coast to a small seaside alcove where we would have the opportunity to snorkel with sea snakes. Along the route, our guide enlightened us with salient slices of Niue’s history and sobering statistics concerning the island’s present economy. A significant contingent of Niue’s inhabitants has left, or is leaving, for economic opportunities in New Zealand and Australia. Abandoned homes lined the road. Most revelatory was the story concerning a recent cyclone, which generated monster waves that crashed mightily on to the island’s reef flat, wiping out structures and taking lives.
At the alcove, we donned snorkeling attire and swam roughly one-half a kilometer out to snake gully, home to bevies of banded sea kraits. Kraits are closely related to sea snakes, except unlike sea snakes, which live their lives entirely at sea and bear live young, sea kraits are essentially amphibious, coming ashore to rest to lay eggs. Dramatic sub-surface topography, numerous species of reef fish, lively coral formations, and, of course, the kraits combined to produce an unforgettable underwater experience. The divers had a similarly fine underwater experience with an added bonus, a swim through a cavern that terminated in a glorious cave replete with stalactites and stalagmites.
Those with a penchant for swinging irons took the opportunity to launch golf balls along the nine links of Niue’s only golf course. While not Augusta, it was a unique experience, and rather unlikely that even Tiger Woods could lay claim to such an achievement. Near the golf course was a small dilapidated building with barred windows, the island’s hoosegow, housing just two inmates, ironically one the former warden accused of murder himself. All tour options ended at the town center where most of us purchased t-shirts or stamps emblazoned with Niue’s name or flag, souvenirs denoting our having visited one of the South Pacific’s most unique locales.
