Alofi (NUALO)

The small port of Alofi is located on the West side of Niue, one of the world's largest coral islands, in Alofi Bay, close to the only break in the coral reef that surrounds the island. The Bay stretches for over a third of the island's length (about 7Km). The terrain of the island has two noticeable levels. The higher level is limestone cliff running along the coast, with a plateau in the centre of the island, reaching approximately 60m (200ft) high above sea level. The lower level is a coastal terrace approx 0.5km (03.nm) wide and above 25 to 27m (80ft to 90ft) high, running round the island, sloping down to sea, ending with cliff edges. Transfer of cargo from larger vessels is carried out by lightering from the nearby anchorage. To keep a more steady position in the deeper open waters of the Pacific Ocean, vessels under 1,700GT may attach themselves by stern lines to the Town Quay, with anchors paid out from their bows. The population is predominantly Polynesian. All Niueans are New Zealand citizens, both Governments having a unique partnership. Approx 90% of Niuean people live in New Zealand, away from the island.

South Pacific Seasonal Topical Area B.

Alofi is the capital of the Pacific Ocean island nation of Niue, situated 2,380Km (1,285nm) NE of New Zealand, 506Km (302nm) NE of Tonga and 640Km (345nm) SE of Samoa.

LOA 118.28m, beam 18.4m, 8,378DWT.

There is good anchorage in the Alofi Bay, in a depth of 55m, coral, about 0.2nm from the fringing reef. Two lighted beacons are located at Tomb Point, which, when aligned on a bearing of 123° (303°) bring vessels in to a safe anchoring area for Alofi. Reportedly, local vessels up to 1,700GT are able to moor on this range line, bow to seaward, and stern lines to the shore. The anchorage is not tenable in strong W winds. Further out than approx 0.5nm from the shore, the depth of the water suddenly increases to over a 200m.

BA4605. US Chart No 83039. US Sailing Directions 126 (Pacific Islands). Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).

Alofi is a lightering port and has a quay for lightering of cargoes and use by cruise vessel tenders and yacht dinghies. Vessels, up to 1,700GT, are able to moor stern-too to the shore with aft lines attached to the shore, and anchor(s) put out from their bows. Larger vessels should anchor further out.

There are navigation lights, in a line bearing 123° (303°), which lead to the anchorage in Alofi Bay. Conspicuous markers: 3 tanks stand on shore, North of the Main Quay.

Alofi is a very remote island. Visiting vessels should be aware of the following reef areas which, although not close by, should be noted and may be encountered enroute: Antiope Reef (18°15'S, 168°24'W) is a circular plateau approx 400m in diameter to the NE. Although there is a depth of 9.5m over the reef, it has been reported that water often breaks over this area. Harans Reef to the SE (21°33'S 168°55'W), discovered and charted in 1842, where water breaks furiously. There is also a report of a reef (1965), the position of which is doubtful (21° 43'S 167°45'W). Beveridge Reef to the SE (20°00'S 167°48'W.) encloses a lagoon. The reef here is awash at LW and breaks continually. A passage into the lagoon, from the SW side, is about 0.2nm wide; over a width of 90m with a depth of 5m. There are several coral heads in the Passage. Reportedly vessels with a draught exceeding 3.7m should not use this. There is an anchorage in the lagoon. Depth up to 3m, sandy bottom.

Tropic Storms likely. The prevailing wind is from the ESE. Winds of high velocity occur during the summer months, but seldom result in severe typhoons. December to March is the wettest season and the hottest, although the rainfall is generally distributed throughout the year.

Vessels calling in to Niue which have sailed from any infected areas, should anchor at least 1nm off the island. Permission must be obtained before any crew or passengers are disembarked.

Niue is a self-governing State in free association with New Zealand, which conducts most diplomatic relations on its behalf. All Niueans are citizens of New Zealand with Queen Elizabeth II as their Head of State. Approx 90% of Niuean people live in New Zealand. The Island has an elected Legislative Assembly, the Nation's Parliament with a Premier and Ministers. Niue is not a member of the United Nations (UN) but UN organisations have accepted its status as a freely-associated State, equivalent to independence for the purposes of International Law. As a consequence, Niue is a member of some UN specialised agencies (such as UNESCO and the World Health Organisation) and is its Premier and or Assembly Members are invited to attend UN conferences.

Medical services on the island are minimal.