Admire beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and a maze of rounded tunnels at Talava Arches. Stand beneath colossal, naturally created limestone arches and watch the flashes of colourful fish as they dart about the rock pools. The majestic arches have been featured on many Niue postage stamps.
Begin by venturing inside the high-ceilinged caves that have been eroded into the wave-lashed cliff faces. See long, sinister-looking stalagmites and stalactites along with other peculiar formations caused by the interaction between rain and saltwater on the island’s limestone core.
Head back out into the sunlight and marvel at the arches that form bridges from the tops of the cliffs to the water’s edge where the walls of thick stone once reached. Walk right up to these magnificent structures and take a closer look at the detailed patterns that cover them, the result of years of erosion.
If possible, visit the arches at low tide. This will give you the best chance to wander around the amazing reef. Check out colourful sponges and coral formations along with the small marine creatures that live in the network of tide pools. Watch crabs and crayfish scurrying toward their watery homes. Bring a swimsuit so you can cool off in the gentle waters of the nearby Matapa Chasm.
Find the Talava Arches on the northern coast of Niue. Drive to Hikutavake, 10 minutes from the capital of Alofi, then walk for half an hour along a pretty trail lined by tropical trees and plants to reach the arches. The trail, reef and caves are sharp in places, so bring some sturdy shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. The weather may be hot and humid be sure to bring fresh drinking water for the trek through the forest to the sea.
