Destination Guide

Tokelau, New Zealand

Tokelau is an island destination that is definitely off the beaten path. It is so isolated that getting there requires a fair amount of patience and luck. But once you arrive in Tokelau, you'll know that the trip was well worth the effort.

The Tokelauans have preserved the simple island life in spite of population issues and shrinking island size. Tokelau has proven to be extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels due to global warming. However, this island paradise is relaxed and beautiful, with friendly faces and warm, blue waters. Take a trip to Tokelau for a unique island vacation that you won't forget.

Getting in and around Tokelau

Apia Airport

As an island that does not see many non-native visitors, you can imagine that getting to Tokelau would require jumping through a few hoops. While there is no Tokelau airport, the nearest airport is in Apia, West Samoa. Flights are available to Apia (APW) from New Zealand and the United States. Once you arrive in Apia, you must take a boat to Tokelau called the MV Tokelau. Be sure to book your flight around the boat schedule to Tokelau, as it only departs to the islands once every two weeks or so.

The boats to Tokelau make stops at each of the three main islands and you can make your arrangements through the Tokelau Affairs Office in Samoa. The trip to Tokelau from Samoa takes approximately a day and you'll want to make your arrangements well in advance. That is, of course, unless you have your own private yacht.

Tokelau Transport

The ships that travel from Samoa to Tokelau also make trips from island to island within Tokelau. However, it takes approximately one day to travel from one island to the next and you'll need to make your arrangements for accommodation and home stay in advance. You also may need to get permission to visit the islands and will need approval to stay overnight on the islands.

Tokelau Car Hire

Car hire is not necessary for getting around each individual island. In fact, there are only a few cars and trucks on the islands. The islands are small enough to explore on foot.

^ Back to top

Tokelau accommodation

Tokelau is not a very easy place to travel to. In fact, there are only two commercial accommodations in Tokelau. In Nukunonu, you'll find the budget friendly Falefa Resort and the Luana Liki Hotel. Nukunonu is the only city within the Tokelau Islands with hotels or restaurants. For the most part, visitors find accommodation in home stays, which can be arranged ahead of time at Tokelau-Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.

Accommodation
  • Luana Liki Hotel. The Luana Liki Hotel is the only hotel in Tokelau as well as the only restaurant. But you'll get great value that includes meals in the price of your room.
  • Falefa Resort, The Falefa Resort in Nukunonu is appropriate for budget travellers and is an all-inclusive accommodation.
^ Back to top

Things to do in Tokelau

To say that activities are scarce in Tokelau would be an understatement. Tokelauans aren't much for entertaining visitors. Rather, they invite you to experience the reality of their everyday lives. That being said, you'll find that Tokelau makes for one of the most authentic travel experiences.

  • Fishing pigs. Pigs are a big part of any special occasion in Tokelau. But on the crowded island of Fakaofo, there's little room for pig pens. With that, pigs are left to fend for themselves and have taken to fishing for food on the shore. It's quite a sight to see a herd of pigs catching fish on the beach and an interesting way to spend an afternoon.
  • Telephones. Outhouses are known as telephones in Tokelau, mostly because they serve multiple functions. In addition to their practical purpose, these structures along the shore also serve as gathering place to exchange a morning change with the locals.
  • Churches. The churches around Tokelau are the most beautifully kept buildings on the islands. Because Christianity is a way of life in Tokelau, visitors are expected to attend church on Sunday morning. Regardless of your religious background, church in Tokelau is a worthwhile experience because the architecture and singing are amazing.
  • Snorkelling in Nukunonu. Nukunonu is the smallest of the three islands. However, it is the only island with a restaurant and commercial accommodation. It is also the best place for snorkelling as it has the most colourful coral landscapes of all the islands in Tokelau.
  • Swimming. Tokelau has almost no industry, pollution, or motorized boating which means that the water is beautiful and clean. Swimming almost anywhere around Tokelau is safe and relaxing.
    • ^ Back to top

    Day trips in and around Tokelau

  • Camping on your own private island. The owner of the Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu also owns Sydney Island. The island is completely deserted and Mr. Perez will take you there along with camping gear for a romantic evening at your own private island.
  • Atafu. Atafu is one of the most beautiful islands in Tokelau and it's also the most densely populated. There is a shop in town to buy snacks, water, and alcohol if you wish and it's a great place to spend the day and appreciate how isolated you really are.
    • ^ Back to top