Niue, August 2009

Niue (pronounced Nu-way), a one-island country between the Cooks and Tonga, is an island trying to survive after a devastating hurricane overran the island in 2004.  Infrastructure was breaking down.  There is no tax base.  They are administered by New Zealand.  Kiwis vacation there.  But there is only one resort to come to.

Morning at sea between Rarotonga and Niue.

Niue provides a pier crane to life dinghies, avoiding wear and tear from surge.

This island of coral has huge caves, tunnels, and canyons above and below the shoreline.

Housing was devestated in the 2004 hurricane surge. Only 1000 people remain on the island.

'The King's Bathtub' is one of many natural formations in the coral island.

Islanders fish for subsistence. Virtually no industry remains on the island.

The east side of the island has unusual erosion formations.

Sue descends into the hidden canyon.

This hidden canyon has a secret pocket of paradise.