Nuie has certainly been the surprise package on our Pacific itinerary.  We knew very little about it and only came as it seemed a good spot to stop between Suwarrow and Tonga and we are absolutely delighted we did – it is magnificent. 

 

As we approached the mooring field on Tuesday we noticed whales in the bay.  One breached and the others just played near the surface.  Later, as we were sitting in the cockpit and waiting for customs and immigration to clear us ashore (they were at the airport dealing with one of the twice a week flights!) a mother and her baby played a few hundred metres away.  The whale boat was right there and five snorkellers must have had the most fantastic experience.  If we’d been more organised we would have jumped in as well....next time.  We snorkelled in the afternoon and couldn’t believe the water clarity – easily the best we’ve ever had. Bandit is sitting in 36m and we can clearly see the bottom. The island has no rivers or lakes so no runoff and any rainfall is filtered through limestone – hence the crystal clear quality.

 

Wednesday we spent exploring the tiny town of Alofi – getting used to the Kiwi accents, Kiwi money, Kiwi produce and enjoying a good old flat white coffee.  Everyone we meet here is a Kiwi!  Very odd given that for the past eight years we’ve been in countries where we are the different nationality!   Finding NZ ice cream was an absolute joy but we were gutted to find out that while we were ashore having a treat we missed a treat. The whales were back and, according to our neighbours, swimming right around Bandit!  Drat.

 

Today we hired a car and explored the island.  It truly is spectacular with rugged limestone and coral formations.  The coastline is just so scenic with great walks down to completely natural and unspoilt bays, to some stunning chasms and gorgeous swimming and snorkelling holes.   Sadly there are dozens of abandoned houses dotted throughout the island.  It seems the Nuieans decided that life in NZ is better and our government made it easy for them. 

 

Nuie has more than surpassed our expectations and we keep wondering why there aren’t more tourists here.  Anyone who likes diving would be mad not to come here, especially right now when there is a chance you’ll end up beside a humpback whale.   Lots more to do – watch this space!