ABOUT NIUE:

It's just a pinprick on the Pacific map, and yet despite its size (259 km squared) Niue has acquired a long list of nicknames - Rock of Polynesia, the Island on its Own, Island of Secrets, Wild Island - and more infamously, Savage Island.

Explorer Captain James Cook who tried to land there three times in 1774 coined the latter name. Upon arrival he was greeted by the terrible vision of what he thought were savage cannibals fresh from a grisly meal. In reality, his 'welcoming' party had blackened their faces with ashes and painted their teeth red with berry juice to ward off the newcomers.

Today most Niueans laugh at the term 'Savage Islanders'. Such survival tactics were necessary they say, against enemy marauders and slave traders. Not only was Niue subjected to Samoan and then Tongan rule in pre-European times, but they were also the target of South American slave traders in the mid-1800s.

Survival tactics of a different kind are being employed by Niueans today. With a sparse population of around 1800, Niue is now engaging in a war to lure foreigners.

Tourism provides much needed money for the small economy, and as many tourists are finding out, the country is not a hard proposition to sell.

Niue is an elevated atoll and one of the largest coral islands in the world. The main island's coasts are surrounded by several small coral islands that rise sheer and jagged above the ocean.

Its impressive and massive structure has a limestone base with two terraces rising from the sea. The lower terrace rises sharply creating the 20 metre cliffs that virtually surround the island. The upper terrace rises abruptly from this coastal belt to a central plateau some 60 metres above sea level.

Movement of the earth's plate under the island has caused the spectacular caves and crevices that are Niue's greatest natural draw cards. Stalactites and stalagmites give a mystical quality to the caves.

Throughout the island, the multiple varieties of orchids, frangipani and bougainvillea light up the deep forest green with their colourful bouquets. Butterflies abound and there are large forests to explore containing rich bird life.

Niue is the smallest self-governing state in the world. In 1901 Niue was annexed to New Zealand and later gained internal self-government in 1974. New Zealand meanwhile oversees Niue's foreign affairs and defence. Most Niueans immigrate to New Zealand where they enjoy dual citizenship, to seek better employment and education opportunities.

December to March are the hurricane months. The cool season runs from April to November. A good time to visit the island is around 19 October when they celebrate Niue's constitution. Running for up to five days, activities include traditional cultural performances, parades and sports. Another festivity during this time is Peniamina Day that marks the birth of Christianity on the island.