Niulakita
Tuvalu · 5 m
Description
Niulakita is the smallest and southernmost island of Tuvalu and the last to be permanently settled, taken up again from Niutao in 1949 after decades as a copra estate worked by outsiders. It has no lagoon, no pass and no airstrip, and around thirty five people live in the single settlement. Its highest ground, at under five metres, is the highest point in the country, which says more about Tuvalu than about Niulakita. The ship calls a few times a year, the whole island can be walked around in an hour, and the palms still stand in plantation rows.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Smallest and southernmost island of Tuvalu
- Single settlement of about thirty five people
- Coconut rows of the former copra estate
- Highest ground in Tuvalu at under five metres
- Landing by workboat with no lagoon to enter
- Ocean beaches around the whole island
- Seabird colonies in the island interior
- Reef-edge fishing off the drop-off
- Ship day, only a few calls (every few months)