Niutao
Tuvalu · 5 m
Description
Niutao is another raised island without a proper lagoon, holding instead two enclosed brackish ponds that sit like eyes in the middle of the ring of land. The reef runs close and steep, the landing is a cut through it, and the village of Kulia holds almost the whole population of about six hundred. Stone fish traps built on the reef flat generations ago are still used at the right tide. The island is known in Tuvalu for its carpentry and its canoe building, and for sending more of its people south to Niulakita than any other island did.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Two enclosed brackish ponds of the island
- Kulia village and its maneapa
- Reef landing through the cut
- Stone fish traps on the reef flat
- Sunday singing in the island church (every Sunday)
- Ocean-side coast and the coral rubble beaches
- Pulaka pits dug to the freshwater lens
- Frigatebird and tropicbird roosts
- Handline fishing at the reef edge
- Ship day at the reef cut (monthly)