Guide to Tokelau Islands (Atafu, Fakaofu, Union)

Tokelau is a group of three atolls in Polynesia, north of Samoa, about halfway between New Zealand proper (which administers the territory) and Hawaii.

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925.

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The territory relies heavily on aid from New Zealand, about $4 million annually which is substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, domain names, postage stamps, souvenir coins and handicrafts.

Tokelau was on the east side of the International Date Line until it joined with Samoa and skipped 30 December 2011 and jumped at midnight from UTC -11 to UTC +13 and 29 Dec to 31 Dec.

Climate

Tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November) The average annual temperature is about 28°C. Rainfall is irregular but heavy. There are downpours of up to 80 mm in a single day, which are possible any time. Tokelau is at the north edge of the main hurricane belt, but tropical storms sometimes sweep through between November and March. Since 1846, Tokelau had only experienced three recorded hurricanes. In February 1990, waves from Hurricane Ofa broke across the atolls, washing topsoil away and contaminating the freshwater lens. Residual salt prevented new plant growth for months. Hurricane Val in 1992 and Hurricane Percy in 2005 caused additional damage.

Landscape

Tokelau consists of three atolls, each with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over three metres above sea level.

Tokelau is one of the most remote places on the planet. With no airports and only sporadic ferry services, a visit will take a minimum of two weeks if everything goes to plan, but quite possibly much longer if it doesn't.

Visas

All visitors except citizens of New Zealand are required to obtain a travel permit from the Tokelau Liaison Office in Apia, Samoa prior to travel, and it takes about 1-2 months to process the application, so you should begin the process way in advance. Regular New Zealand visas are not valid for travel to Tokelau. New Zealand citizens may visit Tokelau for up to 10 days without a travel permit.

By plane

Tokelau has no airports. Lagoon landings are possible by amphibious aircraft.

The nearest airport with international flights is in Apia, Samoa.

By boat

Tokelau has no ports or harbours; offshore anchorage only. A twice monthly service runs from Apia on board the MV Mataliki, with capacity for 60 passengers. The ferry visits all three atolls, for a one-way journey time of 24 to 36 hours depending on which one you're going to. Schedules are subject to change and often unreliable; call the office at +685 28 491. Foreigners take last priority in securing a place.

By cruise

Due to its lack of docking facilities, Tokelau does not feature on any major cruise chip itineraries, but it is (very) occasionally visited by small-boat "expedition" cruises sailing the Pacific.

Most people get around by car or bikes in Tokelau. People buy them from either classified ads or agencies that help with importing.

Tokelauan, a Polynesian language closely related to Samoan and Tuvaluan, is the native language, and most people can speak and understand English.

The name Tokelau is a Polynesian word meaning "north wind"

Tokelau is the habitat for several native plant and insect species as well as whales, dolphins and land crabs. 29 bird species live on the islands.

Money

The currency used in Tokelau is the New Zealand dollar, denoted by the symbol "$" or "NZ$" (ISO code: NZD). It is divided into 100 cents. In this guide, the "$" symbol denotes New Zealand dollars unless otherwise indicated. Some Tokelauan dollar notes have been produced but are hard to find.

Costs

The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is the only public eating place. If you are staying at the Luana Liki, you will get three meals a day included in the price.

Samoan beer is available in shops and at the Luana Liki Hotel, but sale is strictly rationed in Nukunonu.

The legal drinking age is 18.

The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is Tokelau's only commercial accommodation. Homestays may be arranged in advanced through the Tokelau-Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.

Education in Tokelau for children between the ages of 5-18 is available and free. Each atoll has a primary and secondary school. The education system is similar to that in New Zealand.

The schools have levels or classes running from Early Childhood Education (ECE) right through to Year 11. At Year 11, students are required to sit a National examination. This examination is used to determine which students will continue Year 12 studies under the Tokelau Scholarship Scheme. The successful students commence Year 12 and 13 studies in Samoa.

Schools are under the administration of the Taupulega's (Village council). The Education department plays a supporting role in providing training and workshops for Principals and teachers, assisting in other developments with the schools, the setting and marking of the Year 11 National Examinations and so forth.

Tokelau lies in the Pacific typhoon belt, and most of Tokelau is only 2 metres above sea level making it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Over 96% of the population has access to safe water and just over 70% has access to adequate sanitary facilities. Health indicators are good and there is universal access to health care.

Each atoll has a hospital. The health services have a Director of Health based in Apia and a Chief Clinical Advisor who moves from atoll to atoll as required to assist the doctors attached to each hospital.

An outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, started in 2014, so take precautions against mosquito bites.

Tokelau has a radio telephone service between the islands and to Samoa and is government regulated.