I suspect many think the South Pacific islands are similar, differentiated only by their unpronounceable names. Niue is quite different; no sand beaches and no turquoise lagoons. The photo is of the east coast, which is where the trades come from, taken yesterday before the current breezy conditions. It is not a place you would want to be in a sailboat.

The geology is quite striking, with huge limestone caves along the shore and inland. This is clearly a pretty harsh environment, but the people make up for it. I don't believe we have been anywhere where the locals are more friendly and helpful.