Matapa Chasm
A cleft in the coast that was the bathing place of Niuean kings, now the island's swimming hole.
Updated 3 September 2026
Matapa Chasm is a deep cleft in the coastal rock on Niue's northwestern side where fresh water meeting the sea makes a pool between vertical walls, reached on a short walk down a path from the road. It was reserved for Niuean royalty as a bathing place. The water is calm and deep enough to swim the length of the chasm, and the rock rises straight up on both sides.
Highlights
- The cleft - the deep cut in the coast with walls rising both sides.
- The pool - calm water deep enough to swim the length of it.
- The fresh water - the seepage meeting the sea in the chasm.
- The royal history - a bathing place reserved for Niuean kings.
When to go
May to October is the dry season and the calmest. Swell closes the chasm at times. Cyclone season runs November to April.
What to expect
Swell entering the chasm makes swimming dangerous at times and it should be assessed before getting in. The path down is short but slippery. There are no facilities.
Nearby
Talava Arches are north, and Hikutavake is south.
What to pack for Matapa Chasm
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
