Safety Tips in Tokelau

All of Fakaofo, most of Atafu and some of Nukunonu is made of coral rock, the most abrasive rock in the world. It is fossiled coral and is extremely jagged, sharp and uneven. Make sure you wear strong shoes when walking on it along the coasts, because it can cut through skin like butter and can even tear apart soft shoes and flip flops if you step in the wrong place.

Staying onshore requires the permission of the relevant island's chief, even if you're planning to stay at the hotel. Arrange this permission through the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Samoa, or at the very latest, via radio from the boat en route. Without this permission, you will have to stay on board the ship for the whole nine days.

It is also worth making a reservation if you wish to stay at the Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu because, while Tokelau receives very few visitors, the hotel only has five rooms and you might be unlucky and travel at the same time as a Samoan or New Zealand delegation, or party of temporary workers.

Space is at a premium on board the outward-bound leg of the MV Tokelau's round-trip, and no sleeping materials are provided. I did not realise this and had to sleep on the metal floor of the deck, while others around me enjoyed mats, blankets and pillows.

Another note - I advise you to stay on the upper deck, as the lower deck is weighed down with cargo on the outward leg, which means a) it can get a bit smelly in the hot weather, and b) the boat lies lower in the water, so bigger waves can wash the deck - meaning you get soaked as you sleep!

ALL land in Tokelau is owned by somebody - even the tiniest specks on the furthest side of the lagoon. You are not allowed to set foot on any of these without prior permission.