New Zealand
PolynesiaTokelau is a group of three atolls in Polynesia, north of Samoa. New Zealand administers the territory. Its borders are closed to visitors until further notice, according to the July 2026 update.
Why go
Three remote atolls with three villages.
Whales, dolphins and land crabs.
29 bird species.
A tropical climate averaging about 28°C, with moderating trade winds from April to November.
Getting there
By air
- Tokelau has no airports.
- The nearest airport with international flights is in Apia, Samoa.
- Aircraft that can land on water can use the lagoons.
By sea
- The MV Mataliki ferry runs from Apia twice a month and carries up to 60 passengers.
- The ferry visits all three atolls. A one-way trip takes 24 to 36 hours, depending on your destination.
Customs
- Borders are closed to visitors until further notice, according to the July 2026 update.
- Visitors other than New Zealand citizens need a travel permit from the Tokelau Liaison Office in Apia before travel. Processing takes about one to two months.
- Regular New Zealand visas are not valid for Tokelau.
Getting around
Cars and bikes
Most people travel by car or bike. People buy vehicles through classified advertisements or agencies that help with importing. Traffic drives on the left.
What to see and do
Marine wildlife
Tokelau is home to whales and dolphins.
Birdlife
29 bird species live on the islands.
Native plants and small wildlife
The islands support native plants, insects and land crabs.
Food and drink
Luana Liki Hotel
This hotel in Nukunonu is the only public eating place. Guests receive three meals a day included in their stay.
Samoan beer
Available in shops and at the Luana Liki Hotel. Sales are strictly rationed in Nukunonu, and the legal drinking age is 18.
Money
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Prices use the symbols $ or NZ$ for New Zealand dollars.
- One New Zealand dollar is divided into 100 cents.
- Some Tokelauan dollar notes have been produced, but they are hard to find.
Language
- Tokelauan is the native language and is closely related to Samoan and Tuvaluan.
- Most people can speak and understand English.
Staying safe
- Tropical storms sometimes pass through between November and March.
- Most of Tokelau is only two metres above sea level. Storm waves have crossed the atolls and contaminated freshwater.
- Rainfall is irregular but heavy. Downpours of up to 80 millimetres in a day can happen at any time.
Staying healthy
- Take precautions against mosquito bites. An outbreak of chikungunya, a disease spread by mosquitoes, began in 2014.
- Each atoll has a hospital, and there is universal access to health care.
- Over 96% of the population has access to safe water. Just over 70% has access to adequate sanitation.
Where to stay
- The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is Tokelau's only commercial accommodation.
- Homestays may be arranged in advance through the Tokelau-Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.
Outdoor adventures in Tokelau
Tokelau has three tropical atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. Its wildlife includes whales, dolphins, land crabs and 29 bird species. Heavy rain can fall at any time, and tropical storms sometimes pass through between November and March.
Tokelau wildlife watching
Wildlife
Visitor access, wildlife-watching routes and guided-tour arrangements are not specified.
- Heavy downpours can happen at any time.
- Tropical storms sometimes pass through between November and March. Most land is only about 2 metres above sea level.
People and safety in Tokelau
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian100%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal in law, risky in places
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 0 of 99 countries can visit Tokelau easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa required85
- Entry permit required14
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa0 of 54 countries
- Americas0 of 18 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
- Asia0 of 9 countries
- Europe0 of 4 countries
Questions
Is Tokelau part of New Zealand?
Tokelau is a territory linked to New Zealand, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit New Zealand.
Does a New Zealand visa let me visit Tokelau?
Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for New Zealand may not cover Tokelau. Check the Tokelau visa page for your passport.
Where is Tokelau?
It is a group of three atolls in Polynesia, north of Samoa, about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.
How do I reach Tokelau?
There are no airports. The MV Mataliki ferry runs from Apia, Samoa, twice a month, but schedules often change.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Allow at least two weeks if everything goes to plan. Unreliable ferry schedules can make the trip much longer.
What is the weather like?
The climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of about 28°C. Heavy rain can fall at any time, and tropical storms sometimes occur from November to March.
What money does Tokelau use?
Tokelau uses the New Zealand dollar, written as $ or NZ$.
Where can I stay?
The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is the only commercial accommodation. Homestays may be arranged in advance through the Tokelau-Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.
Where can I eat?
The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is the only public eating place. Its guests receive three meals a day included in their stay.
Will people understand English?
Most people speak and understand English. Tokelauan is the native language.
Reviewed by @snuck