Tokelau, an overseas dependent territory of New Zealand, is made up of three coral atolls: Atafu, Fakaofo,
and Nukunonu; roughly midway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
The Tokelau Islands were not visited by the Europeans
until 1765.
Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island
groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889.
The Tokelau Islands were administered as part of the
Gilbert Islands until they were transferred to New Zealand administration, from Western
Samoa, in 1925.
In 1948, the islands were included within New Zealand's territorial
boundaries.
The territory's name was officially changed from the Tokelau Islands
to Tokelau in 1976.
Tokelauans are
British subjects and New Zealand citizens. Only about 1,500 people live there and as most
of the food is imported it helps if you can catch fish.
Due to Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation and lack of
resources the people rely heavily on aid from New Zealand to maintain public
services.
Tokelauans principal sources of revenue come from the sale of copra,
postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts.
Although Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution
as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand, a UN sponsored referendum on
self governance (in October 2007) did not produce the two-thirds majority vote necessary
for changing the political status.
Tokelau lies some 480 km north of Samoa
and has no ports or airports; so boats have to anchor offshore; while a dinghy transports
people and cargo to and from the land.
The cargo ship MV Tokelau operates from Apia (Samoa) around two times
a month; although schedules
are always subject to change.
It takes about a day and a half from Apia to Fakaofo, where the ship
then travels between the three atolls for about a week before making the return voyage.
Journeys between the atolls take about a day.
The MV Tokelau only has one cabin with two single beds, so the chances
are that it will already be reserved and you'll have to sleep on deck.
If you're interested in travelling to Tokelau, even on your own yacht,
you'll still need a visitor's permit in advance and should contact the Tokelau Apia
Liaison Office (TALO) in Apia, Samoa.
Accommodation in Tokelau
The only place to stay (and eat) is the Luana
Liki.
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