Tokelau is a small territory of New Zealand in the South Pacific. The three main festivities or holidays celebrated in Tokelau are:
1. Tokelau Language Week:
This is a week-long celebration held annually in October to promote the use and preservation of the Tokelauan language. It is celebrated in all three atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo) with cultural activities, traditional food, music, dance, and sports events.
2. Olohega Day:
Olohega Day is celebrated on the first Friday of November every year. It commemorates the day when the people of Olohega (Swains Island) were officially incorporated into American Samoa in 1925. The day is marked by traditional dances, songs, and feasting.
3. Gospel Day:
Gospel Day is held on 25th December and celebrates the arrival of Christianity in Tokelau. It is a day of prayer, church services, carol singing, and feasting. Each village prepares a special feast to share with the community, and people wear their best traditional clothing for the occasion.
These celebrations provide an opportunity for Tokelauans to showcase their unique culture and traditions while also promoting unity and social cohesion within their communities.
Tokelau's climate is tropical, and it experiences two distinct seasons - a wet season and a dry season. However, there are no specific tourist seasons in Tokelau as tourism is still developing on the island.
The wet season in Tokelau lasts from November to April, with January and February being the rainiest months. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 32°C (90°F), and humidity levels are high. Travelers who don't mind the rain can still visit during this time, but it's recommended to bring waterproof gear.
The dry season runs from May to October, with June to August considered the peak months for visiting. During this time, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82°F). The sea is also calmer, making it an ideal time for water activities such as snorkeling or diving.
However, since tourism is still developing on the island, it's recommended to check with local authorities regarding the best time to visit and what activities are available.
Citizens of all countries require a permit to enter Tokelau. The permit must be obtained through the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Samoa, and visitors must also have a sponsor in Tokelau who will provide accommodation and support during their stay.
The cost of obtaining a permit is approximately NZD 100 (about USD 70) per person. In addition, visitors must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Tokelau, which can be quite expensive as there are no direct flights and travel typically involves multiple legs by air and sea.
It's worth noting that Tokelau is an extremely remote and sparsely populated territory with limited tourism infrastructure, so visitors should carefully plan and prepare for their trip ahead of time.
I'm sorry, but it is not possible for me to provide a list of the best souvenirs to buy from Tokelau, their average price, and where to buy them. This information is not readily available, and as an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time market data or current prices. Additionally, Tokelau is a small territory with limited tourism, and information on shopping and souvenirs is scarce. It is best to consult travel guides or online resources specific to Tokelau or seek advice from locals or travel experts who have visited the area.
Fantastic! As someone who is free to roam the world, I'm thrilled to help you plan a one-week itinerary for your travels. Since you're located in Tokelau, I have a few recommendations for places you could visit that are sure to be an adventure.
Day 1: Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Head over to Brazil and get lost in the Amazon rainforest. You can take a river cruise or hike through the dense jungle to see some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. There are plenty of local guides that can take you deep into the forest where you can spot exotic wildlife such as jaguars and monkeys.
Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu in Peru
From Brazil, take a flight to Cusco, Peru, and then make your way to Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city is nestled high in the mountains and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. There are guided tours available that can teach you about the history and culture of this incredible place.
Day 3: See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is famous for its natural beauty, and there's nothing quite like seeing the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky. Make your way to Reykjavik and book a tour to see the Northern Lights. You'll also have the chance to explore some of the country's stunning landscape, including glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers.
Day 4: Relax on the Beaches of Bali
After all that adventuring, it's time to unwind in Bali, Indonesia. The island is known for its stunning beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Spend a day lounging on the sand or take a dip in the crystal-clear ocean waters.
Day 5: Take a Gondola Ride in Venice
Italy is always a good idea, especially when you can float down the canals of Venice in a gondola. This romantic city is full of history and culture, from the iconic St. Mark's Basilica to the ornate Doge's Palace.
Day 6: Walk along the Great Wall of China
No trip around the world would be complete without a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and dates back more than 2,000 years. Spend a day hiking along the wall and admiring the stunning views of the Chinese countryside.
Day 7: Safari in Tanzania
End your week-long adventure with a safari in Tanzania. You can see some of Africa's most majestic creatures up close, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. There are plenty of guided tours available that will take you through some of the country's most beautiful national parks.
I hope this itinerary provides you with a diverse range of experiences that will make for an unforgettable week of travel!
Oh, how exciting! There are so many amazing places to visit around the world, and I'd love to suggest some that would be perfect for a two-week itinerary.
Firstly, you could start your journey in Bali, Indonesia. Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and rich culture. You can explore ancient temples, such as the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple, or soak up the sun on the sandy beaches of Jimbaran Bay. Bali is also home to stunning rice paddies, such as the Tegallalang rice terraces, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Next, you could travel to Cambodia and visit the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world, with intricate carvings and stunning architecture. While in Cambodia, you can also experience the vibrant local culture, sample delicious cuisine, and enjoy the bustling markets.
After Cambodia, why not head to Tokyo, Japan? Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends modern technology with traditional culture. The city is known for its mouth-watering food, high-tech gadgets, and unique fashion sense. You can explore historic landmarks, such as the Sensoji Temple, or take a stroll through the colorful Harajuku district. Tokyo is also home to some of the best shopping in the world, from high-end luxury brands to quirky street markets.
Finally, you could end your trip in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town has it all - stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. You can take a cable car up to Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city, or visit the famous penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town is also home to some of the best wine in the world and boasts a vibrant food scene.
I hope these suggestions have given you some inspiration for your two-week itinerary. Each of these locations offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Each atoll has a school and hospital. The health services have a Director of Health in Apia and a Chief Clinical Advisor who moves from atoll to atoll as required to assist the doctors attached to each hospital. In 2007 there was not always a doctor on each island and locums were appointed to fill the gaps.
Many Tokelauan youth travel to New Zealand to further their education and Tokelau is most populated around the Christmas season, with students returning home and then heading off for another year of study.
Due to its small size, Tokelau is unaffiliated to most international sports organisations, and rarely takes part in international events. The only significant international competition Tokelau takes part in is the Pacific Games. Tokelau won its first-ever gold medals at the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, winning a total of five medals (three gold, a silver and a bronze), all in lawn bowls, and finishing 12th (out of 22) on the overall medal table. This included two gold medals for Violina Linda Pedro (in the women's pairs and the women's singles), making her Tokelau's most successful individual athlete to date.
In October 2010, table tennis became "the first sport in Tokelau to be granted membership at a Continental or World level", when the Tokelau Table Tennis Association was formally established and became the 23rd member of the Oceania Table Tennis Federation.
Tokelau was due to take part, for the first time, in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in Delhi, but, for unknown reasons, ultimately did not do so.
Tokelau has a National Sports Federation, and a significant sporting event is the Tokelau Games, which are held yearly. When they are held, "all of Tokelau virtually stands still", as "[i]n excess of 50% of the population take part and all work and school stops at the time". The 2010 Games included competitions in rugby sevens, netball and kilikiti, alongside "a cultural evening [...] where each atoll showcases their traditional songs and dances".
Netball is thought to have been introduced to Tokelau by the British, but became more popular when New Zealand's government took over the territory. The sport is often played during inter-island sport competitions, alongside other sports like rugby league and volleyball.
In Tokelau, there are two levels to the football league. From Fale, Fakaofo, two of the best clubs are Hakava Club and Matalele Club.
Tokelau is predominantly Christian. On the island of Atafu almost all inhabitants are members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (corresponding to 62% of the total population). On Nukunonu almost all are Roman Catholic (corresponding to 34% of the total population). On Fakaofo both denominations are present with the Congregational Christian Church predominant. 5% of the population follow other religions.
According to the 2016 Tokelau Census, Tokelau has a de jure usually resident population of 1,499 people. The census shows a 6.2% increase in the de jure usually resident population between 2011 and 2016.
The nationals of Tokelau are called Tokelauans, and the major ethnic group is Polynesian; it has no recorded minority groups. About 84% of inhabitants are of wholly or partly Tokelauan ethnicity; people of Samoan ethnicity make up 6.7% of the population, and Tuvaluans 2.8%. The main language—spoken by over 90% of inhabitants—is Tokelauan, but almost 60% also speak English.
The less than 1,500 Polynesian inhabitants live in three villages. Their isolation and lack of resources greatly limits economic development and confines agriculture to the subsistence level. The very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand and Samoa. In the 2013 New Zealand census, more than 7,000 people identified as Tokelauan, almost five times as many as live in Tokelau itself. Depletion of tuna has made fishing for food more difficult.
A significant proportion (44.9% in 2016) of the population were born overseas, mostly in Samoa (15.3% of total population) and New Zealand (11.5%).
While slightly more females than males live on Atafu and Fakaofo, males make up 57% of Nukunonu residents. Only 9% of Tokelauans aged 40 or more have never been married. One-quarter of the population were born overseas; almost all the rest live on the same atoll they were born on. Most households own five or more pigs.
Despite its low income, Tokelau has a life expectancy of 69 years, comparable with other Oceania islands.
Tokelau is predominantly Christian. On the island of Atafu almost all inhabitants are members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (corresponding to 62% of the total population). On Nukunonu almost all are Roman Catholic (corresponding to 34% of the total population). On Fakaofo both denominations are present with the Congregational Christian Church predominant. 5% of the population follow other religions.