The leaders are Willy, who also owns cafes and runs various tours; Alan, a former weight-lifter who switched to cycling after a back injury; and Rick, a Canadian who is building a house here.
When I meet the rest of the team - three Niuean teenage lads - they arrive in true island style: they're late and have no helmets or water. One guy has a bottle but it's empty, and he's wearing jandals. I feel over-equipped with my hydration pack, helmet and full-finger gloves.
We start off down the main ring road and turn up a small incline to the central plateau. Even though it's a sealed road it's still littered with potholes. The terrain is not difficult (Niue's highest point is just 68m) but the guys set a very fast pace. The only time they stop is to let me catch up, and when I do they turn down an "off-road" section - a dirt access road.
The air is hot and there is no wind. Sweat is pouring down my face. Thankfully my chain comes off - I can finally take a breather.
At the end of the track, I see Alan waiting for me. We take a shorter route and meet up with the others back at the main road. Bike tracks are well-signposted and it is hard to get lost.
Each year, Niue has two cycling events: the Rockman Triathlon in November and Rally of the Rock during Queen's Birthday Weekend.
I also try my hand at paddling a vaka, a traditional wooden outrigger canoe, light enough for one person to carry down to the water. But unlike modern canoes, you sit on top of, rather than inside it. This makes it easier to dig the paddle into the water and get a longer stroke.
I paddle through a small channel out to the reef, where the water is crystal clear and full of fish.
These are just two ways to enjoy this beautiful island while working up a sweat. But amidst scenery like this, it doesn't feel like hard work.
CHECKLIST
Getting there: Air New Zealand runs a twice-weekly service from Auckland to Niue.
Further information: niueisland.com.
Andrew Louis travelled as a guest of Niue Island Tourism.
