Lifou Isle, New Caledonia 

Lifou in all its glory
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With one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Islands, Lifou is a holidaymaker’s dream.

Lifou in all its glory

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A much loved stop on many P&O Cruises itineraries, Lifou proves itself an unforgettable destination to all visitors. From limestone caves and white sand beaches, to coral reefs teeming with brightly coloured marine life, the island’s beauty is only surpassed by the warmth of its people.

Lifou has one of the most diverse landscapes in the South Pacific, from limestone caves to white beaches and coral reefs teeming with brightly coloured marine life. It's the largest coral atoll in the Loyalty archipelago. You'll stand awestruck in front of all of its breathtakingly beautiful views: the northern coast of the island is made up of high, steep cliffs, whilst the southern side has pristine white sand beaches with stunning turquoise waters. Lifou has the wonderful charm of an island that has managed to preserve its own traditional Kanak culture.

Average Temperatures in Lifou Isle (°C)

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Featured Shore Tours from Lifou Isle 

 

  • Melanesian Encounter LIF-005

    Gain an insight into the life of Melanesians in Hnathalo, the primary village of the country of Wetr, and visit the chief’s hut. As a gesture of...

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  • Cliffs of Jokin LIF-010

    Enjoy a scenic drive across the island of Lifou to the rugged north coast. See colourful flora and traditional homes from the window of your vehicle....

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  • Luecila Beach And Scenic Drive LIF-015

    Enjoy a 35-minute ride from Santal Bay to Luecila Beach, located on Lifou’s east coast. See varying landscapes along the way and drive through ‘We’...

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  • Forest And Secret Grotto LIF-020

    Departing wharf-side, take a 10-minute transfer along roads fringed by tropical trees and palms before arriving at the forest. Enjoy a guided walk...

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More about Lifou Isle 

Docking / Disembarkation 

Your P&O ship will anchor off Lifou and tender boats will transfer you ashore.

Taxis 

There is no public transport or taxi’s but you can hire a bike in We (car rental is also possible but you would have to arrange it in advance).

Shopping 

Local handicrafts, artwork and island souvenirs are available for purchase from the various stalls located where you come ashore. Please ensure that the items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

Dining 

There are a number of small restaurants and snack bars in We and other villages on the island. The specialty, of course, has to be local seafood. The Melanesians make an authentic Melanesian bougna, a very tasty meal of meat (chicken or seafood) and local vegetables and fruit, such as taro and pawpaw, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. Delicious!

The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume this food, they do so entirely at their own risk.

Climate 

The seasons don’t vary too much in New Caledonia. Situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the country’s climate is tropical, not unlike that of parts of coastal Queensland. It is warm and humid from November through to April, but the trade winds temper any extremes. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

Credit Cards 

There is a bank in We, open during local business hours on weekdays. You should considering changing money on board the ship before heading to the island.

Telephones International and Local 

There are no public telephones available.

What To Wear Ashore 

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. In cooler months, bring a jacket. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Except on Beaches, please cover up when walking around the island and in villages (casual clothes, not swimwear).

Shore Tours 

There is a range of tours available for you to get the most out of your time on Lifou. Subject to availability, tours may be pre reserved prior to your cruise departure on the following link www.pocruises.com.au/cruisepersonaliser or booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk.

Environment 

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Lifou or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries, Thank You.


How to book

To take advantage of our fantastic low cost cruises, book now. Visit your travel agent or call 13 24 94 for Australian bookings or 0800 780 716 for New Zealand bookings.

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Note: The information in this page is subject to change without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience, but P&O Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.

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New Caledonia at a Glance

SIZE: 18,580 square kilometres
POPULATION: 220,000 (2008 est)
LANGUAGE: French and Kanak Dialects
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: French Overseas Territory and Local Government
CURRENCY:
Pacific Franc (XPF) This is the official currency of all New Caledonian Islands. Please remember that only bank notes are able to be exchanged onboard, Pacific Franc (XPF) coins will not be able to be exchanged when back onboard.

What to see

We
Lifou's main settlement is centrally located on the island's east coast. The main attraction here is the magnificent Luecila beach, Which is also available as a P&O shore tour. You can also shop for local products at the open-air market held opposite the town hall on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-11am.


Cliffs Of Jokin

Lifou's northernmost village is famous for its 40m-high cliffs, which overhang crystal-clear waters teeming with fish. In calm weather, the bay beneath is ideal for snorkelling. This is one of our best selling P&O shore Tours


The Grand 'Hut' of the Chief of Hnathalo

The main 'hut' of the Hnathalo tribe, with its huge open fireplace, is set in a garden behind the chief's house. Permission to enter is required. Alternativitly take part in the P&O Tour Melanesian Encounter wher you will visit the chef’s hut and the village of Hnathalo in a magnificent 2 hour tour.

Helpful Phrases

ENGLISH

FRENCH

Thank you

Merci

Goodbye

Au revoir

Please

S’il vous plait

How much?

C'est combien?

How do you do?

Comment allez vous ?

Fine

Bien

Toilet

Les toilettes

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