here - P&O Cruises

lifouDestination GuideLIFOU is the largest island in thearchipelago of coral atolls known as theLoyalty Islands. Long stretches of whitesand beach, small coves, limestone caves,grottos and imposing cliffs give the islandone of the most dramatic landscapes inthe Pacific.Time here seems to pass more slowly than on some of theother Pacific Islands. It’s as if it is measured by tides, sunrisesand sunsets rather than by clocks. The majority of the island’sinhabitants are indigenous Kanaks. Kanak society is basedon a tight, clan structure and a close affinity with the land,which they have inhabited for thousands of years.LOYALTY ISLANDSLifouPOPULATION: 10,320 (2004 census)LANGUAGE: French and Kanak dialectsTYPE OF GOVERNMENT: French overseas territory andlocal governmentCURRENCY: French Pacific FrancDID YOU KNOW?The indigenous name for Lifou is “Drehu”, which is also thename of the local Kanak language.WHAT TO SEEQQVisit the church of our Lady of LourdesLocated on a sheer stone cliff at the northern end of theisland is the church of our Lady of Lourdes, built by Catholicmissionaries in 1898. Its lovely white exterior stands outagainst the green forest backdrop and breathtaking views canbe seen from all around. At a slow pace, it is an approximate25-minute walk to the top, and you won’t be disappointedwhen you see the sweeping ocean views.AUSTRALIABRISBANENEWCASTLESYDNEYNEW ZEALANDAUCKLANDQQDiscover the island’s stunning beaches or explore theforest and secret grottoLuecila and Luengoni Beaches are particularly beautiful.Shaded by palms and other native trees, they front thewarm, crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea. Spend the daysnorkelling, swimming, or just lying on the soft, white sand.Alternatively, join our “Forest and Secret Grotto” tour for aguided walk to a hidden grotto. Along the way you’ll learnabout Lifou’s native flora and its medicinal uses.LIFOU IN A NUTSHELLMelanesian seafarers were the first people to discoverand settle the Loyalty Islands. Whether French navigatorD’Entrecasteaux or La Perouse was the first European to arrive isunknown - there’s some dispute as to whom. The name LoyaltyIslands was bestowed on the group of islands by Europeanmerchants towards the end of the 18th century, apparentlyto acknowledge the cooperation of the indigenous people.Whaling and timber were the main industries during the 19thCentury. Today, the main industry is copra, the dried meat ofcoconuts, from which oil is extracted. Increasingly, tourism isbecoming an important mainstay of the local economy.QQLearn about the fascinating Melanesian cultureJoin our “Melanesian Encounter” tour and travel to the villageof Hnathalo to visit the chief’s hut - one of the largest ofits kind in New Caledonia. In the village, local guides willexplain the method of cooking the traditional “bougna” dish.Keep your guide handy. This guide is intended to assist you, regardless of whether you’re on a Shore Tour, touring independently or doing both.

lifouEverything you need to know.DOCKINGYour ship will anchor offshore and the ship’s tender boats willprovide a regular service to and from the island throughoutthe day.TAXISThere are no taxis on the island, but there are some localtransfers available ashore. Make sure that you agree on aprice before commencing your journey.DININGThe local specialty is of course seafood. Try an authenticMelanesian “bougna”, a very tasty meal of meat (chickenor seafood) and local vegetables or fruit (taro or paw paw),cooked in banana leaves. For quarantine reasons, please donot take any food or drink (other than bottled water) off theship.SHOPPINGLocal handicrafts, artwork and island souvenirs are availablefor purchase from the various stalls surrounding thewaterfront where you come ashore. Please ensure that anyitems you purchase do not contravene Australia’s orNew Zealand’s strict quarantine laws Do not by anything thatis made from turtle shell, feathers or seeds.CLIMATESituated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, New Caledonia’sclimate is tropical. It’s warm and dry most of the year withafternoon trade winds helping to keep humidity low.CREDIT CARDSIt is recommended that you consider changing moneyonboard the ship prior to going ashore.TELEPHONES INTERNATIONAL & LOCALPublic telephones are not available in Lifou.WHAT TO WEAR ASHORETo make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, pleasewear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and ahat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen, insect repellent,bottled water and an umbrella or waterproof jacket duringthe wet season. Don’t forget your swimwear! Snorkellingequipment is available for hire or purchase onboard the ship.Please cover up when walking around the island and in thevillage. Nude or topless bathing is not permitted on any ofthe beaches.ENVIRONMENTCoral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effortto preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoidtouching it in all circumstances. During your time ashore wealso ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.PHOTOGRAPHYPlease ask permission before taking photographs of localindigenous people.P&O Cruises’ agentsWhile you are ashore, please contact the nearest crewmember in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, theP&O Cruises port agent for Lifou is:Kenua13 Rue, Jules FerryNoumea, New CaledoniaPhone: 687 284 545Emergency Phone (24 hours): +61 2 8424 8947PteAiméMartinPteLefèvreDrueulaWedrumelDISTRICTDE WETRPeng BeachHapetraDISTRICTDE GAICACap EscapréGrottedu DiableHnacaömCap BernardinVanilla FarmTingetingHunëtë SiloamEasoKumoHnathaloXepeneheNangKirinataCilaBaie de SantalBaie deDrueulaBaie deJokinJokinWeHnadroLuecilaKejënyKedeigneBaie deChâteaubriandTraputJozipHmelekHuipatromëDISTRICTDE LOSIHuiwatrulSouth PacificOceanInagojLuengoniMuJoiCap desPinsSHORE TOURSThere are a range of tours available for you to really get themost out of your time in Lifou. Tours can be booked onboardat the shore tours desk and are subject to availability.Passengers are required to meet at a specific location foreach shore tour departure. Please refer to your tour ticket forthe correct time and place.10 kmEnefëjiCap de la FlotteNote: The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience, but P&O Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.