The Loyalty Islands enjoy an exceptionally pleasant climate with no sudden changes in temperature. Average temperature is a tropical but moderate 23°, reaching a high of 28° in February and a low of 18° in August. The seasonal cyclones that sometimes hit New Caledonia between November and March rarely affect Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa and, if they do, are much less violent. The sea remains at a delightful 22° to 25° all year round.

New Caledonia is eleven hours ahead of GMT.  Time differences: Brisbane - 1 hour, Auckland + 2 hours, Suva + 1 hour, Tokyo – 2 hours.

New Caledonian currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF) which has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro. One Euro equals 119.33 XPF. 

French is New Caledonia‘s official language and is taught in schools and spoken by all the country’s inhabitants, with the exception of a small number of “elders” who even if they understand French do not choose to use it. The Kanak peoples of New Caledonia speak 28 different local dialects. Each of the Loyalty Islands has its own language : Drehu is spoken in Lifou, Nengone in Maré and IaaÏ and Faga-uvea in Ouvéa. 

No visitor to the Loyalty Islands is treated as just another tourist, but rather as a privileged and welcome guest. In return, the islanders thank visitors for respecting Melanesian customary traditions. This body of simple rules and observances has grown up and evolved with each generation (see preceding section).
Visitors are specifically concerned by the customary rule forbidding access to certain sacred taboo places (such as the inner compounds of the chiefdoms, certain beaches, woods or other special sites that are not necessarily signposted) unless prior permission has been sought from local clan or tribal chiefs. Before visiting these sites or taking photographs, visitors should find out what they need to do. This may take the form of a verbal request or, in some specific cases, a simple customary ritual where gifts are exchanged and words of welcome spoken.
Your hosts or local people you meet as you travel around the islands will be glad to give you help and advice about local customs and any procedures you need to follow.
You can also refer to the Ethical Tourism Guide, published by Destination Loyalty Islands, for guidelines about respecting local cultural, social and environmental values.

Take light summer clothes but don’t forget to pack a sweater and rainproof clothing: nights can be quite cool, particularly in winter, and tropical showers can be torrential.
Melanesian society accords great importance to modesty and courtesy and visitors are asked to respect this. You are requested not to wear swimwear outside beach areas (topless swimming and sunbathing and nudity are strictly prohibited in the Loyalty Islands, even on apparently deserted beaches).

Lifou has two banks (BNP and BCI with an outside cashpoint), Maré has a single bank (BCI in Tadine with an outside cashpoint) and Ouvéa also has one bank (BCI in Wadrilla). Visitors are strongly advised to bring sufficient cash reserves with them for their visit to the Loyalty Islands as most small accommodation facilities and shops do not accept credit cards.

Each of the islands has its own health centre and dispensary and a chemist’s. The Loyalty Islands enjoy an extremely healthy climate and environment. Victims of serious illness or injury are evacuated to Noumea, which has a large teaching hospital and a number of private clinics with extensive medical facilities.

Apart from school buses and tourist transfer services, there is no public transport network or taxi service in the islands. However, a wide range of car and bicycle hire facilities are available if you want to hire your own transport.
IMPORTANT:  In New Caledonia you drive on the right. Please obey the 50 km/hour speed limit when driving into tribal residential areas. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers in front and rear seats. Use of mobile phones when driving is strictly forbidden.

Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation in the Loyalty Islands to fit all pockets and all tastes.

• All three islands offer international standard luxury hotels (sports and leisure facilities and entertainment). The Paradis d’Ouvéa, on the island of the same name, is a luxurious four star hotel set in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, offering top-of-the-range service and accommodation.
• Or you can opt for one of several motels offering accommodation in comfortable modern bungalows (bathroom and kitchen facilities), an ideal choice for group or family holidays.
• Melanesian-owned and run gîtes in local tribal villages offer visitors well-run and friendly service and comfortable accommodation.
• The Loyalty Islands offer visitors the unique experience of tribal village stays sleeping in traditional Melanesian huts. A stay combining rustic simplicity with all the basic comforts and facilities you need for a pleasant holiday and a unique chance to meet the island people and share in Melanesian family life. Traditional huts accommodate two to ten people and you may share your room with other visitors.  Enjoy lively discussions with your hosts and learn about their way of life. A unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
• The islands’ campsites all provide basic toilet facilities and some offer catering facilities as well.