Wallis & Futuna: Getting there & around

Although Samoa and Fiji are closer neighbours, the only regular connections to Wallis & Futuna are flights from the other two French territories in the area, New Caledonia and Tahiti/French Polynesia. From either of those other territories you can catch connecting flights to destinations further afield. The New Caledonian-based Aircalin is the sole airline to service the islands, and you will find an Aircalin office in Mata Utu on Wallis.

Currently there are no regular passengership services to these islands, just cargo ships passing through a few times a month to unload the much-needed stocks of Foster's beer and French wine. You might find a yacht heading to Wallis from New Caledonia, but you may end up mooring near the rather unpicturesque petroleum wharf at Halalo in the south of Wallis.

If you want to visit both of the territory's main islands but have limited time, a quick paddle or sail between the two is not an option because Wallis & Futuna are inconveniently separated by 230km (140mi) of deep blue. The most efficient mode of transport is offered by the airline Aircalin, which makes the 45-minute trip five times a week.

Getting around either Wallis or Futuna by public transport is a simple matter - because there isn't any. However, there are cars available for hire. Unfortunately for fans of the two-wheeled vehicle, there are no motorcycles, scooters or bicycles for hire.