London

London is the historic port village of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Northern Line Islands of Kiribati. Located on the north coast of the atoll, London serves as the main port facility and the administrative centre for the Line and Phoenix Islands. The settlement was established during the plantation era of Father Emmanuel Rougier, a French priest who leased the island from 1917 to 1939 and named it after his home. He planted some 500,000 coconut trees across the island. Today London has a population of about 1,895 (2015 census) and features a modern jetty built by Japan. The village has broad, sandy streets lined with coconut palms and a mix of traditional thatched houses and newer concrete buildings. Kiritimati has a unique equatorial climate with low rainfall averaging 873 mm annually, making it one of the driest inhabited islands near the equator. Temperatures range 24–30°C year-round.

By Plane

Cassidy International Airport (CXI) is located about 8 km east near Banana. Fiji Airways operates weekly flights from Nadi (Fiji). From the airport, a taxi to London takes about 15 minutes.

By Car / Road

A sealed road connects London to Tabwakea (3 km east) and Banana (8 km east). Taxis and minibuses operate along this route. The main jetty is at the western end of London, where cargo and occasional passenger ships dock. Driving is on the left.

London is small and walkable. For trips to Tabwakea, Banana, or the airport, taxis are available. Bicycles can be borrowed or rented from guesthouses.

• London Jetty: A modern deep-water jetty constructed by Japan. Cargo ships and the occasional supply vessel dock here.

• The Ministry buildings: Government administration for the Line and Phoenix Islands is based in London.

• Bridges Point: The historic port area established by Father Rougier, now the main landing.

• Captain Cook Hotel: A historic hotel from the Pan Am era.

• Kiritimati lagoon: The vast lagoon stretches south from London, with salt flats and tidal channels.

• Bonefish fishing: London is a prime base for guided bonefish fly-fishing trips on Kiritimati's world-class flats.

• Birdwatching: Guided tours to the restricted bird sanctuaries (permits required) can be arranged through the Wildlife Conservation Unit.

• Visit the jetty: Watch supply vessels dock and unload cargo — a focal point of island life.

• Explore the lagoon edge: Walk along the shore to observe ghost crabs, shorebirds, and the unique salt flat landscape.

Small eateries in London serve fish, chicken, rice, and noodles. The Captain Cook Hotel has a dining room that serves meals to guests and visitors. Fresh seafood — bonefish, tuna, reef fish — is the main protein. Vegetables are scarce and mostly imported.

Drinking water is from rainwater tanks and a desalination plant — safe but often slightly brackish. Bottled drinks are available at stores. Coconut water is abundant. Alcohol is limited to what is imported and can be scarce between shipments.

• Budget: The Captain Cook Hotel offers basic rooms with shared facilities, from around 40–60 AUD per night. Several small guesthouses also operate.
• Mid-range: Kiritimati Lodges near the airport offers more comfortable accommodation, with meals and airport transfers, from around 100–150 AUD.
• Upscale: No upscale accommodation exists.

A few general stores in London sell basic groceries, canned goods, and soft drinks. Supplies are limited by infrequent ship arrivals — stock up on essentials when available. Post office services are available.

• Tabwakea (3 km east, 5 min by taxi) — The largest settlement on Kiritimati, with more shops and the cable landing station.
• Banana (8 km east, 10 min by taxi) — Near Cassidy International Airport, originally developed during the nuclear testing era.
• Poland (south across the lagoon, about 20 km by road) — A small village with the Saint Stanislaus Catholic church.
• Cook Island (in the lagoon entrance, by boat) — Uninhabited seabird sanctuary with large frigatebird and booby colonies (restricted access).