A distant archipelago, white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, a welcoming climate… all the elements of the traditional postcard are there to characterize a trip to New Caledonia. This French territory, isolated in the immensity of the South Pacific, therefore attracts more and more tourists. ready for a long stay on the other side of the earth. Why go to New Caledonia? From Noumea to the tiny villages lost in the interior mountains, it is the assurance of a real travel experience!
Why go to New Caledonia? The most beautiful lagoon in the world!
Located off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand, New Caledonia is built around a main island, Grande Terre, where the capital Noumea, and a string of islands of varying sizes such as the Belep Islands, the Isle of Pines or the Loyalty Islands. New Caledonia also has many reefs and one of the largest lagoons in the world, also considered by many specialists to be the most beautiful on Earth!
Caledonian lagoon
Understanding Kanake culture in Nouméa
It takes several weeks of travel to really enjoy the charms of New Caledonia. The sites of interest are indeed numerous and the distances which separate them are very important. Flights from Europe arrive at Noumea airport, which is usually the first stop on the journey. Nouméa can be visited on foot, by strolling in the city center, by strolling in the market of the Bay of the Moselle or by visiting the Tjibaou cultural center, essential to fully understand the culture of the Kanaks, the first inhabitants of the Isle.
Tjibaou Cultural Center
Discover the landscapes of Grande Terre
From Nouméa, you can then rent a car to tour the Grande Terre. Head south with possibilities of go hiking on the GR1 circuit, discover the Chutes de la Madeleine, appreciate the landscapes of Rivière Bleue provincial park or stop off at Prony Bay. Then, we follow the east coast to discover the diversity of the landscapes of New Caledonia and return to Nouméa by taking the Koné-Tiwaka transverse road.
Snorkeling and a good meal on the program!
New Caledonia offers many activities, on land, in the air or in the sea. A mask and a snorkel, the two essential snorkeling accessories, make it easy to discover the wealth and wonders of the Caledonian lagoon. It is also an ideal region to relax and enjoy the local gastronomy.. Meals are therefore usually made up of fish and fruits and vegetables. One of the typical dishes is bougna: a meat or fish stew with sweet potatoes in coconut milk stewed in a buried hot stone oven. All these arguments should convince you and answer the question: why go to New Caledonia, right?
snorkeling
Isle of Pines to extend your stay
After Grande Terre, the destinations depend on the time you spend in New Caledonia. Indispensable : the visit of the Isle of Pines with its superb beaches, its mountain ranges and the canoe trips that can be done in Upi Bay. With more time, you can push to the Loyalty Islands to discover the Lekiny cliffs, to Maré for its hikes along the coast or to Lifou for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Accommodation in a Kanak village
Outside of Nouméa, the hotel industry is underdeveloped in New Caledonia and finding a hotel will not always be easy. In Noumea you can find inexpensive rooms as long as you don't do it at the last minute - but a trip to New Caledonia is rarely organized at the last minute! - whereas, in the rest of the islands, there are much more picturesque lodgings: campsites in the heart of nature - these are real campsites and not wild campsites -, rural lodges and tribal lodges - accommodation in the tribes of the villages kanaks.
Village Kanake
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : discover the site of the tourist office of the southern tip of New Caledonia
- Passport and visa : for stays of less than 3 months, a valid passport is required to travel to New Caledonia. The identity card alone is not enough due to the special status of New Caledonia, which is not part of the Schengen area.
- Money and change : the current currency in New Caledonia is the Pacific Franc (CFP Franc). Its price is fixed against the euro. 1 euro = 119,33 FCFP and 1000 FCFP = 8,83 euros
Transports
- Getting to New Caledonia : Tontouta international airport is located on the island of Grande Terre, about forty kilometers from Nouméa. In addition to taxis, it is possible to take a shuttle bus to reach the city center. Compare airline ticket prices to find the best fare.
- Getting around New Caledonia : on the islands of Grande Terre, Pins or Loyalty it is possible to rent a car. To move from island to island, the fastest way is to take an Air Calédonie flight. Many boats also allow you to reach the main islands.
