Dazzling islands reveal the perfect blend of spectacular landscapes and wonderful hospitality. New Caledonia is a land where people and culture fuse together, making your trip one to remember.
Grand Terre’s East Coast is a beautiful region to discover as part of a self-drive itinerary due to its stunning scenic views. Its landscape is lush and mountainous. The coastline is edged by foothills covered in beautiful vegetation, and there are plenty of walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and time frames. Authentic and undeveloped, the area is mainly populated by the Kanak people, the original inhabitants of New Caledonia, whose tribes live in traditional huts in small communities up and down the coast. Their culture is full of song, dance and sculpture. From hidden waterfalls, luxuriant valleys to bamboo forests and magnificent tree ferns dotting the hillside, this region is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. The Coast also offers amazing snorkelling spots. The barrier reef offers a wide variety of amazing and colourful coral.
The Isle of Pines is only a twenty minute flight south of Noumea, but a whole other world away. Famous for its tall native pines and stunning deserted beaches, the Isle of Pines offers something for everyone. Take a walk around the island, snorkel, dive, meet the local people or simply relax and spend your days on tranquil white sand beaches, swimming in crystal clear lagoon waters. This beautiful corner of New Caledonia is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Pacific.” Come and discover for yourself.
Loyalty Islands
Experience the natural beauty of the Loyalty Islands – Mare, Lifou and Ouvea. Bask in the sun and enjoy the powdery beaches scattered around the islands. Located in the one of the most beautiful atolls in the South Pacific, Ouvea is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its 16-mile beach of pure white sand and great biodiversity. Explore the sparkling waters of Lekiny Bay or stroll along Fayou Beach, New Caledonia’s longest beach featuring a 22-kilometre of white sand. Gear up for an adventure in Lifou, where the island features an incredible landscape of white beaches, steep coral cliffs and lush forests. The island of Mare also features unspoilt natural beauty and rich history. It is also known for its stunning rocky headlands including the fabled Warrior’s Leap in Wakone.
North Province
Covering the northern tip of Grande Terre, this remote region has a multitude of beautiful landscapes, caves, mines, beaches and islets, while the mountains are rich and dense. The area is considered one of the world’s Top 5 for fly-fishing. A mining region, this is an ideal place to learn more about the mineral wealth of New Caledonia, one of the country’s top economic contributors and a large influence in the development of the history of New Caledonia in the past centuries. The hot and dry climate is perfect for relaxing on pristine beaches, with lots of beautiful bays to stop at and enjoy a leisurely picnic while exploring the local area.
Noumea
From spectacular white sandy beaches to well-preserved historic buildings with a beautiful French feel, New Caledonia’s capital city Noumea is a perfect combination of South Pacific hospitality and European elegance. Surrounded by charming bays, Noumea sits on a hilly peninsula and offers numerous activities that you can enjoy. It's all less than a 3 hour Aircalin flight away from Sydney! Come and explore today.
Great South
The Great South boasts cultural and heritage sites but is best known for the many sporting activities available as well as their practice of green tourism. The Blue River Provincial Park is the largest park in New Caledonia and features activities such as VTT, hiking and kayaking in addition to the stunning natural scenery of the Blue River, Giant Kaori and Drowned Forest. Nature reserves are abundant in the Great South including the Madeleine waterfalls, N’Dua reserve and the Netcha bike trails. N’Dua offers spectacular views of the lagoon and open ocean and is quite popular especially during the winter months when humpback whales migrate to the region. Hikers will be in their element enjoying the scenic GR1 trail or the impressive but picturesque Mont-Dore. The Needle of Prony is an exceptional dive site where hot water from the ocean floor flows to create a tall pinnacle rising 40m. Fringing reefs provide divers the rare opportunity to dive straight from the beach. From June to September humpback whales migrate to the Bay of Prony and the N’Dua Reserve is a popular location for whale watching.
West Coast
The West Coast is cowboy country, with the landscape composed mainly of vast plains used for livestock farming, and a coastline dotted with mangrove swamps and shallow bays. North of Koné, make a very special stop to fly over the Heart of Voh, an iconic heart-shaped landmark immortalized by the famous photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand. This natural wonder is found in the midst of a dense mangrove swamp. For those who would prefer to hike, there is a track to a viewing point on a nearby mountain.
When to visit
You can swim and relax all year round in the tropical climate.
- November to March - Hot and humid with temperatures in the high 20’s to low 30’s.
- June to August - Cooler, drier period with temperatures in the low to mid 20’s.
