New-Caledonia Travel & Holiday Packages
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New Caledonia Holiday packages
Helpful Information
When to visit
The climate is tropical. Hot and humid from November to March with temperatures in the high 20’s to low 30’s. And a cooler, drier period from June to August with temperatures in the low to mid 20’s. You can swim and relax all year round.
Getting around
Domestic flights with the national domestic carrier Air Caledonie depart from Magenta Domestic Airport located 15km from Noumea (the two airports are not connected). Flights depart several times a day to such parts of the archipelago as the Loyalty Islands and Isle of Pines.
Car rental companies abound in Noumea and offer a wonderful way to thoroughly explore the country. Driving in New Caledonia is on the right-hand side of the road, and a valid driving licence from your own country is all you need to be able to legally drive. Roads are usually in excellent condition. It is also possible to secure car hire in the Loyalty Islands and Isle de Pines, allowing you to visit smaller communities and deserted expanses of white sandy beach.
About New Caledonia
New Caledonia is actually one of Australia’s nearest neighbours. This beautiful French island offers a fascinating combination of sophisticated French style and cuisine together with the friendly, laid back Pacific-island culture.
Fly Aircalin from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Noumea in a three and a half hour flight maximum. Explore Noumea and the island of Grande Terre, the Isle of Pines and the four Loyalty Islands of Lifou, Ouvéa, Maré and Tiga. The island is blessed with stunning natural wonders, including a UNESCO site and the largest lagoon in the world.
Do not miss the Heart of Voh, a heart shape formed naturally by mother nature. There is so much to do in New Caledonia! French paradise at your doorstep.
Self-Drives
One of the best ways to experience New Caledonia is on a Self-Drive holiday. It allows you to see places you wouldn’t be able to see on any other type of holiday! We recommend at least 10 days to really see all the different areas of New Caledonia. Places you shouldn’t miss on a road trip around New Caledonia:
West Coast – Swim in the UNESCO World Heritage Lagoon which is swarming with turtles and fish, go horse riding in the cowboy country or take part in the numerous activities offered in Bourail.
East Coast - Admire the incredible Hen Rock formation in Hienghene, learn about Tribal Life in Poindimie & visit some of the remote tropical islands spotted along the coast. The East Coast is a highlight for many of our guests!
North Coast – Fly over the Famous Heat of Voh in an Ultra-light flight, the Heart of Voh is a naturally formed heart-shape in the Mangroves designed by hundreds of years of low and high tides! Visit the more traditional laid-back area of Poum which is the northernmost tip of the Grande Terre.
South Coast– You will think you’re in the Australian Outback with all the bright red iron rich soil that you will find down in the South! The blue River Provincial Park is a highlight, here you can see the drowned forest or even go on a bush walk to find the famous Kagu Bird – an almost flightless bird that’s only found in New Caledonia!
Things to Do in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is the perfect blend of French culture and the tropics. Never have a dull moment when you book a New Caledonia holiday deal with us.
One of the best ways to know the culture of a place is through its cuisine. New Caledonian food is prepared using French methods but with a unique twist. It uses tropical ingredients, such as escargot, venison, coconut milk and Crayfish.
Pedal through the winding roads of La Parc de la Rivière Bleue. This national park is known for its various natural attractions and protected wildlife. Enjoy refreshing winds and spectacular views of its lush greeneries. You can also explore the river at the base of the park and rent out kayaks.
Shop ‘til you drop in the many supermarkets, patisseries, and boutiques in New Caledonia. You’ll see a lot of luxury items on sale, as well as great bargains around the area. We recommend the Port Moselle Market for fresh food, handcrafts, summer clothing, and accessories.
Must-visit Attractions in New Caledonia
Fill your itinerary with these must-see attractions in New Caledonia.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre pays tribute to pro-independence Kanak leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou. The hub is situated in a woodland and mangrove setting on the Tina Peninsula. Inside you will find sculptures and paintings of Kanak culture. The main buildings exude a harmony of verdant greeneries and contemporary architecture designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
At the heart of the city lies Place des Cocotiers. The plaza has a surface area of almost four hectares and is a popular place to meet with friends or enjoy New Caledonian life pass by. The plaza is always filled with street markets and concerts.
Anse Vata is a top choice for Noumea visitors, especially since it’s only a few minutes away from the city centre. Aside from relaxing under the sun and enjoying the cool breeze, you can spot colourful kites filling the skies or windsurfers skimming up and down the bay.
Best Time to Visit New Caledonia
New Caledonia has dry and wet seasons. If you plan to chase the sun, you should avoid its rainy season, which peaks from November to April. Book your New Caledonia holiday package from April to May or September to November to get a better guarantee of fairer weather.
The best time to visit New Caledonia depends on the activities you want to do. Most outdoor activities are rarely affected by winds, waves, or rains, but it’s best to plan your trip from June to September. Enjoy mild temperatures and minimal rain during these months. Hiking in the mountains of New Caledonia will be cold all year round and can even reach freezing temperatures during July and August.
Known Destinations in New Caledonia
Explore the many known destinations as you book our New Caledonia holiday packages.
Mwá Ka is a 12-metre totem pole divided into eight levels. Each of these sections was meticulously carved by an artist from one of the eight customary regions of New Caledonia. The totem was erected back in 2004 as a celebration of Kanak culture and the multi-ethnic reality of New Caledonia.
Marine life enthusiasts will love the Aquarium des Lagons. This aquarium promotes the protection and conservation of New Caledonia’s aquatic ecosystem. Aquarium des Lagons houses a rich diversity of marine wildlife like sea snakes, sharks, nautilus, and Napoleon fish.
You can’t leave the New Caledonia archipelago without visiting Lifou. Enjoy the natural beauty it offers. Bask at the beauty of its colourful corals in crystalline water, imposing cliffs, immaculate white sandy beaches, and the most spectacular landscapes you have ever seen.
Best Hotels in New Caledonia
Our New Caledonia holiday deals let you choose and check-in various luxury and boutique hotels in the archipelago.
Le Méridien Ile des Pins, also known as The Isle of Pines, is set alongside the beautiful Oro de Bay and offers direct access to its stunning beaches. The bungalows are built using local wood and stone for that authentic tropical garden feel. The shore is lined up with lush pine trees instead of your typical palm trees on most beaches, giving it a unique feel and paradisiac atmosphere.
Hotel Beaurivage Noumea is perfect for every traveller as it’s only a few kilometres away from the downtown area. Its location gives guests easy access to Lemon Bay Beach, Anse Vata, and other nearby beaches.
While Hotel Kou Bugny is ideal for travellers on a budget, it offers nothing less than a fun and relaxing adventure. It features wooden huts and a large deck area with a panoramic view of the captivating sea and awe-inspiring sunset.
Post Lockdown in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is delighted to open its secret paradise again to the world.
The government of New Caledonia has reopened its borders to countries with a good vaccination rate since December 2021. Travellers aged 12 and above must present a mandatory PCR or RAT test taken no less than 24 hours before the flight. Another RAT rest will be conducted two days after their arrival. Self-isolation is also no longer required. Wearing masks indoors or outdoors is not mandatory but is encouraged for vulnerable people.
About Us
Welcome to New Caledonia! Our New Caledonia division was formerly known as New Caledonia Travel Connection, then in 2019 we amalgamated all of our brands under Entire Travel Group. We have been operating for more than 50 years, you can learn more on our About Us page.
The destination provides idyllic beaches, iconic landscapes, beautiful islands, and a diverse range of marine and plant life. There are endless places to visit, a unique culture to experience, and an unforgettable archipelago to explore.
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Why Visit New Caledonia
Flying to New Caledonia
There are two main airports in New Caledonia: Air Caledonie and Magenta Domestic Airport. Many flights depart these airports several times a day to reach the different islands and popular travel destinations, such as the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines. The average travel time from Australia to New Caledonia is approximately 6.5 hours. New Caledonia’s main international airport, La Tontouta International Airport, is located around 40 minutes north of Nouméa, the country’s capital. Several airlines, including New Caledonia’s own Aircalin, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu operate frequent New Caledonia flights departing from Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland). Non-stop flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Noumea range from 2 to 3 1/2 hours.