Exciting adventures in New Caledonia await. Discover the many faces of the Archipelago during an unforgettable stay in the South Pacific. Between land, sea and air, New Caledonia guarantees you a trip that rhymes with wonder and excitement. Trekking, snorkeling, mountain bike, horseback riding will lead you to the heart of Caledonian nature. Scuba diving promises the discovery of exceptional spots. Finally, get ready for the jump of the century, by skydiving above the most beautiful lagoon in the world!

Air Leisure
When in New Caledonia, you need to take advantage of the perfect sky to get an air trip! Coral reef, dense forests, lunar landscape of the South. Everything is so beautiful seen from above. In a paraglider, helicopter, light plane or a parachute, the Caledonian Archipelago reveals all its beauty from its blue sky.

Fly all over the Archipelago
Boulouparis, Bourail, Noumea, Poum… You will have a wide range of options to fly and admire the magnificent landscapes of New Caledonia. The Caledonian sky is accessible to both amateurs and professionals and confirmed teams await you for the jump or flight of your life.

Inland Sports
The land of New Caledonia can be appreciated in many ways. By taking walks, of course, but also by choosing to be enriched by everything that makes it one of a kind as a country. By its environment, its traditions, and its inhabitants. It’s through contact with the Caledonians, their nature, and their customs that the archipelago truly reveals itself.

Discovering unique environments
For years, New Caledonia has been attached to providing the best possible protection to the natural land areas that are the most emblematic and native examples of fauna and flora, unique in this world thanks to their richness, diversity, and fragility. The reserves established by public institutions are a superb opportunity for you to discover the rain forest, only 30% of whose initial surface remains, or the dry forest, which is even more fragile, with 1% of its original surface still alive.

Water Sports
And if you put on your explorer’s hat for a few hours or a few days to set out and explore the waterways? In a canoe or a kayak, on your own or with a guide, with your friends or in a larger group, there is no shortage of chances to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones as long as you focus on treks matched to your skills.

On the Smooth Water
To practice and become used to handling light watercraft, New Caledonia allows you to explore the waters without facing the sometimes turbulent waves of the ocean. Along the Dumbéa River or the Ouenghi river, or even along the calm lake of the Blue River Park, you can be initiated into the art of rowing effectively in a spirit of sport and relaxation. A moment of unlimited shared pleasure.

BETWEEN SEA & RIVER
Under the Light of the Full Moon
Add a touch of mystery by embarking on a solo or two-person kayak trip after the sun has set. The night of every full moon provides a chance to discover the drowned forest from a new angle in the heart of the Blue River Provincial Park or take a trip up the Nera river in Bourail. Simply lit by the moon and the stars, your excursion is both restful and fascinating and cannot avoid ending with shared moments of laughter.

Heading for the Forgotten Coast
The most sports-minded will appreciate a wilder destination. Therefore, the Forgotten Coast is the land of their dreams! Far from civilization, accessible only by sea, this luxuriant and dense part of the eastern Caledonian coast is fabulous territory for courageous explorers. For periods of time from two to five days on average, find your inner Robinson Crusoe and set out to discover this magical and preserved area of Caledonia, between the villages of Yaté and Thio.

Human Experiences
Whether you are an amateur on a peaceful river or bound for the sea, kayaking has one common feature: the human experiences that it provides for you. Even for a few hours, sharing the same physical effort and discovering the same colorful landscapes create or strengthen bonds between participants. On this type of craft, communication and mutual support are a must. And for those who love the Forgotten Coast, you can share some unforgettable moments with the inhabitants of this slice of heaven!

Nature and outdoors in New Caledonia
In New Caledonia, nature does not conceal its pleasures. Idyllic beaches border the largest lagoon in the world, and thick forests are home to more than 3,000 native species. The French archipelago is a promise of the exoticness and guarantees a meaningful trip at the heart of the Pacific. In this land of cultural mixes, you will discover inhabitants with generous souls who will share with you the treasures of their land, their ancient culture, heritage. You will also have the opportunity to make the most of the beautiful outdoors of New Caledonia by choosing one of the many soft adventure options on offer.

DIVING & SNORKELING
From beginner divers to excursions for experts, New Caledonia boasts diving spots that are each more magical than the next. Under the water’s surface, coral pinnacles shelter multicolored fauna that is often accessible even without wearing a tank. With reefs, passes and slopes, and the right equipment, divers can meet face-to-face with the big ocean-dwellers.

Flippers, mask and a snorkel
No need to dive for a long time to enjoy the splendors under the surface. With only a mask, flippers and a snorkel, a swimmer can also meet up with butterfly fish, triggerfish, parrotfish and clownfish, plus many more. The underwater path at Ilot Canard (Duck Island), the depths off the coast of the Amédée Island , the lagoon of Poé, the waters off Hienghène or the Loyalty Islands, or wherever you are, you can snorkel and be amazed.

Shipwreck diving
New Caledonia’s barrier reef has ‘surprised’ many navigators throughout the years with a number of ships sinking. Nowadays, those ship wrecks offer the perfect diving spots for locals and international divers alike. At Amedee Lighthouse, the ‘Dieppoise’ is a famous site, as well as the Sun Burnt Country one, near Goeland Islet. If you want to scuba dive around New Caledonia, you will be spoilt for choice between ship wrecks but also mythical spots such as Poindimie and its forests of Gorgonian corals, the underwater caves near Poum or the Crystal clear water of the Isle of Pines!

Freediving
New Caledonia is a paradise for free divers. The breathtaking clear water of the Caledonian Lagoon guarantee fantastic dive trips out. Moreover, the fact that the lagoon isn’t overcrowded with humans means that its inhabitants are far from being shy with the divers. You will be as happy as a clam!

Golf in New Caledonia
As every golf-lover knows, the pleasure of the game is both in its technique and in the environment where it takes place. New Caledonia has embraced this and and it’s four 18-hole courses possess a variety of challenges and features, which makes playing golf even more enjoyable.​​ This just multiplies the pleasure of golfing and discovering the courses.

Jewels of nature
From Tina to Déva, from Ouenghi to Dumbéa, Caledonian golf courses are above all incomparable. Jewels of nature, each with an identity of its own, but always in a privileged environment. At Dumbéa, the course follows the river, while at Déva and Tina, the views from some holes are straight out over the Pacific Ocean and at Boulouparis, the soft valleys of the course invite you to walk just as much as to play golf.

GOLF FOR EVERYONE
Amateur and pros alike
With a little practice, every course is within range for all levels of golfers. As long as you adjust your expectations! Don’t imagine that you can reach par the first times, the challenge would be less entertaining. On the other hand, over time, the most difficult holes become real challenges to adapt your game, perfect your concentration, and improve your level.

Technique takes over
In addition, pro golfers can set the bar very high by going from one course to the other. The 17th hole of Garden Golf in Dumbéa, for example, is one of the longest and most complicated par-5 holes in the Pacific: 560 meters long, a dogleg hole, a small lake, and a river to cross. At Tina golf course, start out in the afternoon and prepare to compete with the east wind to reach your goals.

Family Friendly
In order to increase their attractiveness, some golf courses have focused on family spirit, with the course located in larger complexes and diverse activities. In Deva, the Exclusive Golf course is connected to a high-quality resort and spa, promising rest and tranquility after playing. Boulouparis also invites visitors to explore a resort with multiple activities besides golf. This can satisfy fans of the game, but also their families, who may be less skilled with drivers, wood, irons, and putters.

A Practice Range in the Heart of the city
And if you only want to perfect your technique, a detour to the driving range of the Henri Milliard racecourse is perfectly appropriate. With an inimitable view of the area that is usually reserved for horse racing, the twenty places available allow you to work on your swing before a well-deserved dive in the ocean, a few metres away.

HIKING & TREKKING
For hiking, New Caledonia’s trails and paths can’t be beaten. But for the more adventurous, great hiking routes, especially the Grande Randonnée or GR, offer both breathtaking landscapes as well as walking conditions that suit athletic individuals. Get your backpack ready, the GR is waiting for you to cross the Mainland from north to south.

Walk through unspoiled nature
Each stage involvess around six to seven hours of walking – a very long walk which requires calves ready to take the strain. But the strain is suitably rewarded by the varied landscape you will walk through. In the Tchamba Valley, on the Letocard trail, in the Wâo Uni pass… Hikers cross from the dense vegetation typical of this region, to drier, wooded areas or a primal forest, home to flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth.

Through creek and waterfalls
Throughout all of the stages, rivers and creeks border the course. These sometimes produce cascades and create little corners of paradise. You will sometimes have to cross the water to remain on course. But be careful – during the heavy rain season, do not try to be Indiana Jones. The current can become very strong very quickly, and for safety reasons you must stop, find shelter and wait for the end of the downpour and for the water to subside.

Walk and respect
This is an almost natural attitude among nature lovers: admire the plant-life without removing it, admire the animals without touching or scaring them, do not make a fire and do not leave litter. These small gestures will help to preserve the beauty of the location.

SAILING IN NEW CALEDONIA
At 24,000 km², the Caledonian Lagoon is a wonderful playground for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of boating. Caledonians also love it, and spend their free time as soon as they can on outings that last from a few hours to several days. Experienced and beginner sailers will love the countless ways to enjoy the Pacific Ocean off the coast of New Caledonia.

Take a guide
Deep South, the northern lagoon, Isle of Pines or the Loyalty Islands, why not plan on discovering all these wonders from the ocean? There have never been more boating professionals who are willing to guide passengers who love wide open spaces and who want to spend a few days on the sea. This is a unique opportunity to discover islets that are still wild and to cross paths with dolphins, turtles, dugongs and other inhabitants of the lagoon, all while you relax in the hands of an experienced skipper.

Take the helm
Sailors can also enjoy the sea in catamarans, canoes, or even motorboats. The lagoon is perfect for cruising, relaxing and discovery. Rent a boat in Nouméa or Koumac and set off for the sailing adventure you want on a welcoming, gentle lagoon. Perfect to travel at your own peace and to be at one with nature.

Navigate with UNESCO
Since 2008, boating on the Caledonian lagoon has taken on another dimension. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, six areas are included on the prestigious UNESCO list. By the reef of Entrecasteaux in the Southern lagoon or in the coastal areas of the West, North and East, sailing the New Caledonian lagoon now involves a commitment. You can take a boat and protect the environment, aware of the universal heritage that surrounds us.

In the open ocean
If you want to, why not go a bit further on your adventure? Whether you take the helm yourself or you use an experienced team, anyone can find their place on board and set off for an even more exciting adventure to Vanuatu or even Australia and New Zealand. These crossings take time and still require some experience on the sea. But in New Caledonia, a desire for boating will surely seize you in no time at all!

WATER SPORTS IN NEW CALEDONIA
For those who love board sports, whatever you do, do not miss the Caledonian lagoon! With perfectly smooth water, almost constant breezes, waves for a technical challenge. In Nouméa or off the coast of the main island, windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and bodyboarding are perfect to do all throughout the year!

Sails to the horizon
As soon as the slightest sustained breeze picks up, there’s something like a rush to the beach and the water. Sails fill and set out to sea immediately. The water surface off Nouméa is ideal for daily practice, and is also friendly as windsurfers share their passion for sailing and for the ocean. And for novices who want to get in on the adventure, there’s no shortage of schools along the bays of the capital, but also outside the urban area.

DISCOVER BOARD SPORTS
Kitesurfing at full sail
This sport is constantly being developed and perfected, to the point that Caledonians are now showing off their talent on the national and international scenes. With their board and sail, kitesurfers crisscross the surface of the lagoon and follow the winds and the waves. They can reach impressive heights and perform extremely technical figures. This sport will be enjoyed by those who love an adrenaline rush.

Windsurfing is always popular
As a board-sports paradise, windsurfing has been the top board sport for several decades in New Caledonia. With Robert Teriitehau in the lead, a multiple champion of France and the world, the territory has constantly shone through in the world of windsurfing. From the north to the south, schools teach the first lessons and required techniques to do windsurfing so you can be free on the crests of the waves!

Board sports in all its forms
The list of boardsports available in New Caledonia is endless. Sailboats and catamarans are countless, and jet-skis and motorboats are also perfect ways to get around the ocean and enjoy a majestic environment. And who could forget about surfing, which many amateurs enjoy off the coast of Bourail, a legendary community on the west coast. The most recent sport, stand-up paddle (or SUP) has finally found a place in New Caledonia, just for fun or for a much more athletic challenge.

HORSE RIDE IN NEW CALEDONIA
In New Caledonia, the horse is king. There is one for every 20 inhabitants. From north to south, wild or domesticated, for competition or riding, horses are part of the archipelago’s landscape. A few hours’ ride between the mountain chain and the waterfront is one of the best ways to discover the true nature of the Caledonian bush.

The all-terrain horse saddle
The central chain of New Caledonia is a vast territory, of which few aspects can be perceived from the outside. However, if we venture on horseback into the properties of breeders, we can capture its diversity and its wildest sides. Riding on these saddles, places that can’t be reached by foot become true places of strolling and discovery.

On pace in the mountain chain
Slowly, you’ll climb the arduous slopes of the chain to reach the most majestic viewpoints overlooking the plains and the mountains, with the Pacific Ocean in the distance. In properties where livestock is king, led by an experienced guide, hikers have an extraordinary opportunity to become familiar with the local flora and fauna.

Galloping at the water’s edge
If we leave the heights for a little while so we can reach the shore, a completely different story begins. If you are an experienced rider, nothing prevents you from soaring in a gallop refreshing to both the animal and his passenger. The Lebris peninsula, at the entrance to the village, offers beautiful, pleasant beaches to trot, rest, have a picnic and bathe, as well as beautiful expanses of mangroves to explore during low tide.

On the saddle for a piece of history
Another unexpected aspect for fans of equestrian sport is the way that these rides open up the history of New Caledonia. Close to the bushmen, you’ll learn about the past of local families, the struggles for land and the way in which the population can now gather around common values.

Horse riding, Western style
If you wish to blend into the background, put on your cowboy hat, jeans and leather boots. Is this a parody? Not really. Landowners may actually invite you to accompany them in a tiring day of cattle tracking. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Relaxing in New Caledonia
Dreaming of taking it easy, feet in the sand ? Treating yourself to brunch by the sea before an hour-long massage ? Or even just enjoying nature with a bit of spontaneity ?

New Caledonia is all those things: strolling through the Forest Park in the morning, treating yourself to a midday brunch and a relaxing massage…all before heading to Baie des Citrons for a lively night out! Take a holiday to Pleasure.

Culture & Arts
With museums, bush festivals, art galleries or theatres and cinemas, you will not have time to get bored. New Caledonia offers a rich and diverse cultural life. Kanak culture is very much alive, thriving in modernity, without denying its roots.

Pacific Art at its Best
New Caledonia is bursting with artists, painters, sculptors, singers, dancers and actors. The art scene is rich and diverse. Several cultural locations and art galleries are within reach.

Art at the cultural center
Tjibaou, Hienghène, Mont-Dore, Dumbéa – cultural centers and multimedia libraries are an important part to any visit to New Caledonia. A must-see is the Tjibaou cultural center, located in Nouméa, boasting the richness of Melanesian culture of the past and especially of today. Created by architect Renzo Piano, the building is formed from stylized huts that house permanent and temporary exhibits.

Local Culture
In the heart of the Pacific, New Caledonia is a land of mixed cultures. Caledonians are proud of their island and unique identity. Accents, languages, gastronomy, New Caledonia’s culture is a true melting pot of influences, promise of rich encounters and exceptional journey.

A culture influenced by the expression Carpe Diem
If you want to experience the true « New Cal » lifestyle, go and get yourself some flip flops (tongs) and a cap. Caledonians love to take it easy when it comes to fashion and usually adopt a relaxed and casual style. No need to bring the black dress or suit for a diner on lemon Bay. Here, the atmosphere is relaxed and we love to enjoy the pleasure of the moment.

Fairs & Festivals
New Caledonia offers numerous fairs and festivals all year round. The fairs essentially focus on agriculture, but the festivals can be very diverse.

Inland Fairs
The Fair of Koumac, Bourail, Boulouparis, Poum, or even Yaté… the mainland is proud of its local products and a number of towns offer you the chance to experience a weekend living like the «broussards» (French cowboys). The best-known of all is the Fair of Bourail. Its rodeo attracts both people from Nouméa and the rest of the mainland.

A variety of festivals
The Film Festival of La Foa, the festival of the Bancoule worm in Farino, and many more. New Caledonia provides a multitude of cultural festivals, to the great joy of its inhabitants and lovers of music, film, and various forms of art. Music is present everywhere with Live in August or even the Blackwoodstock Festival, a vibrant scene that nobody should miss at the end of September.

Fairs on the Islands
Do you want to discover a different side of the islands? Consider staying in Lifou, Maré, or Ouvéa during the feast of the avocado, the bird fair, or even the red snapper fair. The fairs are organized in close cooperation with the tribes, who will welcome you like a family member for a unique stay. There is no better way to discover Kanak culture.

Cultural Festivals
Museum Night, the sound and light show of Fort Téremba, or even the Ânûû Âboro popular film festival in Poindimié. Culture is always celebrated in New Caledonia and children aren’t left out, notably with the Storytelling Festival or the Pikinini.

Gastronomy and wine
New Caledonia’s cuisine is one of the best in the South Pacific. Fusion of flavours, it is a true testimonial to the blend of cultures living together on the island. Often spicy, the meals are always deliciously fresh using some of the best local ingredients.

New Caledonia’s gastronomy is truly unique, one mixing spices, tropical flavours and French techniques. Vanilla, sweet potatoes, fresh seafood or local venison, New Caledonia will surprise you and deliver a true gourmet experience.

Gastronomy
New Caledonia is renowned for its cosmopolitan cooking, oscillating between tradition and modernity, with many talented chefs and numerous restaurants. It is the ideal place for gourmets and connoisseurs looking for surprising and intense flavours. A delicious gastronomic experience that will leave a lasting memory.

Bonjour traditional French cooking
Slow cooked meals, traditional bistro dishes, terroir products, you will find French cooking at its best in New Caledonia. Why not try the traditional blanquette de veau, duck confit, quenelles or delicious foie gras. For a typical French experience, why not try the restaurant ‘Chez Toto’ in Noumea.

Experience a fusion gastronomy full of flavours
The cuisine is inspired by the different communities living together in New Caledonia : Melanesian, Asian, Wallisian, Tahitian and French. A richness which inspires our local chefs who love to rediscover local products with a modern twist. For an explosion of colours and flavours, head to Au Petit Café, So Food and l’Ed’Zen in Noumea.

Wine and dine in the best restaurants of luxury hotels
You will find the best of New Caledonian cooking at the restaurants of our many high end hotels around the mainland and the islands. During your trip, you will be spoilt for choice. Try the a la carte menu or delicious buffets from the Le Meridien Noumea, Meridien Isle of Pines, Sheraton Gouavo or La Néa in Kone. A delicious trip awaits!

A seafood diet in a seafood heaven
Surrounded by the largest lagoon in the world, New Caledonia is heaven for seafood lovers. You will be amazed by the variety of fish and coquillages, bénitiers et trocas, crayfish and coconut crab. Don’t forget to try the New Caledonian prawns, a blue variety of prawns native to New Caledonia and exported all around the world.

Try the bougna, traditional Melanesian dish
It is probably the most popular dish in New Caledonia. A traditional stew made of one protein (either chicken, local meat or fish) mixed with yams, sweet potatoes, bananes poingo, ignames, and cooked in coconut milk. The dish is covered in banana leaves and slow cooks for hours on the hot stones of the ‘Kanak oven’. The bougna is a special dish best shared with the local tribe.

Try the bush delicacies: beef and venison
With a true stockmen tradition, New Caledonia is renowned for its beef of excellent quality. The venison meat is also very popular and cooked many different ways : deer skewers on the barbecue, venison salad or stew. In the bush, one of the best restaurants to try the venison is Le Refuge du Cerf. A lovely guesthouse with an amazing view on the lagoon and a beautiful menu!

Love food? This is the foodie island you need to visit
There are unique and extraordinary flavours to be found in each of the destinations’ varied regions, whether they be from the blue waters of the crystal clear lagoon (the world’s largest), the more rural ‘cowboy country’ in the west, the Gallic hub of Noumea or the traditional Kanak culture in the east. New Caledonia’s sundry landscapes deliver delicacies, fresh produce and meals that will tantalise the taste buds and are true testimonial to the blend of cultures united on the islands.

FLAVOURS FROM FRANCE
In the Pacific, New Caledonia cultivates the French Touch. Indulge your family, your friends, or even yourself by selecting French luxury products. Delicious foie gras, renowned French wines and champagnes, fine chocolate and other sweets. Fill your suitcases with the products that made France famous.

Treasures for your taste buds
Located on Orphanage Bay, in Noumea, Maison Ballande is known for their high-end products. In this fine establishment you’ll find: an excellent selection of wines, champagnes, and spirits. You’ll be enchanted by prestigious French brands like Comtesse du Barry, Fauchon, Maxim’s, Bollinger, as well as by local Fresh products, including lobster.

Wine: A French passion
In New Caledonia, the taste of wine is synonymous with pleasure and socializing. Many wine shops offer prestigious French wines, but also more reasonably priced vintages. Here is a selection of retailers to discover in Noumea: Le Pavillon des Vins, la Vinothèque, Sodival, la Cave.

Fall for the chocolate
If you’re a chocolate connoisseur, you won’t be able to resist the urge to sample that made in New Caledonia. Walk into the workshop of Morand, the master chocolatier and creator of marvels in the Latin Quarter in Noumea. Another address in the capital: Uncle Jules and the Golden Caboose.

The foie gras will make your mouth water
French luxury product par excellence, the foie gras of Ouen Toro is prepared in the laboratory of Noumea Gourmets. You’ll be spoiled for choice between the classic foie gras recipe, or flavored with vanilla, ginger, or violet…A delight for the palate.

Indulge yourself with coffee or tea
In Noumea and facing the beach of Anse-Vata, Malongo Cafe welcomes you to the terrace for an expresso, breakfast, or brunch. In the shop, you won’t be able to resist the careful selection of coffees and teas, in pretty porcelain teapots or Italian coffee makers.

Haute couture of French gastronomy
A new shop will be opening at the Motor Pool in Nouméa. Gastronomie Import offers French brands that are renowned for the quality of their products. Foie gras, fine oils, caviar and other fancy foods will make your mouth water. For small and big occasions with friends, this is the shop you need.

SHOPPING
Nouméa is a city that will seduce you. Both modern and eclectic, the capital city is imbued within the sweet Pacific life and Oceanic values. It’s also concentrated with small shops and more well-known brands. Enjoy a shopping day followed by a spa or a drink on a terrace to unwind.

Shopping in the city center
Two streets host most of the shops appreciated by those who love French fashion: Rue de l’Alma and Rue de Sébastopol. Small fashion and custom accessory shops can be found there, but brands such as Mango, Guess, Etam, Okaïdi and even Apple also have shops on the street. The neighborhood of Alma features several high-end pret-à-porter boutiques such as Adresse 33.

Sparkling shops
If you love precious jewelry, the jewelers Gaspard, Guilleux, Diams, CHLOE, Maison de la Montre and Grand Quartier will be pleased to welcome you. In New Caledonia, you can also find brands specializing in pearls such as Créator, CHLOE Perles and La Maison de la Perle. At Marlène, you can discover a world of fragrances, lingerie and luxury leather goods by Longchamp and Sonia Rykiel.

Shopping at concept stores
Bonnie&Bonnie and MiaCasa in the Latin Quarter, Bô in the city center, Fanfan’s Art on the bay – Nouméa hosts several concept stores that offer designer jewelry and furniture and hard-to-find decoration. On the Promenade of Anse Vata, the Hype store offers brands such as Paul & Joe, Vanessa Bruno, Isabelle Marant and Zadig & Voltaire.

Shopping in Anse Vata
La Promenade is known for its concentration of very chic fashion shops and hip restaurants and shops. You can find a wide range of luxury shops such as DeCi DeLà for leather goods and Max Mara for haute couture. Desigual has also set up its pretty shop on the promenade facing the sea. To enjoy a T2 tea or a nice coffee, take a seat at the Malongo Café Store, which also offers a range of fine tableware.

Shopping for decoration
In the city center and on La Promenade at Anse Vata, Nouméa features several interior decoration shops inspired by European and Australian trends. You can find brands such as Papaya, Leonardo, Zak! even Joseph Joseph. In the city center, Ambiances et Styles, MiaCasa, Bonnie&Bonnie will guide you in choosing a very French spirit.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

While the Great South is hardly lacking in cultural or heritage sites, such as the ancient village of Prony, the Ouen Island or the Yaté dam, it is first and foremost a destination dedicated to green tourism and the practice of sporting activities in one of the many natural or equipped spaces in the region.

The Great South is also home to the biggest park in New Caledonia, the Blue River Provincial Park. In addition to its natural wealth (giant kaori, the drowned forest…), the park is perfectly suited to VTT, hiking or kayaking, and offers an ideal setting for bathing in the clear waters of the Blue River.

From the Blue River Park to the N’Dua Reserve…
In addition to this immense park, the Great South is brimming with other nature reserves. The Madeleine waterfalls include one of the most beautiful botanic trails in the area, while the loops of nearby Netcha offer the most stunning mountain biking trails in the country. On the front of the western coast, the N’Dua reserve offers visitors a colourful spectacle and allows remote observation of the humpback whales reproducing in the area between June and September.

The Needle of Prony: a unique under-water chimney!
Generally speaking, the Great South is a hiker’s paradise. Whether climbing Mont-Dore, whose imposing mass dominates the lagoon at the entrance of Nouméa, or taking on the GR1 trail from Dumbéa to Prony, every walker will find their perfect trail!

On the East Coast, several fringing reefs offer a rare setting for diving straight from the beach. But it is at Prony that divers can have the most incredible experience exploring a unique site, the Needle of Prony. Hot water from the depths of the earth flows out of this astounding underwater chimney, discovered in 1979.

The Yaté Dam – an electric visit!
Within the magnificent Great South region, known for its big open spaces, preserved nature and red soil, the Yaté Dam and its lake are simply gigantic. The dam, 45 metres high and 641 metres long is located 160 metres above sea level. The huge lake is approximately 40 Km2. An impressive and unmissable experience in the South of New Caledonia.

Without nickel, no SLN (Society le Nickel – the main nickel company in New Caledonia) and without the SLN, the Yate dam wouldn’t have been created in 1959. Primarily used to provide power to the SLN factory in Doniambo in Ducos, the dam now supports a 68 MW power station.

Blue River Park – a place rich in color
This is the most popular park in New Caledonia, undoubtedly the most incredible one. Located in the south of the Grande Terre, the Blue River Park promises a truly exotic scenery in a very unusual setting. Nature here has not changed for millions of years!

The finest nature park in New Caledonia
This provincial park of 9,000 hectares is a protected area in which visitors are welcome as long as they obey the few simple rules that are necessary. While it is indeed possible to camp in the Park, it is – for example – mandatory to partially “take down” your tent when the morning comes. Barbecue fires are tolerated (unless otherwise stated at the entrance), but it’s forbidden to pick up dead wood. You will leave your car at the entrance and go cycling, or use the park’s shuttle service.

Cap N’Dua – simply spectacular!
Found on the tip of the Grand Sud, Cap N’Dua is a natural reserve nestled between land and sea. Richly biodiverse, the area offers breathtaking views of the lagoon and open sea. There is a viewing area with facilities allowing visitors to gaze at the horizon on the lookout for the humpback whales that come to reproduce in the region each year.

Previously part of the southern forestry reserve, Cap N’Dua is now a natural reserve in its own right, covering some 830 hectares. Open to the public for free from Tuesday to Sunday (from 7am to 4pm), the reserve is a magical place for nature lovers.

From Prony bay to Casy islet
In southern New Caledonia, between the Havannah and Woodin canals that separate it from Ouen island, Prony bay is like a little inner sea. At its heart, close to Somme bay, it contains a curiosity that is virtually unique in the world: the Prony needle. A little further on and accessible by taxi-boat, Casy islet offers a beautiful natural setting for a weekend’s camping.

Named with reference to the steamboat that obtained the first hydrographic data of its sea bed between 1853 and 1855, Prony bay offers a stunning contrast between the deep blue of its water, the red earth so characteristic of the South and the unique green of the New Caledonia pines abundant in the bay.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

From Pouebo to Ponerihouen, the East Coast unfolds along a narrow coastal strip set between the central mountain range and the ocean, a spectacular panorama. Communes located along this magnificent road, Hienghène, Touho, Pondimié, are real tropical gems, whose highlights are Hienghène’s ‘La Poule’ and the Tao waterfall.

From Hienghène to Poindimié via Touho: extraordinary underwater variety.
The seabed in this region is one of the richest and most beautiful in New Caledonia. From the pygmy seahorse to the stunning orang-utan spider, the cohorts of manta-rays to the extraordinary variety of the corals and anemones, it is a real marvel to behold! And whether you want to scuba dive or are happy with a palm-lined walk around the little island of Tibarama at Poindimié…

Mining is also a very real presence on the East Coast. When it began, this profoundly influenced the destiny of the commune of Ouégoa, at the north-eastern tip of the Grande Terre.

For several decades, gold and leather fever raged in this commune, which today is peaceful, but preserves an interesting mining heritage.

Thio: where New Caledonia’s nickel mining adventure began…
Further south, from Houaïlou to Thio, it was the nickel business which remodelled the mountain slopes, leaving its red imprint. In Thio, where the Caledonian nickel adventure began, you can visit the oldest working open-pit mine in the world. It has been in constant operation since 1880. At the heart of the village, a lovely and newly renovated museum about the mine gives prominence to the men who took part in this saga.

The wild beauty
The region has nevertheless retained its authenticity and wild beauty, offering a true festival of colours. Sumptuous bays, abundant waterfalls (including Bâ at Houaïlou), legendary roads (the famous timetable road linking Canala to Thio) – everything is an invitation to discovery.

Discover the must sees in the East coast
The Ouaième ferry – the last of its kind!
The day will soon come when the last working Caledonian ferry will be replaced by a bridge which will allow people to cross between Pouébo and Hienghène. Until then, tourists will continue to delight in this exotic, fluvial go-between, which lets them enjoy the scenery during the short crossing.

The Ouaième ferry is located in the north of Hienghène, a little before you reach the magnificent Tao waterfall, on one of the most beautiful stretches of road in New Caledonia. The current steel ferry which carries cars and coaches is new, having begun operation in 2010. But this leaves it no less deliciously exotic. And what a view throughout the crossing. In this place, the rock face displays a formidable verticality, while the banks of the Ouaième offer views of luxurious and enchanting plantlife.

The Legendary Canala-Thio Scheduled Road
Tour guides are right when they stress that you need to be careful when taking this famous “scheduled road”. Still, it retains a magical character that continues to seduce tourists with an appetite for adventure!

It certainly is a kind of road that is rarely found elsewhere. Following the mountainside and across the Petchécara pass, it becomes so narrow and winding in places that passing times (between 7 am and 5 pm) have been fixed over a 13 km stretch of the route. So, you can take this road at even-numbered hours in the Canala to Thio direction and in the other direction at odd-numbered hours!

Be aware that the road is open in both directions after nightfall. An enchanting experience is guaranteed to those who have the courage to tackle this route, but care is absolutely indispensable. This is all the more the case because the road is not barriers everywhere; far from it!

A magical route but one to be tackled with the greatest of care!

Of course, it is recommended to stick scrupulously to the schedule. Still, you risk crossing paths, here or there, with occasional vehicles of owners who forgot to set their watches!

And be patient. Although the scheduled section is no more than 13 km in length, you need to allow a good half hour to navigate it to the end…

The mining museum – that tells where it all started
If there’s a town in New Caledonia that deserves to have a museum dedicated to its mining industry, it is certainly Thio. The municipality is a worldwide historical cradle of nickel mining, and mining has been an industry uninterruptedly in the town since 1874!

Located on the east coast of New Caledonia, Thio’s history is intertwined with that of nickel. Dubbed in the early 20th century “Nickel town” by the newspaper La France Australe, the town is considered the cradle of Caledonian nickel. Mining began in the village around 1875 and has not stopped since.

Mwara Beach
A few minutes by car from the village of Thio, Mwara beach is the point of entry into a wild and deliciously exotic region that will take you to the gateway to the forgotten coast.

Before arriving at Mwara beach, stop on the edge of the runway, where SLN’s (Société Le Nickel) mineral roller extends into the ocean. If you like skindiving, you have before you a mythical spot in New Caledonia. This, just a few cables away from the shore, is where the mineral carrier La Joliette foundered and sank to 15 meters below the surface in February 1909.

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The North-West of the western coast, up to the Boat Pass, allows you to discover dry and almost moon-like land, as well as the remarkable seabed off the coast of the Poum Reef.

From dry and moon-like beauty of the northern tip to the Caledonian Far West
In addition to the natural beauty of the scenery, where ochres, pinks and oranges are mixed into the usual palette of greens, Poum, just like Koumac, offers an important mining heritage, whose golden tourist nuggets are incontestably the Pilou Mine and the former mining village of Tiébaghi.

Further south, the West Coast belongs to the American Far West. This is the region of stockmen (local cowboys) and great agricultural cultivation. From Koumac to Poya, passing through Kaala-Gomen and Pouembout, the coast offers scenery of wide and long grassy plains, and of savannas covered with paperback trees. The coastline is dominated by mangroves, often little known and yet full of natural sumptuousness.

Hear of Voh, the Lapita potteries, the petroglyphs of Montfaoué: some many world-renowned treasures…
It is at the heart of a mangrove that the world-renowned Heart of Voh is located and whose reputation owes much to the clichés of photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The area around Koné conceals a world-famous archaeological treasure. It is in fact on the site of Foué that the Lapita potteries were discovered, which convey New Caledonia’s cultural heritage spanning millennia. A cultural heritage which the petroglyphs of Montfaoué at Poya come to complete…

From Bourail to La Foa there is also heritage to be absorbed, but here it rests upon the traces left by the penitentiary administration. Fort Teremba, at Moindou, is the most evident demonstration of this…

The lenticular reef: a natural wonder at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage lagoon
A registered UNESCO World Heritage site, the lagoon in the west coast zone is one of the most beautiful in New Caledonia, notably containing the sublime lenticular reef which stretches from Bourail to Moindou. And what can we say about those islands! Each one is as sumptuous as the next, from Green Island near Bourail to Ténia Islet near Boulouparis.

The Greater Nouméa
As for Païta and Dumbéa, the two communes of the Greater Nouméa have not abandoned their bushman identity, despite significant urban development in recent years. They are a true paradise for hikers in particular. Mont Humboldt for the seasoned hiker, but also the more accessible walking trails: Monts Koghis, Pic Malaoui or Mont Mou to name but three…

Discover the must sees in the West coast
1001 palms in Moindou
Moindou’s Ryawa valley is home to New Caledonia’s highest concentration of royal palms. Able to reach 50 meters in height, over 500 of these trees stand majestically there, the pride of the municipality and their owner.

While Ryawa valley is famed for its concentration of Roystonea Regia (the scientific name for the royal palm), it is not the only site in Moindou to boast this royal presence. And with good reason!

Moindou owes the introduction of this species stemming from Cuba to the Reunionese Jean-Louis Casimir Boyer (originally from the Alpes of Haute-Provence!) who arrived in New Caledonia in 1874 in view of growing coffee beans. Carried in his suitcases were royal palm seeds, which soon appreciated the local humid and sunny climate.

Gouaro Lighthouse
Near the path of the three bays, and overlooking Roche Percée Beach and the Nera estuary, the ruins of the Gouaro lighthouse remind us that, for decades, access to Bourail was principally by sea.

The plan to set up a permanent penal colony in Bourail made it essential to enable regular supplies to the site. Access to Bourail Bay being treacherous, the construction of an instrument to guide the way became necessary.

Originally, it was built with two beams, one white and one red, the first directed towards the keeper’s house, and the second across the hillside. Mariners used the alignment of the beams to guide their ships through the channel into port. A third beam, a green one, located at the outer edge of the Roche Percée, on the Nera side, defined the mooring area.

Tiebaghi – a nickel-chrome village!
When the Caledonian mining industry is mentioned today, it is of course nickel that comes to mind. How different things once were! In the early 20th century, chrome mining in the Tiebaghi massif considerably changed the face of the region, the world’s top producer of the mineral at the time!

The discovery of chrome deposits in Tiebaghi is shrouded in several legends. And you will no doubt enjoy hearing them if you visit this ex-mining village! The only thing that is known for sure is that the discovery was made between 1875 and 1877. Nonetheless, no mining work was started before 1901.

The situation then began to change rapidly. Chrome became a sought-after raw material for the manufacture of special forms of steel. Finally, the Caledonian chrome adventure could begin! And all the more so, given the importance of building up stocks in preparation for the 1st World War…

Château Grimigni – relic of the penal system
The history of the village of Pouembout started in 1883, when the decision was taken to build a penitentiary. It was to extend over nearly 3,500 hectares. From this past, only two buildings remain: the Château Grimigni and Le Pigeonnier (the Pigeon Loft)…

Château Grimigni was built in 1886; after suffering storm damage, it was completely renovated in 2006. The building now accommodates Pouembout’s media center, a cellar for exhibitions and – somewhat amazingly – the community cyberbase!

Built by forced laborers, the imposing architecture stands testament to the fact that the penal authorities not were only based in Bourail or on Île Nou, they also had noteworthy facilities in the North.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

While the Isle of Pines was first reached by James Cook in 1774, during his second voyage towards New Zealand, the ‘discovery’ of the four islands which make up the Loyalty Islands was not actually his work. The first acknowledgement of these islands in fact dates from 1803 when William Raven, captain of the Britannia, gave the name of his ship to Maré.

Those we now call the Loyalty Islands did ‘play hard to get’ before unveiling their charms to the world. And what charms!

Each island has its own character…
On Ouvéa, the combined beauty of the sky, the lagoon and the flora have earned it the title of the closest island to paradise. This is a well-deserved title for the island which offers a fabulous beach of white sand stretching for almost 25 km, majestic coconut plantations and extraordinary diving sites, especially around the Pléïades Reef. At the Mouli Bridge, connecting Lékiny to the main island, you can see the spectacle of turtles and eagle rays that move through the channel daily, to the great delight of tourists.

Lifou is characterised by its variety of scenery, combining immaculate beaches, steep cliffs, deep forests and impressive caves. The largest of the Loyalty Islands is probably the one that offers the greatest contrast, whilst also catering perfectly for tourists who come to visit.

As for Maré, the intense, wild beauty of its scenery, and the deep connection that the Mareans have with nature, have given this island a very personal identity. The island will leave a lasting impression on those who take the time to discover it.

The other closest island to paradise!
Further south, the Isle of Pines is, without question, Ouvéa’s greatest rival for the title of the closest island to paradise! The Oro, Kuto and Kanumera Bays offer an astonishing spectacle of beauty and harmony. As for vestiges of the penal colony, they testify, in a moving way, to a bygone age.

A heavenly climate
The islands of New Caledonia enjoy an extremely pleasant climate, with average temperatures between 22°C on Maré and 24°C on Ouvéa, with seasonal variations of no more than 6°C. In addition to which, since there are no mountains to pull in and retain the clouds, there is very little rain. So the weather is particularly favourable for tourism and leisure!

Discover the must-sees of the Islands
Oumagne Grotto – the queen of caves!
The Oumagne Grotto, better known as the Cave of Queen Hortense, is located in the north of Kunié (Isle of Pines), not far from the aerodrome. A site you must not miss!

Queen Hortense’s cave is far from a unique occurrence on the Isle of Pines. A great many caves, of varying degrees of accessibility, fill the island. The most famous has always been the one belonging to the ‘queen’, in the Touété area.

The vanilla of Lifou
It’s no secret that the quality of Caledonian vanilla is well on the way to earning global recognition. Though vanilla production is now organized over a large portion of the territory, it was in Lifou that it all started. On the island you can visit several vanilla plantations open to the public, in Mu, Jozip, Mucaweng or Traput.

New Caledonia’s sun and rainfall level appear to offer a particularly good combination to provide local vanilla growers with excellent growth conditions.

Although English missionary Macfarlane gave a few Madagascan vanilla plants to one of the island’s clans as early as 1860, it was not until the 1980s-90s that the beautiful orchid truly began to be exploited. Until then, though abundant in wooded undergrowth, its value was considered purely ornamental.

The natural aquarium
The natural aquarium and Pethoen cave – Maré island is brimming with natural curiosities that you can discover in one day if you have access to a car, or are willing to pedal hard enough on a rented bicycle!

Kuto Bay – a great start to your visit
The Isle of Pines is famous worldwide for its breathtakingly beautiful bays. If you travel to the island aboard the Betico hi-speed ferry from Nouméa, Kuto Bay will be your first bewitching experience of the island’s bays.

Kuto Bay and Kanumera Bay are separated by just a thin strip of land and offers a stunning fine white sand beach.

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

Gorgeous bays and splendid islets
Facing the lagoon, the Caledonian capital is the picture of the Pacific: a city to wander about in and live well, especially on the waterfront. The bay attracted the first Europeans to settle here starting in 1853 and has still kept all its appeal, as testified by the very beautiful beach on the Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata. Offshore in these bays are Îlot Maître and Îlot Canard, that can be reached in only a few minutes by boat. Both offer an ideal setting for a day of exploration or of lounging.

A wealth of culture
Noumea has built its Pacific identity through a mixing of cultures and styles. This cultural diversity is reflected on your plate, but also in the architecture and all the attractions it offers. True artistic heart of the country, museums, art galleries, theaters and cinemas are concentrated in Noumea. You can soak up the heritage of the city.

Although colonial-era houses are scarce nowadays, some have still be beautifully restored, like Maison Célières, Château Hagen or the old Nouméa City Hall, which now houses the city museum.

A city of pleasure
This city of about 100,000 inhabitants offers a range of activities that will inspire you with its diversity. Facing the sea and lined with inviting beaches and islands, you can practice outdoor sports all year long; not only walking, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing, but also golf, tennis and, of course, swimming.

It’s also a joyful city with many bars, clubs, and two casinos for festive evenings after – and why not – a day of shopping in the various shops of downtown Noumea and Anse Vata. Three spots you can’t miss: Alma Street, Sebastopol Street and the Promenade.

A green and blue city
The recently renovated Aquarium of the Lagoon houses a stunning collection of living underwater species. Its treasures include the pygmy seahorse and the famous nautilus, which is one of the emblems of New Caledonia.

Still, blue isn’t the only color to represent Nouméa; green also has a prominent place. The luxuriance of the vegetation (palms, coconut trees, flamboyants and hibiscus) commonly surprise visitors.

The city is blessed with several parks and gardens when you can enjoy a pleasant stroll. Start with the Zoological Forest Park, located in the heights of the city and offering an enjoyable day of discovery as well as local flora and fauna. Other ‘green lungs’: Coconut Tree Square in the downtown area hosts events and fairs throughout the year, Ouen Toro facing the sea, or even the Nouville Trail to Fort Tereka. The sea pediment was also built to accommodate a beautiful stroll between Orphanage Bay and the Pierre Vernier promenade.

Discover the must-sees in Nouméa
Anse Vata Bay – Nouméa’s beautiful walkway
If Nice can be rightly proud of their Promenade des Anglais, Nouméa’s walkway along the Anse Vata Bay is equally as magnificent. Between two large rocks, the Rocher César towards the pointe Magnin and the famous Rocher à la voile, on the Lemon Bay side, Anse Vata is one of the main tourist spots in Nouméa. On the east side, a pedestrian pathway runs along the long beach, the Roger-Laroque promenade, with many hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and night clubs.

Zoological and forest park
Located on the Montravel heights, in Nouméa, the Michel Corbasson zoological and forest park covers 34 hectares in the middle of the city. Acting as a green space, a botanical garden and a zoological park at the same time, it is a must-see during a stay in Nouméa, at the very least to see the emblematic cagou!

In 1962, the city of Nouméa gave this land to create a nature reserve in order to preserve the heart of the dry forest within the city, as well as several endemic species, including the cagou.

However, the public had to wait until 1972 for the park to open its gates. The zoological park now is home to over 700 animals, and over 130 species. These are mostly birds, because the local terrestrial fauna was essentially made of reptiles until the arrival of the Europeans, who imported species such as the famous Rusa deer.

Place des Cocotiers
The Place des Cocotiers (Coconut Tree Square) is, since the end of the 19th century, the heart of the city of Nouméa. Over a surface of almost 4 hectares (and 400 meters long from east to west), its vast esplanade with a slight slope is a place of meetings, tranquility and festivities all year long.

In 1855, Paul Coffyn, a brilliant engineer, was put in charge of drawing the first urban plans for what the future city of Port-de France (which became Nouméa in 1866) was to become. He planned on building a square where it is located today, which was then covered by the sea.

Once the first embankments were built, in 1861, the first portion of the square was called “jardin de l’infanterie marine” (the marine infantery gardens). Located at the eastern extremity of today’s Place des Cocotiers, it took its definitive name of Place Feillet in 1903.

Baie des citrons
Located less than 10 minutes from the city center, Baie des Citrons is today the most connected seaside spot in the Caledonian “capital”. Stores, bars, restaurants and night clubs follow one another along the promenade, much to the delight of tourists and Nouméans…

The origin of the current name of the Bay, previously named Anse du Styx from the name of an old steam sloop, remains questionable. For some, the Bay is named because of lemon trees planted there before 1900 (they are no longer there). For others, it has never been a matter of lemon trees! The Bay took its name from six huge trunks loaded on a ship that ran aground there.

The anecdote is without doubt more ironic than true but it speaks volumes about the mystery surrounding the Bay which has become, over time, one of the main tourist emblems of the city of Nouméa.