Looking for an unforgettable holiday in paradise? New Caledonia is your destination to experience island adventure, traditional culture, and a breathtaking landscape.
Forget the worries of everyday life and visit an island with unique experiences found nowhere else on earth. Along with the natural beauty of the island, New Caledonia offers a European flavour in its language, food, and fashion. Only 2.5 hours flying time from Auckland, experience France on your South Pacific Holiday.
Noumea
Noumea, capital of New Caledonia, is the city where many visitors begin their holiday. Experience the rich culture, natural landscapes, beautiful gardens, parks and fascinating museums. Learn about Melanesian culture and be “wow’d” by the architecture at the Tjibaou cultural center.
Interested in nature and wildlife? The Zoological and forest park and the Aquarium of Lagoons are the places to go! More intrigued by wonderful beaches? Discover the breathtaking beaches and lagoons of Noumea and relax in paradise.
Isle of Pines
Isle of Pines, a small island just a 25-minute flight south from Noumea, is an unforgettable destination. Get your cameras ready, because the flight to the island offers spectacular views. Referred to as the “Jewel of the Pacific,” Isle of Pines boasts Araucaria Pines, turquoise lagoons and protective reefs full of underwater wildlife.
Enjoy lazy days and R&R by sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling at the island's beautiful beaches. Kuo Bay is good for swimmers, while Kanumera Bay is known for great snorkeling. If the views from the plane ride weren’t enough, walk up N’Ga to enjoy amazing views of the entire island.
Le Caillou
Le Caillou (Grand Terre), the largest island of New Caledonia, makes up the North and South provinces. Explore the nature reserves and parks, which are a proud part of UNESCO. For those adventure lovers, try a four-wheel drive tour throughout the provinces and be amazed at what you discover!
For underwater adventure, the New Caledonia Barrier Reef is the second longest double-barrier coral reef in the world. Discover diverse marine life found nowhere else on Earth, and you may even catch a glimpse of green sea turtles. Snorkeling and scuba diving in the reefs and lagoons is an unforgettable underwater experience. So take a deep breath and jump in!
Other highlights of New Caledonia include:
- Loyalty Islands
- Thio mine and Tiebaghi mine
- Blue River and Cap N’Dia nature reserves
- Heart of Voh
- Koumac caves
- Le Petit train
- The Aquarium
- Amedee Lighthouse
- Waterfalls on the East Coast
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Do you enjoy elegant dining? How about nightclubbing? Visiting a casino? New Caledonia offers it all. The European culture infuses the dining experiences here. Visit the Latin Quarter for a café style environment, or enjoy an evening out at The Baie des Citrons, which is renowned for its great restaurants.
New Caledonian cuisine is multi-ethnic with traditional Melanesian, European, and Vietnamese influences. For a local Melanesian dish, try the “Coalman” - local vegetables (tarots, yams, poingo banana) and meat with coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves and baked in the oven. Delicious!
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, New Caledonia offers magical experiences for any tourist.
