Visit New Caledonia
New Caledonia
There's no better place to experience the Pacific with a taste of France than New Caledonia, where Melanesian tradition blends with French sophistication. This mix of the chic yet casual, très French but ultimately Pacific comes together with peerless élan in Noumea, the cosmopolitan capital.
Dining out and shopping run the gamut from gourmet restaurants to humble roulottes, from Chinatown's colourful shops to the expensively elegant, air-conditioned boutiques on rue de Sébastopol. When you leave the capital, the urban scenery gives way to a wealth of changing landscapes - the rolling plains of la brousse (the bush), lush river valleys, steep mountains coursed by tumbling waterfalls, cool rainforests and wild coastlines.
Mapa de Nueva Caledonia
New Caledonia is surrounded by the world's largest enclosed lagoon, where marine treasures of all shapes and sizes lie waiting to be discovered - canyons and caves, exquisite coral, the smallest of tropical fish, turtles, sea snakes and sharks. Dolphin and whale spotting are other delights in store, or simply the luxury of total relaxation on the soft, warm sand of a deserted isle.
Noumea
With its cheerful multi-ethnic community, New Caledonia's cosmopolitan capital is both sophisticated and uncomplicated, classy and casual. The relaxed city sits on a large peninsula, surrounded by picturesque bays, and offers visitors a variety of experiences. Diners have the choice of eating out at classy French restaurants or humble establishments in Chinatown, while shopaholics can blow their savings on the latest Paris fashions or go bargain hunting for imported Asian textiles.
Centro cultural Tjibaou, Noumea, Nueva Caledonia
Grande Terre
Measuring 400km long and 50km wide, Grande Terre (Main Land) is not only New Caledonia's major island but also the third-largest island in the Pacific after Papua New Guinea and NZ. A chain of mountains sweeps down the middle of the island, and the wide plains that stretch along its west coast are dotted with country towns where cattle breeders stroll down the street in Stetsons and cowboy boots.
On the east coast the mountains descend to the sea, their lush vegetation meeting the steep and sinuous coastline. Waterfalls rush down the mountainsides into deep pools before trickling gently into the sea. Grande Terre is enclosed by the world's largest coral lagoon, where the islands' inhabitants spend much of their leisure time fishing, boating and enjoying other water sports.
Ile des Pins
A tranquil paradise of turquoise bays, white-sand beaches and tropical vegetation, Île des Pins is also a haunting place where dark caves lie hidden in the forest and the bush invades the crumbling ruins of a convict prison. The Kuniés, as the island's inhabitants are known, have kept alive the tradition of sailing pirogues (outrigger canoes), and you'll see these ancient craft gliding elegantly across the calm lagoon.
Isla de los Pinos, Nueva Caledonia
Loyalty Islands
The sparsely populated Loyalty Islands have large tracts of impenetrable bush, secluded beaches and hidden caves. Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa each have their own characteristics: Maré is known for its deep rock holes, rugged coastal scenery and serene beaches; Lifou for its breathtaking cliff-top views and small secret beaches; Ouvéa for its unending beach and tranquil lagoon stretching endlessly to the horizon.
The islands' inhabitants blend traditional and modern lifestyles with ease, though unless you are staying in a hotel you will need to take cash as most other places do not accept credit cards. Each island has at least one bank with an ATM that accepts most major credit cards. Seafood is a speciality in the Loyalty Islands and most accommodation places and restaurants offer lobster or crab platters. You need to order usually 24 hours in advance.
Maré
Maré's scenic coastline is lined with stunning beaches and rugged coral cliffs. Inland, it has impressive sunken pools and a mysterious ancient rock edifice. Small wonder that some of Maré's geographical features have inspired legends.
Lifou
Lifou is home to magnificent cliff-top views, sheltered bays where coral teeming with colourful tropical fish grows, secluded beaches, fascinating caves and a rich traditional culture.
Bourail, Nueva Caledonia
Ouvéa
Ouvéa is a long, thin sliver of land with a 25km-long perfect white beach and an exquisite lagoon stretching as far as the eye can see. This magnificent lagoon is surrounded by a chain of tiny islets known as the Pléiades.
Northeast Coast
The stunning coastline here is edged by foothills covered in lush vegetation, gentle rivers, fascinating rock formations, waterfalls and deserted beaches. Visitors have the opportunity to experience traditional Kanak life in a tribu for a day or two. There is also an endless choice of nature trails to suit all levels of fitness, from 20-minute walks to hikes lasting several days. Keen hikers can climb Mont Panié (1629m), New Caledonia's highest peak.
Northwest Coast
Much of the northwest coast and its rolling plains is taken up by cattle ranches. The coast is not great for swimming, as it has mangrove swamps and shallow bays, so it makes more sense to head inland for horse trekking, staying on a Caldoche farm or in a Kanak homestay.
The Far South
The main attraction of the Far South is its feeling of remote wilderness. The vast, empty region is characterised by its hardy scrub vegetation and red soil, and offers a wide range of activities including hiking, kayaking, abseiling and mountain biking. If you are looking for a bit of action and adventure while you're in New Caledonia, head to the Far South.
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