New Caledonia Travel Guide

Read this guide to explore culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, food, accommodations, local culture, safety, health, transportation options and nearby destinations in New Caledonia.


Introduction to New Caledonia

Nestled in Melanesia in Oceania, New Caledonia is a French territory offering some of the most fascinating and beautiful natural wonders and cultural experiences in the world. From its pristine beaches to its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, local cuisine, and rich history, New Caledonia has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in New Caledonia

New Caledonia has numerous destinations that offer a wide range of experiences for tourists:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tjibaou Cultural Center
  • Noumea City Museum
  • Museum of New Caledonia
  • Fort Teremba

Natural Attractions of New Caledonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Prony Bay
  • Blue River Provincial Park
  • Duck Island
  • Deva Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Caledonia

New Caledonia offers various hiking and biking routes. These routes offer you an opportunity to explore New Caledonia’s landscapes and natural wonders. Some of the routes include:

  • GR NC1
  • Parc des Grande Fougères
  • Traversée de la chaîne Central
  • Mont Mou

Best Things to Do in New Caledonia: Activities and Tours

From snorkeling around coral reefs to exploring natural parks and wild reserves, New Caledonia has a range of fun activities and tours that every tourist can indulge in. Some of these activities include:

  • Golf at Tina Golf Club
  • Snorkeling the coral reefs
  • Jet Ski ride in Noumea Bay
  • Sea Kayaking

Week-Long Itinerary for New Caledonia

Here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your week-long stay in New Caledonia:

Day 1 Arrival in Noumea, relax at your hotel, and explore the city
Day 2 Tjibaou Cultural Centre, followed by a trip to the picturesque Ilot Gabriel
Day 3 Deva Domain with a trip to the Poindimie coastline, the Hienghene Peninsula and the Tao waterfall.
Day 4 Blue River Provincial Park and the Yate countryside, followed by a visit to Prony Village
Day 5 Visit the Koghi Park and Ma Nouvelle Caledonie Zoo, followed by a trip to Bourail
Day 6 Visiting the Ghost Valley and Fort Tereka, followed by exploring the reefs of the Lagoons
Day 7 Departure from Noumea to your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of New Caledonia

New Caledonia’s food and drink scene is a blend of French and Pacific flavors that leaves an unforgettable taste on every tourist’s palate. Here are some food and drinks to sample when in New Caledonia:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bougna
  • Chevreffie
  • Coco-derived dishes
  • Civet de roussette

Local Beverages

  • Kava
  • Monsegur beer
  • Rhum Vieux

Where to Stay in New Caledonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Caledonia has an array of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to multistar hotels. Some of the popular hotels include:

Budget Hotels/Hostels

  • Refugee Tjibaou
  • Hotel Beaurivage
  • Guesthouse Nekweta
  • Noumea Tourist Hostel

Mid-Range and Luxury Hotels

  • Chateau Royal Beach Resort
  • Le Nouvata Hotel
  • Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences
  • Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort

What to Buy in New Caledonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

New Caledonia’s artistic heritage is evident and reflected in its handmade curios and art pieces worth taking home. Some of the local products to look out for when shopping in New Caledonia include:

  • Traditional handicrafts
  • Coral and shell jewelry
  • Pineapple Wine
  • Coffee and Tea

Local Culture and Customs of New Caledonia

New Caledonia has a rich cultural heritage, including a blend of European and Kanak traditions. Visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with the island’s customs. For instance, Kanak people have specific ceremonial rites, such as; Kabar dance performed during weddings.

Best Time to Visit New Caledonia

The best time to visit New Caledonia is between October and December, when the days are warm and sunny. The rainy season starts from December and runs through March, which may affect some outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Caledonia

Do:

  • Dress modestly
  • Respect the cultural diversity
  • Try to learn some French and Kanak customs.

Don’t:

  • Take in substances, including drugs, without a prescription.
  • Refrain from being too loud or noisy
  • Avoid leaving your valuables unattended

Safety and Health

Safety in New Caledonia

New Caledonia is generally a safe place, with low levels of crimes. However, it is crucial to take precautions, such as not leaving valuables in parked cars and using common sense.

Health in New Caledonia

Medical facilities are limited, especially in rural areas. Visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies. It is also essential to consult a health professional before traveling to New Caledonia concerning vaccinations and other necessary medical requirements.

Getting to New Caledonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New Caledonia

The most straightforward means of getting to New Caledonia is by air. New Caledonia has two airports - Noumea’s Magenta and Tontouta International airports with direct flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo, and Auckland.

Bus Stations Near New Caledonia

Bus stations in New Caledonia are limited, with only a few operating in Noumea to and from other towns.

Other Options

There are ferry services available between Noumea and the Ile des Pins (Isle of Pines), Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa, and several domestic flights serving the outer islands and Koné.

How to Get Around in New Caledonia

Public transport in New Caledonia is limited, and most tourists choose to hire a car, bicycle, or motorcycle for easier access to places. Taxis are available at the airport and in the city centers.

Where to Go Next from New Caledonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

New Caledonia has other destinations you can visit to extend your vacation beyond its borders:

  • Vanuatu
  • Fiji
  • Australia
  • French Polynesia

Conclusion

New Caledonia offers tourists a plethora of experiences- the culture, landscapes, outdoor adventures, dining, and accommodation- in a tropical paradise that guarantees a memorable vacation.

Prison ruins in the former village of Prony Prison ruins in the former village of Prony Nennon beach Nennon beach Provincial route 20 Provincial route 20 New Caledonia Reef New Caledonia Reef A Kanak woman with a ''bougna'' A Kanak woman with a ''bougna'' Mbéré reef Mbéré reef


    Grande Terre
    Loyalty Islands