Set on the southwestern coast of Grand Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, the city of Noumea serves as the capital of this overseas French Territory. This cosmopolitan city is known for its natural treasures and rich cultural offerings, boasting a fascinating mix of French and traditional Kanak influences in its architectural designs and sumptuous flavours. Dubbed the ‘Artistic Heart of the Country’, Noumea features numerous theatres, museums, art galleries, and cinemas. Travellers can look forward to a wide selection of fascinating attractions and activities. Explore stunning sparkling bays, learn about local indigenous heritage at the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, spot marine life at the Aquarium des Lagons, and sample enticing island cuisine in the historic Latin Quarter. Other popular activities include swimming, cycling, fishing, hiking, and kiteboarding.
Located in the mountains of central Grande Terre, the mountainous village of Sarraméa is known for its stunning tropical scenery and botanical splendour. You can see some of the world’s most exotic floral species here, including Amborella trichopoda - an ancient flower that is said to be the ‘mother of all plants’. The region is a phenomenal hiking destination, with the 1600-metre-high Table Unio and the Dogny Plateau as its most famous and spectacular routes. The Trou Feillet rock pool is an idyllic place to have a picnic or cool off after a challenging trek. Sarraméa is the homeland of the Petit-Couli people, and it is possible to visit the traditional village that serves as a meeting place for the tribal chiefs.
Poindimié is located on Grande Terre’s east coast and is considered one of the finest scuba diving locations in New Caladonia. Beneath the lagoon’s surface lies a mesmerising submarine world of multi-colured corals, dozens of tropical fish and an array of other sea creatures, including pygmy seahorses, anemones, turtles, octopi and the bizarre-looking orangutan sea-spider. The tiny island of Timbaramba is located just a few minutes offshore and is said to be ‘the most beautiful island of New Caledonia’, offering phenomenal snorkelling. The coastal interior is dotted with quaint traditional villages, with Napoémien being arguably the most appealing. Between these small settlements are valleys of vivid green rainforest laced with rivers and studded with waterfalls.
Lying on New Caldonia’s northeast coast is best known for its exceptional limestone rock formations, which the elements over the centuries have whittled into bizarre and striking shapes. Among the most iconic of these are the Hen, the Sphinx and the cliffs of Linderalique - a dramatic series of spiky rock towers that run for several kilometres around Hienghène Bay. A great way to admire the area’s geology is with a kayak trip along the shoreline, allowing visitors to experience some of the local ocean creatures. The lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a dazzling array of marine life, including exquisite corals, sting rays and the endangered pygmy seahorse. Hienghène is home to the Kanak people and a visit to the Goa Ma Bwarhat cultural centre, which provides insight into Kanak art and traditions.
Stretching from the mountains to the ocean across New Caledonia’s South Province, Bourail is one of New Caledonia’s most alluring travel destinations. The rich coastal lagoon is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a superb scuba and snorkelling spot due to its rich marine wildlife, with commonly sighted species including manta rays, a breathtaking array of corals and myriad brightly coloured fish. One of the highlights of the coast is Poe Beach, an idyllic stretch of white sand that extends for 13 kilometres along a calm turquoise bay protected by a barrier reef. Another is Green Island, which lies a few minutes boat ride from the mainland and is a nesting area of the rare green sea turtle. The hilly interior is covered with dry forest can be explored on foot, horseback and mountain bike, while thrill seekers can get their adrenaline fix and take in magnificent aerial views of the forest and ocean with a paragliding tour.
Situated east of Australia, in the South Pacific, Ouvea is one of the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. This picturesque island is known for its 25-kilometre-stretch of pristine white-sand beach lapped by impossibly blue waters and fringed by dense tropical jungle. Bird lovers can spot the rare, endemic and protected Ouvea green parakeet, while culture vultures can enjoy the fascinating blend of Polynesian and Melanesian influences. It boasts an exceptionally scenic turquoise lagoon, the Ouvea Lagoon, which is one of 6 marine areas of New Caledonian Archipelago to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other Highlights include: diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Hanawa Blue Hole and visiting the shark nursery at the northern end of the island.
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Set on the southwestern coast of Grand Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, the city of Noumea serves as the capital of this overseas French Territory. This cosmopolitan city is known for its natural treasures and rich cultural offerings, boasting a fascinating mix of French and traditional Kanak influences in its architectural designs and sumptuous flavours. Dubbed the ‘Artistic Heart of the Country’, Noumea features numerous theatres, museums, art galleries, and cinemas. Travellers can look forward to a wide selection of fascinating attractions and activities. Explore stunning sparkling bays, learn about local indigenous heritage at the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, spot marine life at the Aquarium des Lagons, and sample enticing island cuisine in the historic Latin Quarter. Other popular activities include swimming, cycling, fishing, hiking, and kiteboarding.
