"Entdecke Neukaledonien" Rundreise 15 Tage / 14 Nächte

Rising out of the Coral Sea, to the east of Australia, this remote archipelago is a dependent overseas territory of France. It is comprised of the main island of Grand Terre, the archipelago of the Loyalty Islands, the Isle of Pines, as well as a number of tiny, sparsely populated islands and atolls. New Caledonia resembles a little piece of southern France in the Pacific and, while its inhabitants are primarily French-speaking, over 40 per cent of the population is made up of indigenous natives. With its charming little bistros and upmarket boutiques, the lovely capital city of Noumea has a distinctly European and cosmopolitan feel. The capital is surrounded by astonishingly beautiful and diverse natural landscapes featuring rugged mountains, pine-tree fringed golden sand beaches, the world’s largest lagoon and a 1500 km-long coral reef which provides some of the most magnificent diving in the world. With unforgettable natural scenery, its diverse range of exotic native species and its intriguing and unlikely blend of Melanesian and French culture, New Caledonia has plenty to offer both culture lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Currency 

Local currency: CFP Franc 
Symbol: ₣ 
ISO code: XPF 
Subunit: Centime 
Banknotes: ₣500, ₣1000, ₣5000, ₣10,000 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, ₣200 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Aircalin 
International Airports: La Tontouta International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Magenta Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

New Caledonian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, including French, Melanesian, and Asian flavors. Seafood is prominent, with dishes like bougna (traditional Melanesian dish), poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), and French-inspired pastries. Notable local drinks include kava (traditional ceremonial drink) and coconut water. 

Tipping: Not expected 

Annual rainfall: 1500 - 2500 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 19°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit New Caledonia is during the dry season, from May to November, when the weather is cooler and rainfall is minimal. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes