The 9 things to do in New Caledonia

Are you planning to visit New Caledonia? Here is a selection of 8 things to see or do in New Caledonia!

What to do in New Caledonia? The archipelago and islands that form New Caledonia are located in the heart of the Coral Sea, in the South Pacific. Distant of the France metropolitan area of about 16,740 kilometres, this community with a broad autonomy has been under French sovereignty since 1853. Peuplé for at least 3000 years, the archipelago was inhabited before the arrival of Europeans by Melanesians, who are now called Kanaks . These beautiful islands are full of natural wonders and dreamy beaches.

Thus, visiting New Caledonia will allow you to relax in the shade of the trees on the hot sand as well as to embark on exhilarating adventures in the heart of the land or in the azure waters. As well, whether you are coming for farniente or for action, New Caledonia has many activities to offer you to fully enjoy your trip!

So what to do in New Caledonia during your dream stay? Here is the answer with these 9 essential things to visit in these heavenly islands!

1. Island of Pins

Thanks to its postcard decors, the island of Pins is known as the nearest island to paradise . While you are staying on this island during your stay in New Caledonia, we invite you to explore this wonderful little paradise. You will find it in the South of Grande Terre and the capital Nouméa: this last fact also serves as the starting point for the cruises around the island of Pins!

There are two beautiful places to discover in priority: the Bay of Oro and Kanumera . We also advise you to venture inside the land, especially in the Queen's Cave Hortense !

2. The snorkeling

This is a must-see activity if you have planned to visit New Caledonia: survey the seabed and the azure waters, full of multicolored fish, shining coral reefs and amazing rock formations. Indeed, many snorkeling and diving spots are in the region. And again, no matter where you are, each has spectacular places for snorkeling.

• For turtle fans, direction Signal Island ! Moreover, there is a trip from Nouméa. In fact, for a whole day you embark on the discovery of the island bde: out of the beaten paths, you will be able to swim with the species for a total immersion.
• A lisland to Pins, we recommend the natural pool of Oro.
• In Loyalty, you will find dream spots in Ouvéa, Lifou or Maré.
• If you find yourself at Great Earth, two other places deserve your attention: Bourai and the Islet Ténia. The latter is 1H15 from Nouméa and 20min from Bouraké.
• In addition, Island to Ducks is an ideal spot to start snorkeling!

3. The premises

Visiting New Caledonia without leaving to meet the premises would be truly a shame. Indeed, the authentic population lives in tradition and respect for the environment. Several possibilities offer you to discover their customs and customs.

• To visit Nouvelle-Calédonie, nothing better than to opt for a culinary tour. Many are from Nouméa. Enjoy your stay to taste local cuisine, including the bugna, which serves as a national dish!
• You can also visit the Loyalty Islands away from the Great Earth. In these islands, Kanaks actively participate in all the attractions of the island. Indeed, they help during excursions and tours of the island, but also during hikes and treks, as well as for fishing and diving. There are many opportunities to meet and discuss with locals.

4. The Blue River Provincial Park

This beautiful park is located in the heart of the island of Grande Terre, east of Nouméa. This is the perfect place if you want to observe local fauna and flora.

Beautiful walking or biking tours await you in this protected area, where you can admire magnificent landscapes.

5. The beaches

Visit New Caledonia offers you access to dream beaches and breathtaking scenery. It would be a shame to be confined to one during your stay! We invite you to explore both the island where you are staying but also the others that are nearby. Here is a list of the most beautiful beaches to visit in New Caledonia:

• Kanumera: on the island of Pins is one of the most photogenic and quiet of this island.
• Poe: near Bourail, is perfect for kitesurfers or windsurfers.
• Peng: on the island of Lifou offers a dream setting with turquoise waters!
• Discover also the beachesOuvéa, the perfect bay Luengöni to Lifou or the white sand beaches of Wabao and Cengéité, on the wild island of Maré! You can also go to the beach Anse Vata10min from Nouméa.

6. A boat ride

To make the most of your stay in New Caledonia, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to sail on the crystal clear waters around the island while enjoying the beaches of dreams that are flooded in a paradisiacal setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed of the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

7. Lagoon Aquarium Nouméa

Snorkeling or diving will not allow you to admire all the marine fauna and flora that New Caledonia has to offer. So to discover it, why not visit the lagoon aquarium in Nouméa?

This magnificent museum of the sea welcomes you in the capital, it is a must to visit in New Caledonia! It is also a must-see stage of the popular City Tour de Nouméa, where you can discover the must-sees of the capital such as the aquarium, the Baies des Citrons, the Anse Vata, the Place des Cocotiers or the Ouen Toro hill.

8. The Forgotten Coast

Don't trust his name, the Forgotten Coast is a must to visit in New Caledonia. A true natural treasure located between Thio and Yaté, it is a road that goes on a preserved coastline. Thus, in a wild environment, you will be immersed in a lush and green nature!

This unique place out of time is ideal for athletes and lovers of nature. Indeed, along the trails, you will discover splendid rivers, beautiful beaches of grey sand and small picturesque villages. This trek for several days, it is essential to provide all the necessary camping equipment and food in order not to have logistical concerns.

You can also visit the region on a kayak. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the virgin and wild nature through the sea coast.

9. Other points of interest

If you are still wondering what to do in New Caledonia, here are more attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in this beautiful archipelago.

• Enjoy your stay to initiate you to kitesurf or windsurf, two very exciting water sports!
• Visit the Parc des Grandes Fougères to discover a beautiful tropical forest and enjoy a pleasant and instructive hike.
• Discover the Fort Térembaa former penitentiary of New Caledonia.
• Browse it Mouli bridge On the island of Ouuvéa, a bridge overlooking the Azur water that links Mouli Island to the main island of Ouuvéa!
• Turn around Port-Moselle Market to discover a little more of the original local culture!
• Visit the Chapelle Notre Dame de Lourdes on the island of Lifou, beautiful church accessible via a short hike in the vegetation and offering a magnificent view of the bay – a must-see in New Caledonia!
• Opter for a trip to the Great South jungle where 3,500 native plants in the middle of red earth await you, for a scenery worthy of the Jurassic Park scenes!

How to get to New Caledonia?

To visit New Caledonia, head the way to the air! Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport will surely be your gateway to Oceania and the South Pacific.

From Paris : Still count one or more stopovers before arriving at destination. The average price of a ticket is 2000€ return trip . Moreover the journey lasts about 1 day Whole. If you are looking for cheap flights, we invite you to visit our partner's website Ulysses

Once you arrive, we advise you to rent a car at the airport which will allow you to be free from your travels. In addition, a road-trip in the region will reveal all the splendour of this last. If you prefer to drive, book your taxi to Nouméa Airport with TaxiTender . It is an online booking platform for reliable and affordable airport transfer. Your driver will wait for you in the arrival area, with a sign to your name. It will then take you to the exact place where you want to go. Cancellation is free. If you booked a flight early in the morning at Nouméa Airport or if you would simply prefer to take a taxi to the airport, this platform is ideal for this use.

Subsequently, the hydravions and boats will allow you to travel on the neighbouring archipelagos.

Where to stay in New Caledonia?

If you want to visit New Caledonia, you should know that many housing options are available to you. The only question you have to ask is: on which island do you want to stay during your stay? Each has specifics, but all are wonderful.

• The island of Pins or the island of Ouuvéa are known as the most beautiful and paradise.
• However, Grande Terre or the other islands also have dreamy beaches and breathtaking landscapes!

Whatever your choice, you can opt for a Airbnb typical or find the hotel of your dreams at the best price on this Compare hotels .

Now you know what to do in New Caledonia during your great trip to the Pacific!