The 12 things to do in Nouméa

Are you about to visit New Caledonia? So discover the essential things to do or see in Nouméa!

Capital of New Caledonia, Nouméa is located on the main island, Grande-Terre. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its small paradise islands, its multicultural atmosphere and the sublime landscapes that populate its surroundings, whether terrestrial or underwater! Visiting Nouméa will immerse you in a beautiful world and atmosphere, made of farniente, sun and culinary or cultural discoveries. So what to do in Nouméa during your stay under the magnificent New Caledonian sun? What must you absolutely see or discover?

To help you experience an unforgettable journey, we have listed the 12 things you need and more to visit in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia!

1. Local heritage

What about Nouméa? To start your discovery of the city, we recommend you first discover the local heritage of this "little Nice". Saint-Joseph Cathedral is a must in the New Caledonian capital. Built between 1887 and 1897, it is a neo-Gothic colonial style and was built by penitentiaries! He was even a former convict who drew the plans of the religious building, a certain Labulle.

In addition to the cathedral, you can go through the magnificent Place des Cocotiers , walk in the Latin Quarter or contemplate the building of the Bagne Administration.

2. The Amédée Lighthouse

To discover the famous Lighthouse Amédée marking the port entrance, why not take a trip to the islet of the same name? At the top of the lighthouse, a superb panorama awaits you – so don’t forget your camera! Note that many boat companies offer day trips to visit this building. Do not hesitate to take a boat full of glass to admire the underwater fauna during your 30-minute journey.

3. Tjibaou Cultural Centre

If you come to visit Nouméa, you must absolutely go to Tjibaou cultural centre . In this vast cultural space, including a museum, a media library and a showroom, Kanake culture is honoured and you can learn more about local customs and customs through different exhibitions and shows!

4. The Zoological and Forest Park Michel Corbasson

Located in the heights of Montravel, this zoo and botanical garden covers 34 hectares. Combining more than 130 species of animals is a must to visit in Nouméa! You can admire the endemic species of New Caledonia, but also Asia-Pacific, in enclosures or open spaces built around 3 artificial lakes. For a dive in local fauna and flora, we recommend it!

5. Lagoon Aquarium

After discovering this earth's fauna and flora, why not admire the one who pops the seabed? L’ Lagoon Aquarium , perfect for families, is separated into several areas: mangroves, lagoons, deep seas and turtle basins in particular. An exhibition area will also allow you to learn more about this underwater world.

6. The Baie des Citrons

Baie des Citrons is not just a beautiful area where to stay in Nouméa. It is also here that one of the most beautiful beaches of the city is: the beach of the Baie des Citrons. Magnificent with its white sand and its transparent waters, it will satisfy lovers of farniente or swimming! At night, it animates and becomes a place of festivals where local and tourists meet.

7. Scuba diving

What to do in Nouméa? Diving, of course! Admiring fauna and flora in an aquarium is very fun and friendly, but seeing it in its natural environment is even better. While you’re a beginner or not, don’t hesitate to spend a day exploring the seabed. Outstanding diving sites are located around Nouméa, such as Isle Signal !

8. Duck Island

Visit Nouméa without visiting island to Ducks is simply impossible! It is an iconic and unmissable place in the New Caledonian capital. Located in front of the bay of Anse Vata, it is a dream place to relax, enjoy the sun and the beach.

It is also a perfect spot to indulge in snorkeling: a submarine path has even been designed to discover the fauna and flora of this Caleddonian lagoon! The island is easily accessible via taxi boats, and you can enjoy a charming day on this beautiful island to visit in Nouméa.

9. The Hill of Ouen Toro

What to do in Nouméa during your stay? Located in the far south of the Nouméa Peninsula, Ouen Toro hill offers a great view of the city and the Baie de Sainte-Marie in the southeast. You can also watch guns from the Australian army, the Second World War vestige.

10. A trip to the South

The Great South is to see if you have planned to visit Nouméa! An exceptional landscape awaits you all around the capital. A trip to Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue is a great idea: fantastic walks or biking await you in the midst of beautiful New Caledonian landscapes, as well as a magnificent view of Lake Yaté – a natural wonder of the region.

Further south, you can also discover the fountain of Plum, at the top of a pass, or the picturesque village of Prony!

11. 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!

12. Local gastronomy

Are you still wondering what to do in Nouméa? Discovering typical dishes is probably one of the best things you can do, especially after a long day of discoveries, walks or bathing! The bugna In particular, it is an emblematic dish, sometimes considered a national dish, based on fish or meat, accompanied by coconut milk, sweet potatoes, yams and taros.

How to get to Nouméa?

To visit Nouméa, head the airway. The Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport is served by several airlines, French and ocean, which provide flights at a minimum of one stop: from Paris, for example, have about 20 hours of travel. Whatever your city of departure and to anticipate it at best, prefer the website of our partner Ulysses which benefits from the best flight deals.

Once on site, prefer the "soft travel" offered by Nouméa, i.e. bicycle or walking. Otherwise, know that the city has its own bus network. To visit the surroundings of Nouméa, we recommend rent a car : having your own vehicle for this type of trip will allow you to have greater freedom of movement.

Good to know. : In order to facilitate travel, the Grand Nouméa (SMTU) Joint Urban Transport Union is studying the feasibility of a new project to establish sea shuttles between Moselle Bay and Vallon-Dore.

Where to stay in Nouméa?

If you want to visit Nouméa, know that the New Caledonian capital enjoys a wide choice in terms of accommodation. From the city centre to the beautiful underground feet that surround it, like the Anse Vata or the Baie des Citrons, the hotel offering of the neighborhoods of Nouméa fits all budgets, from the smallest to the most comfortable. Dude Compare hotels at the site Airbnb , don’t hesitate to take a look at the different housing platforms to find your happiness.