The 8 things to do in the Island of Pins

Are you going to New Caledonia, towards Pin Island? Discover our must-sees of this heavenly destination, for a postcard stay!

Located south of New Caledonia, the Island of Pins is undoubtedly the emblematic destination of this wonderful Pacific archipelago. Its turquoise lagoon lined with white sand beaches, its warm inhabitants and the Araucarias erected along the coast make this little paradise unforgettable. Visiting the Island of Pins plunges you into the heart of ocean culture, where ancestral traditions live in harmony with nature.

What to do on the island of Pins? What are the places of unmissable interest? This article takes you to discover this jewel from the end of the world.

1. Oro Bay

The natural pool of the Oro Bay offers a breathtaking landscape. The bathing in its crystal clear water is delicious. A true open-air aquarium, its basin in the coral and protected from the ocean is conducive to the observation of underwater life. Melanesian children like to throw themselves into the waves that splash the rocks. For the Kuniés, inhabitants of the Island of Pins, the place is sacred, like many others on this land filled with myths and beliefs.

It takes fifteen minutes to walk through a small path to reach the site. It is possible to go to the natural pool in canoe from the bay of Saint-Joseph. In the immediate vicinity, on the bay of Oro, do not miss the tasting of local lobster in a sublime setting, feet in the water.

2. The peak N’Ga

Want to take height to admire the lagoon? The hikers who wonder what to do on the Island of Pins will be delighted to know that there is an extraordinary point of view on the islets, at only two hundred and sixty meters above sea level! In two hours of walking, we reach the top of peak N’Ga by a rather sporty ride that requires suitable shoes. Once there, the landscape opens onto the bays of Kuto, Kanumera and the island of Brosse. For the anecdote, this islet is called simply because it has exactly the shape of a hairbrush, with a handle represented by a large line of rocks and hairs by the pines that point to the sky!

The entrance on the trail is paid (a little less than two euros). Here, as elsewhere in New Caledonia, confidence is to be put: you will surely not see anyone, but a small box is intended to collect your right of entry.

3. Pork on the bay of Upi

The Island of Pins has a thousand treasures and Upi Bay is one of the most valuable to discover. Sailing in its limpid waters aboard a traditional canoe is an authentic experience. The crossing takes you to meet turtles, rays and dolphins, in the midst of large coral rocks that seem to float as by magic. The boat is composed of a main hull and a swinger dug in a trunk that gives it a better stability.

It is at the departure of Saint Joseph Bay that you will leave with your piroguier. In the bay of Upi, the show is everywhere: colonary pines, N’Ga peak overlooking the land, coral rocks, seabed... “The closest island to paradise” has not finished seduce you!

4. The remains of the bagne

Visiting the Island of Pins is above all enjoying an exceptional natural setting. It would be a pity to pass next to the poignant history of the island and its inhabitants. The Kuniés ruled on the scene until the 18th century. Then the first European missionaries arrived and the French authorities proceeded to the development of a prison colony in 1872. It was intended to welcome political prisoners, who were then called the deportees. Used until 1909, the site was succeeded by three thousand communards from Paris and Algerian Berbers.

♪ remnants of the bagne , gradually buried by vegetation, testify to this painful past. The ruins are visible in several parts of the island, notably near Kuto Bay where the prison administration was based. It is by going up the beach, along the municipal road, that you will meet the main buildings where the deportees lived.

5. Kanumera Bay

Southwest of Pin Island, Kanumera is a small paradise bay.

Its fine and white sandy beach, its shape and its huge rock in the middle of the creek give it an idyllic charm. The imposing coral formation is surrounded on both sides by a transparent turquoise water. The show is magical and offers a beautiful snorkeling session: multicolored fish, corals, shells, striped knits... And even turtles! The Tabou rock, as the Kuniés call it, is sacred. It is forbidden to go up there unless a resident invites you, but you can admire it in paddle or kayak. Hotel Uré Tera , located at the end of the ankle, is the ideal location to enjoy the sunset around a delicious cocktail. It’s also a visit to the Island of Pins!

Close to Kanumera, Kuto Bay, much larger, allows the visitor a pleasant walk along its immense immaculate beach.

6. The cave of Queen Hortense

If you are still looking for what to do in the Island of Pins, exploring the local caves is as enchanting as mystical.

Cave of Queen Hortense is the best known of them. Promised from its earliest age to the future great leader Samuel, the sovereign is famous for having held head to the French authorities when the latter wanted to exile the islanders to recover their lands for the reception of the deportees. The cave formed its refuge during the succession wars between 1855 and 1856.

Today plunged into lush vegetation, it is accessed by a small path along a stream. Let your senses immerse yourself in the local flora: tree ferns, mango trees, kaoris, coconut trees, tropical flowers... The entrance of the cave into the cliff is impressive with its giant stalactites, lianas and banian roots. A dark tunnel then leads you to the end of the cave where a pretty light well awaits you.

7. The village of Vao

Visiting Pin Island is also discovering the daily life of its inhabitants. Built around a beautiful colored church of 1860, the village of Vao is the only true town of the island. The city hall, the clinic, the school and the main shops are grouped together. Every Wednesday and every Saturday is a small local fruit, vegetables and fish market for six hours.

A tip : get up early to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the place by taking a small coffee on the large central table. The most requested products, such as lemon or fish, are sold very quickly and there is no longer much left after eight hours.

8. A boat ride

Another great must for your stay on the Island of Pins could be found in the boat rental ! Indeed, by sailing on its transparent waters, you will have the opportunity to take a step back from the island, to better observe its sublime beaches and green mountains.

It would be a shame not to enjoy it during your next holiday on the island!

How do I go to Pin Island?

New Caledonia

Visit Pin Island when you are in New Caledonia is very easy. The archipelago is located a few hundred kilometres away Nouméa . Two options are available to you to join him. The most convenient means of transport is the aircraft. The journey from Magenta Airport to Nouméa lasts only 30 minutes and several flights take place every day for an average price of one hundred and thirty euros. The company Air Calédonie sometimes offers attractive promotional offers.

The boat is a slightly more economical option. Always from Nouméa, the Betico 2 takes you to Kuto in two thirty hours.

From France

From France, several airlines will lead you to New Caledonia. More than 16 thousand kilometers separate the archipelago from its metropolis, which explains the relatively high cost of airline tickets. The best thing to do is to compare prices on a search engine such as Ulysses to find the most interesting rate according to the selected date.

Once you arrive on the island of Pins (after following our advice from Nouméa), you will be able to rent a bike, a scooter or a car. Most high-end hotels also offer tours to visit Pin Island with a local guide.

Where to stay in Pin Island?

Once you know what to do in the Island of Pins, it is essential to predict in advance where to sleep on site. Fortunately, there is a wide range of accommodations for all tastes and scholarships. Several hotels, holiday homes and campsites are on the island. If the lodgings allow us to experience an authentic experience often in traditional cases, the hotels offer quality services in idyllic places. You can find them on this. Compare hotels and choose the one who attracts you most.

Here, now you know what to do on the island of Pins during your next Pacific trip! If you would like to discover the Great Earth and the islands of New Caledonia, read our guide dedicated to this dream destination!