New Caledonia — Where to Go
Top Things to See
• Explore Grande Terre’s busy little capital Nouméa, which overlooks one of the world’s largest sheltered natural harbors. It’s home to attractive squares, a cathedral, museums, a market, many old colonial houses and aquarium, one of the world’s leading centers of marine scientific research.
• For extra culture, visit: Nouméa’s South Pacific Commission Building and New Caledonia Museum to see a collection of native handicrafts; the Museum of Maritime History for artifacts from numerous local wrecks; and the Tjibaou Cultural Center (website: www.adck.nc) for concerts, plays and exhibitions celebrating indigenous culture.
• Visit the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, 4km (2.5 miles) from Nouméa, which is home to over 700 species of animals. Also nearby is the Amedée Lighthouse, constructed in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III and shipped to this coral reef in pieces.
• Don’t miss a trip out onto, and to go swimming and scuba-diving in, the lagoon, which is the biggest in the world.
• Soak up some scenery at Mont-Dore, a mountain surrounded by magnificent coastal views. On the way, stop at the Melanesian village of St Louis and the Plum Lookout for a spectacular lookout across the surrounding reef. Also in the south, Blue River Provincial Park is well worth a visit.
• Tour the pure white sand beaches, rainforest and offshore atolls of the west coast. There are elaborate and beautiful caves and rock formations shaped by Pacific breakers at Bourail. Further north is the ancient site of Koné. From Koumac, a road loops round the top of the island.
• Explore the east coast. Hienghéne has a lagoon surrounded by 120m- (400ft-) high black cliffs. The region is dotted with churches and Melanesian villages, forests, coconut palms and beautiful beaches. At the southern point of this coast is Yaté, a village surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and rich wooded countryside.
• Venture over to the Ile des Pins, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, and lying 70km (45 miles) off Grande Terre. This exceedingly beautiful island has many white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests, pines, orchids and ferns not to mention archaeological remains. Day trips are available from Nouméa.
Top Things to Do
• Enjoy some superb snorkeling and diving in marine reserves and around sunken shipwrecks. Favorite sites include around Nouméa, the Amédée Lighthouse Reserve (including shark feeding), La Dieppoise (Royal Navy shipwreck), Ilot Maître, the Prony Needle, the Tenia Horn, the Fault and the Hienghene Reef.
• Try your hand at windsurfing. The Bay of Anse Vata and Côte Blanche, both in Nouméa, are the most popular locations. International competitions such as the Trophée des Alizés attract some of the world’s top competitors.
• Relax on a fishing expedition. The coral barrier reef off Nouméa is excellent for underwater spearfishing, as are waters around the Loyalty Islands. Ouvéa Island’s lagoon is rich in fish. The main location for freshwater fishing is Yaté Lake, open January to October.
• Go whale watching. From July to September, humpback whales can be spotted during the mating season in the bays of the southern lagoon and Lifou. Excursions are organized from Nouméa and south mainland to spot them.
• Take a boat trip. Excursions in Melanesian outrigger canoes are organized at the Ile des Pins. Or goggle at the coral reefs through glass-bottomed boats. Sailing boats can be chartered with or without a skipper.
• Hire a kayak or canoe to explore New Caledonia’s network of rivers, streams and lakes.
• Strike out on a hiking trip into the interior. Arrangements can be made in the capital. Botanical excursions through the forest of Mount Koghi (with French- or English-speaking guides) are also available.
• Saddle up and go horse riding. Excursions are organized from Nouméa, Dumbea, La Foa, Bourail, Thio and the Koné villages. These vary from simple rides to major expeditions crossing the mountain range, mustering cattle and camping in the mountains.
