Welcome to New Caledonia! Upon arrival in Noumea, check in to your accommodation and explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs. Indulge in the French cuisine and enjoy the views of the city.
Visit one of the main landmarks of New Caledonia, the Amedee Lighthouse, where you can witness breathtaking panoramic views from the top. After that, you can also go snorkeling and admire the colorful coral reefs.
Take a day trip to the lesser-known, but enchanting area of Bourail. Here, you can enjoy hiking and stunning ocean views, explore the Gouaro Deva Cave or the Turtle Bay Aquarium, and learn about the local culture and traditions.
Experience the best of New Caledonia by visiting its largest atoll, Lifou. Spend your days hopping from the gorgeous beaches to the turquoise waters, snorkeling with the sea turtles, and visiting the UNESCO-listed city of Luecila. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine, especially the bougna dish.
Take a ferry ride to Ile des Pins and explore its breathtaking natural landscape, including the famous Kuto beach and the natural pool of Oro Bay. Visit St. Maurice Bay and its nearby caves and learn about the island’s colonial history in the ruins of the infamous Penal Colony.
Return to the capital city of Noumea for some urban exploration. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, the Municipal Market, Anse Vata beach, and Place des Cocotiers. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Amieux Bay and try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing, or diving.
Discover the beauty of New Caledonia’s flora and fauna by visiting the National Park of the Blue River. Go on a canoe trip, hike its numerous trails, and take a dip in the naturally formed rock pool of Caledonian falls.
Continue your nature adventure by visiting the Port Boise Waterfall. Hike to the main waterfall or relax in the smaller pools. Take the time to admire the surrounding nature, including the orchids and the varieties of ferns.
Hit the road and drive to Hienghene, where you can seethe famous rock formations of the Henrinais, swim in the crystal clear waters of the East coast and visit the Notre Dame de la Paix church. A must-visit attraction in Hienghene is The Heart of Voh, a natural aerial art installation.
Head to the mainland for your last two days in New Caledonia. Visit the capital of the Northern Province, Koné. Explore the Koniambo Nickel Plant, the Coeur de Ville park, and the Martial mountain range. End your day with a sunset picnic at Poingam Beach
Say goodbye to New Caledonia and head back home with unforgettable memories.
To get around New Caledonia, visitors can use intercity buses, taxis, ferries, and rental cars. Bus tickets vary by distance and can be purchased on board. Taxis and ferries can be quite costly, so one of the most recommended options is to rent a car for the duration of the stay. The roads in the mainland are in good condition, but be mindful of driving on the opposite side for those coming from countries with right-hand driving.
If visitors have less time, they can skip some of the destinations on the mainland and spend more time on the islands. Those with more time can add day trips to the nearby islands of Ouvea and Maré. The best time to visit is between September to November and April to June, also locals speak French and creole mainly.
New Caledonia has two international airports with the main airport being La Tontouta International Airport (NOU), which is located approximately 41km from the capital city of Noumea. The domestic flights are managed by Magenta Domestic Airport (GEA), which is located within the city limits.