Trou de Bone, MaréTrou de Bone, Maré
©Trou de Bone, Maré|Dean Cropp - Access All Angles

Bone Hole

Maré
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Located in the north-central part of the island of Maré, the Trou de Bone is a natural cavity 40 metres deep! Buried in vegetation and filled with sparkling blue water, this natural site offers visitors a mystical experience in the heart of nature. Sit on its edge, close your eyes and listen to the sounds emanating from the rainforest… Serenity achieved at last!

The Loyalty Island of Maré can be reached by a 40-minute flight from Nouméa-Magenta domestic airport. Once there, it’s a good idea to rent a car (book in advance) to get to the island’s sites of interest. Trou de Bone is located 10 km from La Roche, in the Ghama district on the RM4 road towards Tenane. It’s free to access and there is no need for a guide, so you can get there completely autonomously. From La Roche, take the RP3 first, then the RM4. Around 2,500 metres after the junction, a sign will point you in the right direction to reach the Trou de Bone. Keep your eyes peeled, as it’s quite discreet! The gouffre is on the right-hand side of the track. You’ll leave your vehicle there as it is generally unoccupied and unobstructed by multiple vehicles.

  • Wait until the sun is at its zenith to enjoy pristine rays of sunshine bathing the bottom of the cave.
  • Take advantage of your excursion to visit the sandalwood factory located on the same road.
  • No fee and can be accessed freely (with/without a guide)
Top 5 things to do at the Trou de Bone

1. Follow the path to the viewpoint

Chemin Trou de Bone in MaréChemin Trou de Bone in Maré
©Chemin Trou de Bone in Maré|Dean Cropp - Access All Angles / NCT

    Before you unveil the secrets of the cave, take a leisurely stroll along the path that guides you there. Let the enchantment of lush vegetation, adorned with plants unique to the captivating island of Maré and the wetlands of New Caledonia, delighting your senses.

    2. Admire the cavity buried in the vegetation

    Trou de Bone, MaréTrou de Bone, Maré
    ©Trou de Bone, Maré|Dean Cropp - Access All Angles
    Trou de Bone, MaréTrou de Bone, Maré
    ©Trou de Bone, Maré|Dean Cropp - Access All Angles

      The Trou de Bone is impressive! A colossal pit, stretching 40 metres deep and boasting a diameter of 30 metres, unveiling an enchanting underground lake. Safety barriers circle this natural wonder, and trust us, you’ll be grateful for them. This vertical masterpiece, sculpted into limestone, ranks among the deepest cavities on the planet. Take a peek over the edge, and you’ll be treated to a sight straight out of a dream – a sandy bottom adorned with trees, and deep blue waters… The abundant tropical vegetation spills over the edges, creating an otherworldly oasis that’s sure to leave you in awe. Let loose and make your voice echo off the walls as you converse with the abyss.

      3. Recharge your batteries in nature

      Trou de Bone in MaréTrou de Bone in Maré
      ©Trou de Bone in Maré|Sugar Photographie / NCT
        New Caledonian parakeetNew Caledonian parakeet
        ©New Caledonian parakeet|P. Morin / NCT

          Enter a realm of tranquillity and serenity at the often deserted Trou de Bone site – a sanctuary begging to be explored! As the hustle and bustle of the world fades away, treat yourself to a meditation session serenaded by the gentle melodies of birds and soothing rustles in the breeze. In the embrace of the natural elements and surrounded by the ancient legends that weave through the Terres Coutumières Kanak (customary land), relish the unparalleled peace that the Trou de Bone offers.

          4. Take a guided tour

          Viewpoint Trou de Bone, MaréViewpoint Trou de Bone, Maré
          ©Viewpoint Trou de Bone, Maré|Dean Cropp - Access All Angles / NCT

            Embark on the enchanting journey to the Trou de Bone with a local islander as your guide – the key to unlocking the secrets of the flora, fauna, and legendary tales that grace this remarkable place. Can’t find a guide? No worries! Dive into the poetic lines penned by the artisan missionary, Paul-Émile Pasteur – a true aficionado of New Caledonia. Immerse yourself in his legendary journals, complemented by vibrant watercolours, and let the Trou de Bone reveal its captivating story through the eyes of a passionate explorer:

            In several places...

            Maré has abrupt depressions in the ground at the bottom of which is generally cool, fresh water that is difficult to access because of the cliff faces. The two main ones are Wakuarori (Bone’s hole) and Bethel leprosarium. At Wakuarori, the inaccessible bottom is 40 metres deep and covered in greenery. Two or three coconut palms were once planted there by some old man who climbed down by one of the lianas hanging over the sides.

            At one time, some hens even accidentally fell in and had their chicks there. Some clever fellow lowered a wicker basket filled with corn from the end of a creeper and pulled them out one by one. The water from these natural wells is under the ledge, set back from the perpendicular. The natives are therefore obliged to perform a skilful manoeuvre to draw water from a small pouch of banana leaves suspended from a liana basket weighed down with a stone.

            Paul-Émile Pasteur, Carnet de légendes, N° 85. « Trou de Bone »
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