24 hours in Boulouparis

Anaëlle and Steven's good ideas

Are you ready for an amazing adventure in the New Caledonian bush, just an hour’s drive from Nouméa? Join Steven and me as we explore Boulouparis—a world of its own, nestled between the lagoon and the mountains. Here, horses roam freely, tribal traditions thrive, and nature-based activities abound. Discover the region’s rich offerings, from authentic local experiences to iconic New Caledonian products such as the renowned niaouli.

A day in Boulouparis

Anaëlle and Steven

Anaëlle and Steven are content creators who have recently settled in New Caledonia. For New Caledonia Tourism, they agreed to share their favourite places and other goodtips, which they document in photos and videos during their getaways. From the mainland to the islands, from their favourite walks to the best shopping spots, Anaëlle and Steven take you on a journey to discover the must-sees in New Caledonia. Follow their adventures on @anaellechretienoff and @stevenlqr.

What we truly love about New Caledonia is the diversity of the landscapes, from the sea to the mountains.

Anaëlle and Steven

A Refreshing Horseback Ride

in Ouenghi

To kick off our day with a touch of adventure, Steven and I embarked on a two-hour horseback ride through the picturesque Ouenghi Valley, just before reaching Boulouparis. Odon from Terraventure greeted us in the car park of Les Paillotes de la Ouenghi, a charming hotel and restaurant.

Our journey began with a scenic ride around the nearby golf course, followed by an exciting river crossing, where the water reached mid-thigh—an invigorating and refreshing experience! As we climbed to the heights of the valley, magnificent panoramas unfolded before us, showcasing the lagoon in every imaginable shade of blue.

One of the highlights was Odon’s dedication to giving us ample time to care for and prepare our horses—an absolute treat for a horse-riding enthusiast like me. The ride also provided a fantastic opportunity to admire New Caledonia’s diverse flora and fauna up close. We absolutely loved every moment!

Back to Basics

at the Boulouparis Distillery

Our second stop of the day took us to the Boulouparis Distillery, where Chantal, Francis, and their daughter Jordane—who took over the business in 2019—charmed us with their expertise and passion for New Caledonia’s famed essential oils.

From the fascinating tour of the facilities to the hands-on distillation workshop, where they produce the renowned niaouli essential oil from the native paperbark tree, every moment was infused with their enthusiasm. Whether demonstrating their craft or showcasing their products, their passion shone through—always with a warm smile.

Their boutique is a true treasure trove of local scents and flavours, offering everything from sandalwood and coconut to combawa, eucalyptus, and soursop. With a wonderful selection of essential oils, handmade soaps, natural cosmetics, herbal teas, liqueurs, and even spices from their garden, it was the perfect place to indulge in self-care and stock up on thoughtful gifts—all at reasonable prices.

Gourmet Break with a View

at La Table d’en Haut

After our visit to the distillery, our appetites were well and truly whetted, so we made our way to La Table d’en Haut for lunch. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and instantly felt at home in this charming garden, which boasts stunning views over Saint Vincent Bay. The refined menu, crafted from locally sourced ingredients, offers exceptional value for money.

The day’s menu featured an array of delights: warm goat’s cheese salad, homemade foie gras and smoked wahoo, stuffed crab freshly caught in the nearby mangroves, quail drizzled with honey from neighbouring Tomo, New Caledonian beef topped with foie gras, and a seafood trio seasoned with aromatic spices and citrus from the garden. The flavours were so exquisite that we found ourselves wondering if we had stepped into a fine dining establishment!

True to its name, La Table d’en Haut is perched on the heights of the Port-Ouenghi housing estate, just an hour from Nouméa. It’s located near Oua-Ya Lodge, which serves as a handy landmark. Be sure to plan ahead, as it’s only open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and reservations are essential.

Fun and Nature

at the Ouenghi Golf Course

Drawn by the stunning natural surroundings of the Ouenghi golf course, we decided to book an introductory golf session for the early afternoon. The 18-hole course is beautifully maintained and offers a truly pleasant experience, but it was Gianni, our instructor, who made the game come alive for us.

Over the course of 30 minutes, he walked us through the fundamentals – the correct posture for an effective swing, how to hold the club properly, what a driving range is, and all the essentials of this sport, which is widely enjoyed across New Caledonia. Time flew by as we got into the swing of things.

We were also lucky enough to meet Dylan Benoit, another champion present that day, who gave us an impressive demonstration and took us on a tour of the golf school, which welcomes players of all ages. It was an unforgettable experience!

A Visit to the Expansive Oua Ya Vanilla Plantation

Our final stop of the day was Patrick Loiseau’s vast vanilla plantation, where we enjoyed some truly memorable moments. Passionate about his craft, Patrick has been cultivating his renowned “Oua Ya vanilla”, named after the nearby river, for several years.

In less than an hour, he gave us a fascinating tour of his 1,000m² shaded greenhouse, where his Bio Pasifika-certified vanilla pods flourish, followed by a visit to his laboratory, where he explained his meticulous production process. We learned a great deal and couldn’t resist taking home a few of his products, including dried vanilla pods and syrup.

Although the plantation is conveniently located along the roadside, it is somewhat hidden by trees. We recommend slowing down to avoid missing the entrance and booking your visit in advance.

A Night in the Forest

at the Ouatchoué Eco-Lodge

After our visit, we set off on the final leg of our journey to the Ouatchoué eco-lodge, located about 25 minutes from the village centre along a dirt road. Tucked away in the heart of the forest, this hidden gem is well worth the trip. Surrounded by rivers and mountains, it offers a variety of nature-based activities both on the property and in the surrounding area.

The eco-lodge features a spacious communal room, an extensive library, and a cosy central fireplace—perfect for socialising and unwinding, especially when the lodge is bustling with guests. For meals, guests can make use of the shared kitchen or opt for a communal dinner, with a vegan option available.

We received a warm welcome from Juliette, Thibaut, and Florent, who reside in this charming wooden house powered entirely by renewable energy. The lodge is equipped with dry toilets and two shared bathrooms, and with no Wi-Fi available, it’s the perfect place for a true digital detox.

Good to Know

The region is a favourite among locals, renowned for its diverse activities and stunning lagoon-facing accommodations. Whether you prefer spending a leisurely day at the beach or exploring the nearby islets, surfing, or fishing in the lagoon and beyond the coral reef, there’s something for everyone. Adventure seekers can also enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. A wide range of accommodation options is available—including campsites, gîtes, and B&Bs—situated either right on the beachfront or offering breathtaking water views, allowing you to experience the area’s wonders at your own pace.

Every May, the Fête du Cerf et de la Crevette (Deer and Shrimp Festival) draws crowds from across le Caillou to the Boulouparis racetrack along the RT1. This popular event is a fantastic opportunity to savour local bush delicacies such as venison and the region’s famous blue prawns, sold by local producers. The festival also features a variety of quintessentially New Caledonian activities and entertainment. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance or set off early, as the event is a major highlight for the locals.

Anaëlle and Steven's good ideas

Find out more about all their adventures!