Family itinerary

Embark on a day trip to the Isle of Pines, known for its turquoise lagoon. Choose from activities like sailing on a traditional outrigger canoe in Upi Bay, observing multicoloured fish in the natural swimming pool of Oro, dining on lobster at îlot Brosse, or exploring the historical remains of the penal colony. Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

You’ll leave your hotel in Nouméa early in the morning to head towards La Foa region, renowned for its natural beauty and warm tribal welcome. Spend the morning visiting the Parc des Grandes Fougères (Great Ferns Park). Depending on what you fancy, take part in an exciting birdwatching tour organised by Caledonia Birds (booking required).

Then head off to a typical Caledonian bush farm. Some offer a table d’hôte lunch before visiting the farm. This is a great opportunity for children to get up close and personal with the farm animals, and for everyone to sample the local produce.

Hot? Head to the Trou Feillet (also known as “La Cuve de Sarraméa“) for a freshwater swim in the midst of lush vegetation!

Continue your immersion on the west coast of New Caledonia with a day of relaxation at Deva Domain. The 158 km of signposted footpaths, bridleways and mountain bike trails in this vast natural area on the edge of the lagoon are home to many native species. It’s easy to spend a great day out with the whole family. Whichever activity you choose, this day in the great outdoors will take you to magnificent vantage points overlooking the plains, coastline and central range of New Caledonia! Our tip: pack a picnic or choose to have lunch by the lagoon at the Sheraton Hotel restaurant.

Our tip: pack a picnic or choose to have lunch by the lagoon at the Sheraton Hotel restaurant.

Today, you’ll make the most of the Bourail lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to Poé beach for a glass-bottom boat trip to the coral reef with Ouest Corail. The transparent seabed offers perfect visibility of the colourful coral, clownfish and butterflyfish. It’s not unusual to come across a turtle or a stingray along the way.

After listening to your guide’s explanations, head back to the beach. Poé Fun Loc offers pedal boats, kayaks and funboats for hire for all ages.

Our tip for lunch: pack a picnic and enjoy it in the Baie des Tortues (Turtle Bay), close to the Roche Percée and the Bonhomme de Bourail (15-minute drive from Poé beach). The highlight of your day: the sunset from Poé beach, with its colours melting into the lagoon…

Head for the East Coast first thing in the morning. Crossing New Caledonia’s Central Mountain Range is a journey in itself, offering magnificent mountain views. On arrival, on the other side of the range, the lush vegetation plunges straight into the ocean, the roads are adorned with small stalls selling fresh fruit and handcrafted sculptures, and the occasional traditional hut can occasionally be seen. Here you are in the heart of the Kanak tribes.

As you approach Hienghène, don’t miss out on a few must-see stops: the “Brooding Hen” lookout and views of the immense black rocks of Lindéralique.

Then take a trip to the peaceful village of Hienghène, with its marina and market. Check in at the Tourist Office before heading back to your accommodation. Perhaps you’ll have the chance to take part in one of the local festivals celebrating local produce? If so, now’s the time to mingle with the locals!

The journey that awaits you today is one of the most beautiful in New Caledonia. Winding between the villages of Hienghène and Pouébo, the Caledonian “Corniche” takes you to the last ferry still in operation in the archipelago: the Ouaième ferry. Along the way, a number of waterfalls are well worth a visit, including the Tao waterfall. In fine weather, a short hike will take you up to the foot of the waterfalls for a swim and a lovely view. The ferry ride offers a timeless moment of contemplation in the middle of the Ouaième river…

Another boat trip combining the sea and the river is a wonderful experience to share with the whole family. This excursion takes you past the famous rocks with their original shapes, such as the “brooding hen” or the “sphinx”, and then through the mangrove swamp with its rich and varied vegetation.

Before leaving the east coast for Koné, conditions permitting, we suggest you hire a kayak to get as close as possible to the Lindéralique rocks (especially if you haven’t been able to take the boat trip).

Take a break on “Billet de 500” (500 Francs note) beach and its famous rock, then take the Koné-Tiwaka road. This is one of the most famous roads on Grande Terre, offering magnificent views. There are a number of resting areas along the way, all good reasons to stop and admire the scenery before arriving in Koné, the capital of the North Province.

The main town in the northern province, Koné is also iconic of a strong Broussard (French Cowboys) culture. Here, as in Bourail and La Foa, farmers nurture their identity by respecting traditions handed down from generation to generation. The Koné region is also world famous for its Heart of Voh, the heart-shaped mangrove immortalised by photographer Yann-Arthus Bertrand. When you’re in the area, book an exceptional 45-minute to 1-hour flight over the Heart of Voh and Northern Caledonia. Below you, be sure to admire the village and caves of Koumac, the ancient village of Tiébaghi, the lagoon and its coral reef.

Have lunch in Koné, then head to Nouméa. Along the way, a number of riding schools offer horseback rides accessible to all. An ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the stockmen of Western New Caledonia.

After your tour of Grande Terre, this day is all about relaxation! Share some fun family time together, taking advantage of all the leisure and entertainment options Nouméa has to offer. On the programme: an underwater trail on the Îlot Canard to discover the multicoloured fish in complete safety, a game of laser tag or mini-golf, an escape game…

To finish the day in style, there’s nothing like a stroll along the bays of Anse-Vata and Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay). Well-known by tourists and locals alike, Nouméa’s two most famous beaches offer water sports activities and sun-protected areas, ideal for relaxing. A must? End the day with a delicious ice cream at Amorino overlooking the lagoon.

In the morning, meet up at Nouméa-Magenta domestic airport to travel to Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands.

On this first day, explore the island’s most beautiful sites on a guided tour led by a native of the island.

Another must-do activity on Lifou is snorkelling among the multicoloured fish. Two sites stand out for the abundance of their aquatic fauna: the Jinek natural aquarium and the Jokin site, at the foot of imposing cliffs.

The uniqueness of a stay in Lifou also lies in meeting its inhabitants. There’s nothing better than immersing yourself in a Kanak tribe to experience and understand the daily life of the locals!

The Luengoni caves can be explored snorkelling. Be warned, however, this excursion is not suitable for young children. Nearby Luengoni Beach, on the other hand, is the perfect place for the whole family to relax, watch the turtles and enjoy a picnic!

Kiki Beach is a long-kept secret, accessed via a customary property and an easy thirty-minute walk through fields and pine trees. With its white sand, crystal-clear water, cliffs and coves, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in New Caledonia!

Last but not least the tranquillity of Peng beach makes it the ideal spot to chill out while waiting for the sun to set.

Enjoy a last moment of idleness on the pretty beaches of Lifou before heading back to Nouméa! Back on Grande Terre, a relaxing break is welcome after your travels to the four corners of the archipelago. It’s a good time to take home some New Caledonia arts and crafts, while enjoying the bustle of Nouméa’s bays.

Take a stroll with the family along the Promenade Roger Laroque or Pierre Vernier, close to the water and the waterfront, and end the day sipping a drink as the sun sets. It’s also good to relax!

Today escape to the Great South, start by heading to the Blue River Provincial Park. There, by shuttle bus or mountain bike, explore the park’s trails in search of the cagou, native bird of New Caledonia.

Between red earth tracks, dry and humid forest, the Blue River Park offers breathtaking panoramic views and a refreshing swim. You can discover the park and its surroundings on your own, or book a day-long guided tour of the Great South. On the programme: Madeleine Falls, botanical trail, picnic by the river…

Adventurers of all ages will also love a trip to Casy Islet to play Robinson Crusoe. During the cool season (July to September), it’s not unusual to spot humpback whales in this protected area.

On this fifteenth day, venture to one of the most beautiful islets around Nouméa: Amédée Islet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its pristine white lighthouse is over 56 metres high! The view is well worth the 247 spiral steps you’ll have to climb! There are a number of activities available on site, organised as a daytrip by Mary D: a visit to the lighthouse, an Oceanian buffet, water activities, Tahitian dances…

If you don’t want to leave terra firma, head to the museums of Nouméa instead, for a valuable insight into New Caledonian culture. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre for the Kanak part, the Maritime Museum to find out more about great expeditions of navigators such as La Pérouse. Both these museums offer tours and activities that children will love!