Anse Vata bay in Nouméa, New CaledoniaAnse Vata bay in Nouméa, New Caledonia
©Anse Vata bay in Nouméa, New Caledonia|Warren Mendes

New Caledonia

with Warren Mendes

Join Warren Mendes as he discovers New Caledonia through four episodes ,celebrating the destination’s rich cultural diversity where French flair meets Pacific ingredients, and every stop is a reason to plan your next getaway.

From colourful markets to island bites and West Coast hospitality, this is New Caledonia at its most delicious.

Warren Mendes Potrait CompressedWarren Mendes Potrait Compressed
©Warren Mendes Potrait Compressed
Warren Mendes

Warren Mendes is a chef and storyteller known for bringing flavour, culture, and place together in a way that feels effortless and instantly craveable.

In this New Caledonia series, the celebrity chef leads a food-first journey through the destination: market mornings, local traditions, island discoveries, and generous tables that reflect the many layers of Caledonian identity.

Heart of the Pacific

Immersion in New Caledonia

Embark on a five-day journey through New Caledonia, where French elegance meets the vibrant spirit of the Pacific. From Nouméa’s sun-drenched bays to the lush mountain heartlands and pristine islets, this itinerary blends culture, nature, and gourmet discovery.

Meet local families, share authentic Kanak traditions, explore thriving markets, and savor world-class island cuisine—all while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and warm Caledonian hospitality. This is an immersive escape designed to reveal the true essence of New Caledonia.

  • Day 1 — Welcome to New Caledonia

    Arrival at Tontouta international airport at the end of the day. Pick-up your NC Pocket Wifi and your rental car. Make your way to Nouméa and check-in at your hotel, located on Anse-Vata bay.

    Sunset walk on Anse-Vata and Baie des Citrons.

    Dinner in a French cuisine restaurant.

  • Day 2 — Explore the country side

    Start your day by embracing the relaxed beach lifestyle of Nouméa—soft hand, turquoise waters and gentle rhythm of island living.

    After lunch, journey north to La Foa village. Discover the Guépy family’s vast property. Explore their 1,300 hectare cattle and sheep farm and learn about the passion behind their locally produced farm goods.

    Just five minutes away is La Table du Banian, a family-run guesthouse where you can enjoy delicious Broussard fusion food, enthusiastically prepared and shared by Ale and Constance. The recipes originate from family culture and tradition.

    Night at La Table du Banian.

  • Day 3 — A day at a kanak tribe

    Enjoy a serene breakfast on a sun-kissed terrace overlooking the lush Pocquereux Valley.

    Then set off for the Koindé tribe (Gîte Wankos), a scenic one-hour drive into New Caledonia’s majestic mountain range. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Rosana and her family, who will guide you through the preparation of bougna, a signature dish of Kanak culture. Traditionally crafted with fish or meat (chicken, pigeon, dogfish…), hearty local tubers such as taro, sweet potato, or yam, and poingo bananas, bougna is delicately wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked in coconut milk over hot stones—a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

    While your bougna gently steams to perfection, wander through the tribe on a short walk to a nearby waterfall. Take your time, soak up the scenery, and enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.

    Share a delicious lunch with Rosana’s family before making your way back to Nouméa.

    In the evening, indulge in a refined wine, cheese, and charcuterie tasting at Le Chai de l’Hippodrome—a delightful touch of French elegance to end your day.

  • Day 4 — Island time

    Start your day with a taste of local life before heading out to explore one of New Caledonia’s most beautiful islets—just a short 30-minute boat ride from Nouméa and easily accessible thanks to the many taxi boats serving the surrounding islands.

    Meet Samuel Machon at the vibrant Moselle Bay market (meeting point: the café inside the market). Together, browse the stalls to select fresh fish, prawns, and seasonal fruit for the day’s cooking session.

    Head to Port Moselle to meet Olivier Domergue from Coconut Taxi Boat.

    Enjoy a quick scenic ride to the idyllic Laregnère islet. Once there, take time to relax, swim, or explore while Samuel prepares a cooking session highlighting the fresh ingredients purchased earlier. A delicious lunch awaits in this postcard-perfect setting. Enjoy the afternoon.

    Round off the day with a suggested sunset cocktail shoot at MV Lounge, capturing the warm evening light over the lagoon.

  • Day 5 — A Gourmet Escape

    Experience an unforgettable gourmet tour of Nouméa with Chef Gaby Levionois during this exclusive culinary day.

    Your morning begins at 8:00 AM with a warm welcome from Chef Gaby, a local gastronomic figure passionate about sharing the flavors and savoir-faire of New Caledonia. Together, you will embark on a delicious tour of the region’s finest deli stops, from charming cafés and artisan bakeries to the vibrant Géant Ste Marie supermarket. Discover the island’s freshest ingredients, meet local producers, and enjoy the unique blend of French tradition and Pacific flair.

    Enjoy lunch at a selected restaurant, where you can savor specialties inspired by the morning’s finds. Followed by a relaxing free afternoon. Perfect for exploring, resting, or enjoying the city  at your own pace.

    The day concludes in style with a special dinner event at La Pirogue restaurant.

  • Day 6 — Farewell

    This morning marks the end of your New Caledonia escape. Your departure day begins early, with the first flight to Australia. Take in one last sunrise over the island as you make your way to the airport, carrying unforgettable memories, new flavors, and the warm spirit of the French Pacific with you.

Watch all episodes now!

Episode 1

France in the Pacific with Gaby Levionois

 
Warren dives into Nouméa’s food treasures, where French flair makes New Caledonia feel both familiar and thrillingly different. Guided by Gaby Levionois, he starts in the buzz of the colourful market, then discovers legendary cafés and bakeries before unwinding at a premium over-water restaurant tasting French classics made even better with local produce and seafood.

Episode 2

Kanak food at Tribu de Koindé

 
A celebration of true local cuisine. Warren is welcomed to the Koindé tribe for a cultural visit and a hands-on food experience, learning how tradition and community shape the table. Together they prepare and share the iconic traditional Bougna: simple, soulful, and deeply connected to place.

Episode 3

The Broussard Food at Table du Banian

Episode 3 - Coming soon

 
In the heart of the West Coast, Warren meets the broussards,New Caledonia’s stockman culture, where food is generous, seasonal, and proudly made from what the land provides. At La Table du Banian, short supply chains are the rule: farm-grown ingredients, local know-how, and a warm welcome that makes you want to stay for seconds.

Episode 4

Hidden Pacific Treasures on Larégnère islet

Episode 4 - Coming soon

 
Warren heads out to Larégnère islet, just a stone’s throw from Nouméa, to uncover a different side of New Caledonia: wild beauty, turquoise waters, and the kind of “how is this real?” scenery that begs for a day on the lagoon. It’s a reminder that here, the most memorable flavours often come with salt air, sunshine, and a sense of discovery.