Upi Bay, Isle of Pines
defaultFar from mass tourism and stale tourist destinations, New Caledonia has managed to retain its mystery and authenticity. With just 14 inhabitants per km2, the archipelago offers the supreme luxury of providing access to dream settings, idyllic beaches and lush forests, in very small numbers. A true paradise for curious travellers in search of relaxation or adventure off the beaten track.
Known for its mild climate, Caledonia enjoys a pleasant average annual temperature of 25°C, with the lagoon between 22° and 28° all year round. The months from December to April are just warmer and wetter, while June to August are cooler and drier. So tourists are free to come whenever they like!
Stroll on the beach of Anse-Vata, NoumeaThe people of New Caledonia are the result of the meeting of Oceanic, European and Asian peoples and the vagaries of history. Traditions, cuisine, arts, heritage… everything testifies to this authentic and surprising cultural diversity, and discovering it is an integral part of local slow tourism: from a welcome in a Kanak tribe to get a glimpse of the ancestral customs of the original people, to the pleasure of a good French restaurant, via a horseback ride among the bushmen.
Kanak wood sculpture in New Caledonia
Tenia Island, BoulouparisNew Caledonia’s lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, remains one of the main reasons for visiting the island. Its 24,000 km2 of lagoon, bursting with life and colour and home to over 20,000 marine species, never ceases to amaze travellers. Protected by a coral reef more than 1,600 km long, its peaceful waters and numerous islets are the perfect, accessible playground for all lovers of snorkelling, diving, yachting, board sports, fishing…
A veritable natural treasure, New Caledonia is home to a staggering array of flora and fauna that exists nowhere else. This carefully preserved sanctuary of biodiversity is home to more than 3,400 plants, over 75% of which are endemic, and many land animals that, fortunately, are not really dangerous. There are no large predators or venomous snakes, just hundreds of birds (including the iconic Cagou), reptiles and insects to be discovered in the various large nature parks.
Parc des Grandes Fougères, FarinoCaledonia is probably bigger than you think. It is a vast archipelago made up of one main island, Grand Terre, which is 400 km long and 60 km wide, and numerous secondary islands such as the Loyalty Islands to the east and the Isle of Pines to the south. It takes more than 5 hours to drive from Nouméa, the capital in the south, to the north of Grande Terre, while the other islands can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by air. A real invitation to road trips and long stays (more than 20 days on average for Europeans) to take the time to appreciate the destination in all its diversity.
Seaside road in New CaledoniaFrom one region of New Caledonia to another, the landscapes, colours, atmosphere and lifestyles change radically! For the curious visitor, it’s a guarantee of several trips in one, with a variety of tourist experiences:
Aerial view of the lake of Yaté, Grand Sud
Downtown NoumeaCompared to many Pacific islands, New Caledonia is a modern and developed destination. As a French territory, it benefits fromhigh-quality infrastructure, standards and public services: a good road network, 4G coverage throughout the island, drinking water, secure cash machines, a first-class hospital and dialysis centres, a stable currency with a fixed exchange rate against the euro… Its high standard of living is the guarantee of ethical and inclusive tourism that respects its people and its environment.
Although tourism is much denser in the capital than in the bush and islands, there is a good choice of accommodation to suit all budgets throughout the country. In the busiest areas, there are a number of 2* to 5* hotels and tourist residences with international brands offering every comfort (Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Doubletree, Ramada…). There are also charming lodges and more intimate boutique hotels in the heart of the countryside. Finally, for even more authenticity and adventure, the destination invites you to try out the many homestays (in a tribe or on a ranch) or unusual accommodation (yurts, campsites, bubbles, etc.).
Tribal stay in LifouWith its modern city and rustic villages/tribes, lush green mountains and countless beaches, and above all over 600 different activity providers, the choice of tourist experiences at sea, on land and in the air is quite simply limitless! Whale watching on a catamaran, hiking on more than 75 marked trails and 2 GR paths, tree climbing and mountain biking in the forest, diving in the lagoon, flying over the heart of Voh or skydiving, exploring the capital’s museums, nightlife and other family leisure activities, horse riding in the chain, discovering handicrafts with tribes… these are just some of the popular options.
Mountain biking at the Blue River Provincial Park, Yaté
