How do you get to Nouméa from Australia or New Zealand?

New Caledonia is easily accessible from Sydney and Brisbane in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand. Flights from Australia are operated by Aircalin and Qantas, while flights from New Zealand are operated by Aircalin and Air New Zealand.

When is the best time to travel to New Caledonia?

The Southern summer , also known as the “hot season,” aligns with summer in Australia and New Zealand . It offers ideal conditions for lagoon activities, with warm water, tropical fruits and vibrant flora. Sun and mosquito protection are essential, and Christmas holidays are best avoided for lower fares. The Southern winter , referred to as the “cool season” in New Caledonia, tends to have the highest flight prices, especially during major school holidays in mainland France (July-August). Air and water temperatures remain pleasant, providing ample opportunities for swimming. Mosquitoes are less common during this period and it’s also the season when whales visit the lagoon to give birth, with sightings in the South Lagoon from mid-July to mid-September. For the most competitive fares, consider travelling during the off-season , especially in March, May, September and November .

When should you buy your ticket to Nouméa?

On average, the best savings come from booking three to five months in advance , although last-minute deals do sometimes appear. Airlines and New Caledonia Tourism regularly run special offers. Subscribing to our newsletter helps ensure you don’t miss out

Can you fly to the islands within New Caledonia?

Yes. Domestic flights to the Loyalty Islands are available. In Nouméa, Magenta Aerodrome is the base for local airline Air Calédonie , which operates regular daily services to the Isle of Pines and the main Loyalty Islands ( Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa ).

Finding Flights to New Caledonia: Best Deals & Tips | New Caledonia Tourism: The official website for tourism in New Caledonia

Flights to New Caledonia

From Australia and New Zealand, New Caledonia is closer than you think. 1,500 km from Australia’s east coast and under 2,000 km from Auckland, an easy and accessible South Pacific getaway. Direct flights to Nouméa – La Tontouta operate from Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.

Operated by Aircalin in partnership with Qantas and Air New Zealand, these services make it easy to connect from other cities across Australia and New Zealand and to trade the everyday rush for turquoise lagoon views in just a few hours.

Note: flight schedules may vary depending on operational conditions.

Departure city	Airline(s)	Frequency	Estimated flight time	Connection / transit stop(s)	Book
Auckland (New Zealand)	Aircalin / Air New Zealand	Near-daily flights	~2h 35m	Direct	Aircalin deals Air New Zealand deals
Brisbane (Australia)	Aircalin / Qantas	Near-daily flights	~2h 35m	Direct	Aircalin deals Qantas deals
Sydney (Australia)	Aircalin / Qantas	Near-daily flights	~3h 15m	Direct	Aircalin deals Qantas deals

Flying from metropolitan France to New Caledonia generally involves one connection, most often via major hubs in Asia or the Pacific. The most common routes depart from Paris, with transit stops in Singapore, Thailand, Australia or New Zealand, before arriving at Nouméa – La Tontouta International Airport.

Thanks to airline partnerships, you can often book the whole journey on a single ticket, with checked baggage through to Nouméa.

Below are the main flight options operated through partnerships between Aircalin, Air France and Singapore Airlines from Paris. Other routings via Asia or the Pacific may also be available depending on the airline, usually with longer total travel times.

Note: schedules, frequencies and routings can change seasonally — always check directly with the airline when booking.

Airline	Frequency	Estimated travel time	Connection / transit stop(s)	Book
Aircalin	2 to 4 flights/week	~24 hrs	Bangkok or Singapore	See deals
Air France	2 to 4 flights/week	~24 hrs	Bangkok or Singapore	See deals
Singapore Airlines	3 flights/week	~24 hrs	Singapore	See deals

Note: flight schedules may vary depending on operational conditions.

Departure city	Airline	Frequency	Estimated flight time	Connection / transit stop(s)	Book
Papeete (Tahiti)	Aircalin	1 flight/week	~5h 30m	Direct	See deals
Port Vila (Vanuatu)	Aircalin	2 to 3 flights/week	~1h 10m	Direct	See deals
Wallis (Uvea)	Aircalin	2 flights/week	~2h 55m	Direct	See deals

Check departures from your country on the websites of Aircalin, Air France or Singapore Airlines.

Common connection examples:

Montréal → Paris → Nouméa (Air France / Aircalin)
Brussels → Paris → Nouméa (Air France / Aircalin)
Geneva → Singapore → Nouméa (Singapore Airlines / Aircalin)

Checked baggage allowance

©Aeroport De Tontouta Izmerhamdanfishermen 2029 04 21

In Economy, and depending on the airlines you choose, your checked baggage allowance typically range between 23 kg and 46 kg.

Good to know:

- Aircalin may include, in addition to the standard allowance, an extra 23 kg piece for certain sports equipment (diving, surfing, fishing, etc.) — ideal for lagoon adventures.
- Some airlines, such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines, offer a more generous Economy allowance by weight (up to 30 kg), which is handy if you’re travelling with extra gear.
- From Auckland, Air New Zealand generally offers 1 to 3 checked bags of 23 kg, depending on the travel class.

For Premium Economy and Business Class, contact your airline for specific services and allowances.

Missing or damaged baggage on arrival

If your baggage is missing or damaged on arrival, you must report it at the “Litige Bagage” (Baggage Services) counter in the arrivals hall at Nouméa – La Tontouta Airport, before clearing Customs. Staff will open a file and provide a reference number. Tracking and any compensation are handled by the airline on a case-by-case basis.

Baggage desk contact details:

Phone: (+687) 35 26 15
E-mail : service.bagages.pae@engie.com

How to get the best fare

From Australia and New Zealand, travellers booking independently often find better value by booking directly with the airline. Search engines are useful for research, but direct bookings can offer sharper fares and clearer conditions.
Avoid peak school holiday periods and aim for midweek departures, or early Sunday flights when available.
Watch for promotions such as flash sales or Black Friday deals by following our Facebook page, subscribing to our newsletter, and signing up for airline alerts.
Consider using a New Caledonia Specialist travel agent to find the best routing and value.
Avoid searching during peak online traffic times (weekends and evenings).
Compare fares using platforms such as Skyscanner, Momondo, KAYAK, or local sites like Webjet or I Want That Flight when travelling from Australia or New Zealand.
Be flexible with your departure airport, especially if connecting internationally.
Where possible, book at least three months in advance.

FAQs about flights to New Caledonia

How do you get to Nouméa from Australia or New Zealand?
New Caledonia is easily accessible from Sydney and Brisbane in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand.
Flights from Australia are operated by Aircalin and Qantas, while flights from New Zealand are operated by Aircalin and Air New Zealand.
When is the best time to travel to New Caledonia?
The Southern summer, also known as the “hot season,” aligns with summer in Australia and New Zealand. It offers ideal conditions for lagoon activities, with warm water, tropical fruits and vibrant flora. Sun and mosquito protection are essential, and Christmas holidays are best avoided for lower fares.
The Southern winter, referred to as the “cool season” in New Caledonia, tends to have the highest flight prices, especially during major school holidays in mainland France (July-August). Air and water temperatures remain pleasant, providing ample opportunities for swimming. Mosquitoes are less common during this period and it’s also the season when whales visit the lagoon to give birth, with sightings in the South Lagoon from mid-July to mid-September.
For the most competitive fares, consider travelling during the off-season, especially in March, May, September and November.
When should you buy your ticket to Nouméa?
On average, the best savings come from booking three to five months in advance, although last-minute deals do sometimes appear. Airlines and New Caledonia Tourism regularly run special offers. Subscribing to our newsletter helps ensure you don’t miss out
Can you fly to the islands within New Caledonia?
Yes. Domestic flights to the Loyalty Islands are available. In Nouméa, Magenta Aerodrome is the base for local airline Air Calédonie, which operates regular daily services to the Isle of Pines and the main Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa).