Step-by-step guide
Wadra Bay beach, in LifouWadra Bay beach, in LifouWadra Bay beach, in Lifou1. Plan your trip
Before you lock anything in, a few quick checks will help you avoid surprises and choose the best time to travel.
Passport & entry requirements
- Travellers holding Australian or New Zealand nationality can visit New Caledonia for short holiday stays without a visa.
- Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality.
- Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
- If you’re travelling for work or business, different conditions may apply and specific authorisations could be required.
Health & travel insurance
- No mandatory vaccines are required for most travellers, though it’s recommended to be up to date with routine vaccinations.
- Australian and New Zealand travellers: travel insurance is required and should cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
- French and EU citizens: travel insurance is not mandatory for French passport holders, but it is strongly recommended for other EU travellers.
- Other nationalities: travel insurance is mandatory for entry and must include cover for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- From Australia and New Zealand, New Caledonia is an easy getaway — perfect for a long weekend in Nouméa or a short break with an island add-on.
- For a more complete experience, combining Grande Terre (the mainland) with at least one island, allow 10–14 days if possible.
2. Set your budget
Budgeting is an important step when planning your New Caledonia holiday. Overall costs will mainly depend on international flights, accommodation, transport and activities.
Below is an indicative daily budget guide per person, based on different travel styles.
| Type of traveller | Accommodation | Food | Transport & Activities | Daily Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | Hostels, simple guesthouses | Local eateries, snack bars | Buses/shuttles. Free or low-cost experiences. | 107–147 AUD (8 000–11 000 XPF) |
| Comfort | 2–3★ hotels, comfortable guesthouses | Casual restaurants | Car hire, selected tours | 227–333 AUD (17 000–25 000 XPF) |
| Haut de gamme | 4–5★ hotels, boutique lodges | Fine dining | Private tours, private transfers | ≥ 453 AUD (≥ 34 000 XPF) |
Budgets are indicative only and vary depending on season, availability and how far in advance you book.
Also factor in:
- International flights: fares vary by season and booking window.
- Domestic flights and ferries: especially if you plan to visit the islands.
New Caledonia offers a wide range of experiences and accommodation styles, making it easy to tailor your trip to suit your budget:
- Booking flights early can help secure better fares, particularly outside peak travel periods such as Australian, New Zealand and New Caledonian school holidays.
- Combine different accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses, to balance comfort with local experiences.
- Enjoy a wide range of free experiences, including hiking trails, lagoon swims, beach snorkelling and cultural village visits.
- Keep an eye out for special offers and packages that combine flights, accommodation and activities.
3. Book your flight
Getting to New Caledonia is straightforward, with direct flights to Nouméa – La Tontouta International Airport from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and selected Pacific islands.
| Departure city | Airline(s) | Frequency | Estimated flight time | Book |
| Auckland (New Zealand) | Aircalin / Air New Zealand | Near-daily flights | ~2h 35m | Aircalin Air New Zealand |
| Bangkok (Thailand) | Aircalin | 2 to 4 flights / week | ~9h 50m | Aircalin |
| Brisbane (Australia) | Aircalin / Qantas | Near-daily flights | ~2h 35m | Aircalin Qantas |
| Singapore | Aircalin | 3 flights / week | ~9h 00m | Aircalin |
| Sydney (Australia) | Aircalin / Qantas | Near-daily flights | ~3h 15m | Aircalin Qantas |
Please note: flight schedules and frequencies may vary seasonally or due to operational conditions, so it’s best to check directly with the airline when booking.
4. Prepare for arrival
You’ll arrive at Nouméa – La Tontouta International Airport, the main gateway to the archipelago, located around 40 minutes from Nouméa. Here’s what to know to start your holiday smoothly.
Transfers to Nouméa
From the airport, you have several options:
- Shared or private shuttles – the most common choice; booking ahead is recommended, especially in the evenings and on weekends
- Taxis available outside the terminal (generally more expensive)
- Car hire, ideal if you plan to start a road trip on Grande Terre straight away
Services available
- Mobile services on arrival, including local SIM cards or Pocket Wi-Fi devices
- ATMs and currency exchange within the terminal
- Free Wi-Fi in the main arrivals hall
Biosecurity and customs regulations apply on arrival, similar to those in Australia and New Zealand.
5. Explore New Caledonia
Discover the 5 regions
Make your New Caledonia holiday a true adventure, from UNESCO-listed lagoons and wide-open plains to spectacular mountain ranges and living traditions — a unique journey in the heart of the Pacific.
Itinerary suggestions
Prefer to explore at your own pace?
Discover itineraries designed around different travel styles, including Adventure, Family, Gourmet, Luxury, Diving, Zen and more.
6. Where to stay
Accommodation for every budget
Tribal Stay on Lifou island
Tribal weaving workshop in Tchamba, Poindimié
The Bubbles of Farino in New Caledonia
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DoubleTree By Hilton, îlot Maître, Nouméa
Bungalow of the Sheraton Deva Hotel in Bourail
Sheraton Deva Hotel in Bourail
Gite Iya Yate Thomas Boucher 2030 04 23 1Accommodation styles
New Caledonia offers a wide range of accommodation options — from simple and welcoming to boutique and luxurious.
- Tribal stays: immersive Kanak cultural experiences with warm, local hospitality.
- Youth hostels: great value with a relaxed, social atmosphere.
- Campsites: outdoor stays in beautiful natural settings
- Cottages & guesthouses: independent, locally run and authentic.
- Eco-responsible stays: nature-focused accommodation with a sustainability mindset.
- Hotels: from practical options to high-end resorts, in Nouméa and beyond.
- Serviced apartments & holiday rentals: flexible, self-contained options ideal for families or longer stays.
7. What to do
Unmissable activities and signature experiencesBetween lagoon, nature and culture, enjoy the experiences that make New Caledonia so special — from iconic highlights to off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
8. Getting around
Car hire, buses, inter-island flights & ferriesTo make the most of New Caledonia, it’s worth planning how you’ll get around. The archipelago is spread out, and transport options vary between Grande Terre, Nouméa and the islands.
On Grande Terre
- Car hire: available mainly at the international airport or in Nouméa, and essential for independent travel. The road network is well maintained and easy to navigate.
- Private shuttles and guided tours: explore New Caledonia with knowledgeable local guides who know the region inside out.
- Taxi boats: access nearby paradise islets located just offshore.
- RAÏ intercity buses: regular services connect Nouméa with major towns such as Koné, Koumac and Poindimié. Schedules are limited, so planning ahead is recommended.
In Nouméa
- Taxis: available by booking or from designated taxi ranks, and convenient for getting around the city.
- Zygo: a local mobile app that lets you book a driver quickly and easily.
- Papaye: a self-service electric car rental app — practical and eco-friendly.
- Tanéo buses: an affordable public transport network covering Nouméa and surrounding areas.
- Car hire: many rental agencies are based in Nouméa, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Grande Terre.
In the islands
- Domestic flights (Air Calédonie): daily services operate from Nouméa–Magenta Airport to the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands. Average return fares start from around 15,000 XPF.
- Ferries (Betico): regular crossings to the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands offer a scenic and more affordable alternative to flying.
- Car hire: available on the islands, though rental options are limited. Booking in advance is recommended.
