New Caledonia Guide
New Caledonia is a paradise nestled in the Pacific Ocean, made up of heavenly beaches, lush nature and turquoise waters.
New Caledonia is a French territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. A trip to this French territory allows you to discover several different worlds in a single journey, as it is made up of dozens of islands located east of Australia.
Bathed by the world’s largest coral lagoon, this former French colony seduces with South Pacific charm and a touch of French chic. On the main island of Grande Terre, the cafes and palm-fringed bays of Noumea welcome your arrival, before you venture inland to discover lush valleys , rainforests, and towering peaks.
A dose of culture
The Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa is one of New Caledonia’s top attractions. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the centre is a modern interpretation of traditional Kanak architecture. Here, you can discover the unique art, history, customs, and culture of New Caledonia’s original people, as you wander from site to site through beautifully landscaped grounds.
Museums abound in New Caledonia, from spaces dedicated to World War II to an open-air museum focused on exploring the mining village of Tiébaghi. Most of these museums are located in New Caledonia’s capital:
the Museum of New Caledonia,
the City Museum,
the Maritime Museum of New Caledonia,
the World War II Museum.
Beautiful beaches and lagoons
New Caledonia boasts numerous mesmerizing beaches. Depending on your preferences, you can go to the beach in the city or on the island. Noumea, New Caledonia, offers an unforgettable beach experience at:
Anse Vata;
Lemon Bay;
Sailing Rock, White Coast;
Kuendu Beach
Each of these beaches has its advantages. For example, Anse Vata is the windiest beach in Noumea, New Caledonia . That’s why thousands of windsurfing enthusiasts flock here every year.
You can also try it, but if you don’t want that kind of adrenaline rush, you may prefer a boat or kayak tour. Also, don’t forget to visit an aquarium located between Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata Bay . It has several rooms for visitors, where you can observe a rich biodiversity.
Description of New Caledonia
Area : 19,060 km2
Population : 287,800 (2019)
Continent : Oceania
Capital : Noumea
Official language : French
Currency : Pacific Franc
Why travel to New Caledonia?
The appeal of New Caledonia is evident: with its blend of French style and South Pacific culture, the islands offer varied experiences for all travelers.
New Caledonia offers a multitude of exciting activities: Visit the Amédée Island lighthouse , go horseback riding on Grande Terre, swim with dolphins , turtles and whales in the South Lagoon, or stroll through the capital Noumea.
Gastronomy
As New Caledonia belongs to France , we can see the French influence in all areas, and cuisine is no exception. There is a mix of French and local cuisine.
The main ingredients of the cuisine are fish, cassava, coconut milk, notou, snails, crab, fruits, etc. As in other island countries, seafood makes up the bulk of the local diet. New Caledonia offers meals consisting of more than 300 fish , and depending on your tastes, you can prefer raw, grilled or poached fish.
Fruit is the second most common ingredient in meals. What are the tastiest dishes in New Caledonian cuisine? There are many delicious dishes, such as Bougna: chicken, lobster, or fish mixed with root vegetables like yams and coconut milk, all wrapped in banana leaves.
The Caledonian bush
It is in the Caledonian bush that you will find the authentic local experience and receive a wonderfully warm welcome . Tribal life reigns on the east coast, where the salty sea air blends with nature. Here you can meet the Kanak tribes and learn about harvesting , hiking and exploring the lagoon.
Along the way, you’ll find several guesthouses as well as renowned hotels like the Sheraton. This is a perfect rural getaway where you’ll be treated like bush royalty. They even have a “table d’hôte” network, or the ” Welcome to the Farm ” network. You’ll be welcomed by renowned farmers who will serve you typical bush cuisine, such as bougna, venison stew, and homemade jam.
Places to visit
New Caledonia is a beautiful destination. It includes several enchanting islands in the South Pacific. Here are some popular attractions to explore.
The Isle of Pines
The Isle of Pines is a magnificent and spectacular attraction in New Caledonia. This place was discovered in 1774 by Captain James Cook during his second voyage to fabulous New Zealand . The Isle of Pines is adorned with several large native pine trees. Protestant and later Catholic missionaries and traders arrived on the Isle of Pines in search of precious sandalwood. Today, this island is populated by tribes.
Lifou
When visiting New Caledonia, you simply cannot miss Lifou, which is known as the largest island in the spectacular coral atoll archipelago . These are known worldwide as the Loyalty Islands.
Explore long white sand beaches, stunning limestone caves, fascinating coves, towering cliffs, and grottoes. Take a walk through one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Pacific. Lifou is known for being the center of the timber and whaling industries in the 19th century. Today, copra, the dried flesh of the coconut, is the region’s main industry. Tourism has grown enormously in recent years.
The Amédée Lighthouse
During your vacation in New Caledonia , be sure to visit the Amédée Lighthouse, where you can enjoy splendid dance performances and a tropical buffet. Don’t miss the pleasure of swimming and snorkeling in the magical waters of this place. Don’t miss the thrill of kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding on this island. Rent a jet ski here and take a sublime ride.
Sea
Mare is a pristine paradise renowned for its natural beauty. It is the most precious island found in New Caledonia. This island is divided into eight districts. Adorned with jagged basalt rocks, verdant forests that stretch to the edge of the cliffs, caves, and natural pools that are home to amazing turtles and fish, Mare is an ideal holiday destination in New Caledonia. A chance to explore captivating beaches during your visit to Mare.
Noumea
Nouméa, popularly known as the capital of New Caledonia, is located on Grande Terre, the country’s main island. Enjoy this lively and friendly provincial city during your New Caledonia vacation. Many foreigners have arrived in Nouméa seeking their fortune, particularly in search of gold and nickel mines. Nouméa offers you an ideal location with a heavenly climate and opportunities for adventure. Don’t miss exploring Nouméa’s beaches.
Duck Island
Just off Anse Vata Beach is Duck Island, a small, idyllic island bordered by one of Noumea’s best beaches. Take a water taxi to get there, then rent a beach chair and umbrella . You can snorkel right off the sand and follow an underwater trail marked by buoys. Food and drinks are available on the island, or you can bring your own. Diving shoes are a good idea.
How to get to New Caledonia?
The best way to get to New Caledonia is, of course, by plane. Aircalin is the country’s national airline, and you can fly to New Caledonia from several cities. Other airlines that offer flights include Qantas, Air New Zealand, and British Airways.
Transport in the territory
Planning a visit to New Caledonia ? You’ll find plenty of transportation options throughout the archipelago to help you see and do everything you want during your stay.
Taxis
Taxis in New Caledonia are mainly limited to Noumea, the capital, and the surrounding major cities on the island of Grand-Terre. Taxis on Grand Terre are operated by Radio Taxis de Noumea.
The buses
New Caledonia has two major public bus services: Karuia Bus , which serves the Noumea urban area, and RAI , which serves intercity coach routes.
Walking in New Caledonia
Walking in New Caledonia is the best way to immerse yourself in the environment and discover the richness of the local culture. The capital, Noumea, is very pedestrian-friendly, especially in the main shopping and restaurant districts.
Climate and weather of the archipelago
New Caledonia is a French territory consisting of a group of islands located just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Due to its location, New Caledonia enjoys a relatively temperate climate influenced by the trade winds and characterized by four distinct seasons.
In New Caledonia, the hot season runs from December to March . During this period, in addition to high temperatures, torrential rains and strong winds can occur, and sometimes strong tropical cyclones can occur.
When to go to New Caledonia?
The best time to visit New Caledonia is from September to November . However, the country enjoys a mild climate that allows for visits at any time of year. December to March is probably a bad time to avoid due to potential tropical cyclones .
Clothes to take away
If your trip falls during the warmer or shoulder seasons (from approximately October to May), you will only need to pack light summer clothes. But keep in mind that it can sometimes rain quite heavily at this time of year.
From June to September, the climate remains mild and warm, but nights can be very cool, so it is advisable to bring trousers, light sweaters, cardigans, etc.
And whether you come during the warm season or the cool season, don’t forget to bring sunscreen with a protection factor suited to the climate!
Good to know
New Caledonia’s indigenous peoples make up 42% of the population. The country was colonized by the Kanak people over 3,000 years ago, and it is interesting to note that Melanesians still make up the majority of the population.
Another interesting fact about New Caledonia is that nickel is the island’s main export.
New Caledonia is a world-class destination for scuba diving. New Caledonia’s immense coral reef and magnificent natural aquariums make it a popular diving destination.
New Caledonia is renowned as a whale-watching destination. Every year, hundreds of humpback whales migrate north from the Southern Hemisphere to warm up in the tropical waters off New Caledonia.
Unusual but fun festivals
New Caledonia is also famous for its many festivals . Some are unusual:
The Bancoule worm festival
The Bancoule Worm Festival in New Caledonia is undoubtedly a unique event that tourists won’t find anywhere else. This festival is dedicated to the larvae of the Bancoule worm.
Visitors can see how the larvae are extracted, cooked, and eaten. The festival takes place in Farino, the smallest town on the main island . On the day of the event, staff bring old tree trunks containing larvae to the main square.
They extract the larvae, which are the size of a small sausage, and roast them in oil and spices in a large pan. Many visitors can witness the entire process and taste this unusual delicacy.
The Giant Omelette Festival
The Giant Omelette Festival is usually celebrated during the Easter season, when a large number of chefs hoard and gather 7,000 eggs to make a 3.5-inch diameter omelette.
This festival, which is celebrated only in French-speaking countries , has an unusual history. Napoleon was once traveling to France with his army . During his journey, he stopped in a town where the locals offered him an omelet.
The next morning, he asked all the villagers to gather and prepare a giant omelet with all the eggs for him and his soldiers. This omelet festival has been celebrated ever since.
