New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a French territory located east of Australia in the heart of the South Pacific. Consisting of the main island "Grand Terre", mountainous and scenically very diverse, and four islands with dream beaches (Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré and Île des Pins), New Caledonia is a land of contrasts that is never boring.
Between turquoise lagoons, golden plains, green forests and deserts of red earth, this unique archipelago hosts vast protected natural areas with one of the richest biodiversity in the world, in a temperate tropical climate suitable for all outdoor activities and inviting for swimming all year round.
Attractions in New Caledonia
Highlights
The route of the GR® Nord stretches from the Ponérihouen valley to the narrow plain of the Tewadé (Tiouandé), on Hienghène, passing through the ...
A popular tourist destination and recreational site for the residents of Greater Nouméa, this park ...
Le Mont-Dore dresse sa masse imposante au Sud-Est de Nouméa. Il offre un regard sur l’ensemble du Grand Sud et Nouméa.
New Caledonia is a fabulous land of adventure and emotion. Slowly, the GR® NC1 trail unwinds its trace from Prony to the North. Let's go together ...
The itinerary follows old mule tracks, used in the last century by the miners. It allows you to discover the different environments that ...
Discover the native species living in this park in the “Green Station” of Farino!
The route follows the edge of the ridges overlooking the Shark Islet "fault" and Fournier Marsh. The landscape glows with a multitude of colors ...
This bay is surrounded by greenery and a great place for people walking along the Three Bays Trail ...
The Dogny Plateau is a long-standing meeting and trading point for the tribes from the east and west coasts. A number of trails criss-cross the ...
Pleasant itinerary that links the Cap N'Dua parking to Anse Majic (Bonne Anse), passing by the top of the cape where the lighthouse regulating the ...
This trail winds between sea and cliffs from its starting point at La Roche Percée through Turtle Bay where the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta ...
The hot springs are still going strong, and the one at Kaoris Bay is equipped with a deck, a walkway ...
The health trail of the Deva estate is an itinerary suitable for the whole family and allows its users to exercise in the heart of the Caledonian ...
Discover the region
Not to be missed: sporting events in New Caledonia
There is something going on in New Caledonia all year round! Numerous sports competitions take place every month, including several events that attract foreign competitors every year.
Regattas, golf, windsurfing, horse racing.... there is something for everyone. As the great natural spaces of New Caledonia are ideal for walks of all kinds, the schedule for runners in particular is packed: Xterra New Caledonia and Shell Pacific Coast to Coast in May, Festival des Trails in June, Transcalédonienne and Gigawatt in July, Marathon International de Nouvelle-Calédonie and Trail des Cagous in August, the Raids du Nord from May to October, etc.
So trail runners are spoiled for choice. As well as mountain bikers, who get their money's worth especially with the XDeva in July and the Mégarando in September.
A group of islands like something out of a dream
A land of contrasts with a unique cultural diversity, this vast group of islands covers an area of more than 18,000 square kilometers, lined by the largest lagoon in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will have the opportunity of a variety of experiences in a single trip, intense and full of adventure!
Video: Nouvelle-Calédonie Tourisme
Nouméa, cosmopolitan peninsula
Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, and its 180,000 inhabitants move between an oceanic lifestyle and urban vitality. Numerous bays stretch along the city, offering magnificent beaches and viewpoints.
In addition to its natural beauty, Nouméa also offers plenty of cultural flair and an exciting nightlife. The program includes wellness and relaxation, water sports activities, souvenir shopping, gourmet breaks, museums, parties and festivals, and casinos.
Tip: Explore the numerous small islands (Signal, Amédée, Canards...) surrounding the city by cab boat or shuttle bus!
The southern land of adventure
The Grand South, which includes the municipalities of Le Mont-Dore and Yaté, is above all a region dedicated to green tourism and various outdoor activities, less than an hour's drive from Nouméa. With its vast nature reserves (dry red earth, lakes, rivers, and endemic flora) and numerous marked hiking trails, it's a pleasure to venture to the southern tip of Grande Terre.
Tip: From July to September you can go in search of humpback whales in the Prony lagoon by catamaran.
Pioneering Spirit on the West Coast
From the northern tip to the vicinity of Nouméa, the west coast of Grande Terre is characterized by endless rolling plains that separate the lagoon from the central mountain range. This fascinating region is also home to an amazing cultural heritage. In addition to the remnants of the penal colony and colonization periods, you can also learn about the way of life of their descendants, the "Broussards", who are authentic Caledonian cowboys. Visit their ranches and farms to taste their products or ride their horses.
Tip: After the beautiful coastal areas (Bourail, Poum...) you can change scenery and explore the center of the mountain range in the Farino region, where there are fabulous lush forests.
The wild nature of the east coast
The east coast, exposed to the main winds and therefore more humid, stands out as a long coastal strip that winds between the Chaîne Centrale and the lagoon. The green nature on the mountain slopes invites forest walks and swimming at the foot of waterfalls. The east coast, which is home to a large number of Kanak tribes, has retained a touch of originality.
Tip: Go by kayak or boat past the breathtaking cliffs of Linderalique and the Hen of Hienghène and enjoy an unforgettable sight at the foot of the sharp black cliffs.
The islands paradise lagoons
Île des Pins, Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa, Tiga, Bélep... Each of the large islands surrounding Grande Terre offers true postcard landscapes. With their beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, coral rocks and caves, and vast unspoiled natural landscapes, they are the perfect playground to combine outdoor activities (like snorkelling) with lazing around.
Tip: Discover the millennia-old traditions of the Kanakas and enjoy a "bougna" at a warm tribal welcome!
Great landscapes for nature lovers
New Caledonia is still a little-visited destination that hosts untouched nature with incredible biodiversity. More than 3/4 of its plants are found only here! A good infrastructure allows to explore this group of islands from all angles in a safe and environmentally friendly way:
The Domaine de Deva
Located 2 hours by car from the capital Bourail, this exceptional place offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers. Publicly accessible mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding trails or even an ethological observatory allow complete immersion in the Caledonian bush. In this area between the sea and the mountains, numerous sporting events take place every year.
The Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue (Provincial Park of the Blue River)
Amidst a unique ochre environment, the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue in Yaté is a nature reserve that covers almost 22,000 hectares. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, swimming.... Numerous activities are offered here so that you can enjoy a fulfilling and varied day in this extraordinary environment. The park is home to the largest population of the native Cagous bird.
The Parc des Grandes Fougères
Located in the heart of the mountains of the Farino region, the Parc des Grandes Fougères is home to acres of tropical rainforests and an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Several hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails allow you to roam the park in search of tree ferns while listening to birdsong.