New Caledonia is a Pacific paradise that offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. With stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage, this French territory is a fun place to explore. And this article will outline the best of New Caledonia to help you plan your visit.
During my trip, I stayed mostly in Noumea but also ventured out on three day trips (on and off the main island).
Here are a few places I’d recommend putting on your itinerary (but it’s certainly not an exclusive list … and if you have a car, then travelling around the main island will showcase much more).
NOUMEA
Noumea is the capital city of New Caledonia and offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are a few to kickstart your planning.
Kuendu Beach (Le Plage De Kuendu)
One of my favourite spots was Kuendu Beach, which is a 15-minute drive from the city centre (or a much longer walk … which was scenic coming from Auberge de Jeunesse).
Unlike other more crowded beaches in Noumea, Kuendu Beach offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. It stretches over several hundred meters, and there is a small hill that provides a beautiful viewpoint with stunning views of the ocean.
It’s the perfect place to which to escape.
South Port Marina (Port Du Sud Marina)
Then there’s South Port Marina, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk to admire the yachts and other vessels. A great collection of restaurants and cafes can be found nearby, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes.
One of the best things about the Marina is the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Unwind and enjoy the tranquillity. It’s well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and helpful, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening.
Port Moselle Market (Noumea Morning Market)
Port Moselle Market is another popular attraction, one that showcases local produce, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to freshly baked croissants and local cheeses. It’s divided into five pavilions, one being dedicated entirely to seafood. You’ll find prawns, octopus, lobsters, and mahi-mahi.
Take your time, wander around and see what you can collect for lunch or dinner.
Anse Vata Beach (Plage de l’Anse Vata)
It’s easy to see why Anse Vata Beach is another popular spot in Noumea. Surrounded by calm waters and white sand beaches, it's perfect for sunbathing and picnicking.
If you’re after more adventure, try kitesurfing, windsurfing or kayaking, as the conditions are ideal.
Mwa Kâ Monument
For a deeper dive into the culture and history of New Caledonia, I recommend visiting the Mwa Kâ Monument, which is a hallmark of Kanak's rich culture. It celebrates the unique Kanak identity and its multiple ethnicities.
Find it across the road from the New Caledonia Museum.
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DAY TRIP 1 (MAIN ISLAND)
In the company of a French family and local guide, I was able to leave city-limits for a day (in the luxury of an air-conditioned 4WD) to see some of the more beautiful natural features of the main island.
Here’s what day trip 1 included.
Blue River Provincial Park (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue)
Blue River Provincial Park covers over 9,000 hectares of land (east of Noumea) and features stunning natural landscapes including the Blue River itself, red dirt, dense forests, and waterfalls.
The park is a popular spot for hiking, with various trails ranging from easy to challenging.
If you’re an enthusiast and have some time to spare, there are opportunities for camping.
Prony Village
Prony Village is a historic mining town located in the southern part of New Caledonia (easily included on the return trip from Blue River Provincial Park to Noumea). It was founded in the mid-19th century as a centre for nickel mining.
Today, Prony Village is a popular destination due to its picturesque location surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, and its well-preserved historic buildings and artefacts.
Explore the remains of the mining town, including the ruins of the old smelter, the cemetery, and several other historic buildings.
DAY TRIP 2 (SEPARATE ISLAND): Isle of Pines (Île des Pins)
I visited the Isle of Pines on a separate day, via ferry from Noumea.
Also known as Kunié to Melanesian people, the island is a tranquil paradise of turquoise bays, white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation, and stunning pine trees.
Here are a few of the sites I visited all of which are close to the ferry’s drop-off point.
Tree Canopies Overhanging Roads
The first stop is a short stroll along the road near Nataiwatch camping, to see the canopy of trees. It’s a unique feature of the island, where trees have grown over the road, forming a beautiful natural archway.
I was momentarily transported to life in a fairy tale, as I wandered along the road under the protective canopy. It’s a surreal and tranquil experience.
Kanumera Bay (Baie de Kanuméra)
The second stop is Kanumera Bay (Baie de Kanuméra), where you can swim in crystal clear turquoise waters and get white sand between your toes.
Do I need to say more?
Kuto Bay (Port de Kuto)
The final stop (if you’re only here for the day) is at Kuto Bay (Port de Kuto), another stunning beach that offers a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and some sun worship.
Nataiwatch (Gîte Nataiwatch for camping)
If you want to stay longer (and you don’t have transport on the island), consider camping at Nataiwatch (Gîte Nataiwatch) which would offer the opportunity to spend more time exploring this beautiful area.
DAY TRIP 3 (SEPARATE ISLAND): Master Island (Îlot Maître)
Visiting Îlot Maître is another feasible day trip from Noumea.
This tiny island, located just off the coast of Noumea, is a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. The crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding the island are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
There are stunning beaches everywhere. From the island, you can also enjoy views across to Noumea.
If you want (and can afford) to indulge, Îlot Maître offers the ultimate tropical getaway with its overwater bungalows. Perched over the lagoon, the ocean is only a few steps below.
It was beyond my budget but staying in an above-water bungalow with direct access to the water below, would be a dream come true.
Explore the island's walking trails, take a guided tour of the coral reefs, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
What Else is There to See and Do in New Caledonia?
Of course, as indicated at the start, this is not an exclusive list of sights and activities – there’s much more to see in and out of Noumea. Here are a few additional sights you could consider (things I never got to see):
- New Caledonia Aquarium. See marine life up close and learn about the different ecosystems in the Pacific.
- Fort Tereka. It's a former French military fortress that offers a glimpse into New Caledonia's colonial past.
- Food trucks. If you're interested in trying local cuisine, be sure to check out some of the food trucks that are located throughout Noumea. It’s a good opportunity to try Karnak dishes (such as bougna).
- Loyalty Islands. Ouvea, Lifou, and Mare are located to the east of the main island of New Caledonia (with similar features to that of the Isle of Pines, noted above).
Are you Ready to see the Best of New Caledonia Yet?
New Caledonia is a breath-taking Pacific paradise. From its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to its rich cultural heritage, this French territory is a must-visit for any avid traveller.
Whether you choose to explore the capital city of Noumea or venture out to one of the many day trip destinations, such as Blue River Provincial Park or Isle of Pines, there is always something new and exciting to discover.
Consider New Caledonia for your next adventure.
