Interesting Facts about New Caledonia You Didn’t Know

Visits

Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies around the world; most people like to spend their vacation days exploring areas and countries they have not yet visited, which makes for a very nice break from work. Unfortunately, the pandemic has significantly reduced the possibilities for people to enjoy their favorite activities, and even though we cannot have an online equivalent of traveling, there are plenty of hobbies we can take online and spend our lockdown time by having fun. Betting, a very popular hobby, was not affected by the pandemic at all, because of countless websites and their promotions make staying at home as fun as going to a casino! However, avid travelers still need to be careful and patient, but this does not mean that they cannot plan their next trip when the situation improves. Here are some interesting facts about New Caledonia you did not know, and which may convince you to spend your next holiday there.

It is a French territory

If you brushed up on your geography, you know that New Caledonia is located in the South Pacific; however, after its troublesome history, today it is proud to call itself a French territory. It was discovered by the British explorer James Cook in 1774. He named it after the Latin name for Scotland, Caledonia because of the hills which dominated the island landscape. Later, in the 19th century, the island was declared a French territory.

The island is surrounded by the biggest lagoon in the world

New Caledonia is surrounded by one of the greatest examples of biodiversity in the world. UNESCO listed the lagoon as a World Heritage Site in 2008, and here you can spot turtles, crabs, tropical fish, exotic birds, and even whales. This makes New Caledonia an excellent scuba diving destination; people from all over the world flock here to explore the natural treasures that sit underwater. The quality of the coral reef is unmatched, and it is very difficult to find a better one in the world.

You can choose to stay with a local family

The island has a very rich and interesting history, and one of the best ways to learn as much about it is to stay with a local family for a couple of nights. You can experience sleeping in traditional huts, try the delicious regional dishes, and join in various activities that will make you fall in love with the island and its people.

You can go for a hike

Even James Cook noticed in the 18th century that the island has numerous hills. This makes it a very versatile island, and you can even choose to go for a hike on some of the amazing trails that New Caledonia has. They are split into segments so that hikers of all ages and levels of experience can enjoy the trip and be satisfied. The trails go all across the island, from its southern end to the very north. You are sure to remember this wonderful island hiking experience.

Last modified: 6 March 2023

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