Where Paradise Meets Adventure

Picture this: pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and an enchanting blend of French and Melanesian cultures. New Caledonia is a rare gem waiting to be discovered. Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Pacific”, this island is a tropical paradise just a short flight away from Australia and New Zealand.

Natural Landmarks

Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring adventure as we delve into the unique natural wonders of New Caledonia. First on our list is the jaw-dropping Heart of Voh. As the name suggests, this natural masterpiece resembles the shape of a heart when viewed from above. It’s a symbol of nature’s artistry and will leave you speechless.

Next up, let’s make our way to the mesmerizing Isle of Pines. This picturesque island is known for its stunning snorkeling and diving spots, where you can swim alongside colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Take a moment to bask in the beauty of the natural swimming pool, Oro Bay, and let its tranquil waters wash away your worries.

Fun Fact: Did you know that New Caledonia is home to one of the world’s largest lagoons? Spanning over 24,000 square kilometers, the lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a snorkeler’s paradise.

Man-Made Marvels

New Caledonia is not just about its natural wonders; it also boasts a rich history and extraordinary man-made landmarks. Get ready to step back in time as we explore the colonial city of Noumea. Roam the charming streets of the city and admire the stunning colonial architecture, a testament to the island’s French heritage.

For all the history buffs out there, a visit to Fort Teremba is a must. This old military fort was built during World War II and offers a fascinating glimpse into New Caledonia’s wartime past. Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Local Traditions

As we take a detour from the sights, let’s immerse ourselves in the vibrant Melanesian culture that gives New Caledonia its soul. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the graceful movements of the Kanak people performing their traditional dances. Their rhythmic beats and colorful costumes will leave you mesmerized.

Foodies, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! Make sure to savor the delicious Bougna, a traditional Melanesian dish. Prepared in a banana leaf with a medley of flavorsome ingredients such as yams, taro, and coconut milk, this mouthwatering delicacy will satisfy your taste buds and introduce you to the island’s rich food traditions.

A Dream Destination Awaits

Congratulations, fellow travelers! You’ve just scratched the surface of what makes New Caledonia an irresistible paradise. From its magnificent natural landmarks to its historical marvels and unique traditions, this island offers a little something for every type of traveler.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, put on your explorer’s cap, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. New Caledonia is calling – will you answer its tropical siren call? Safe travels, and bon voyage!

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Fiji

First on our list is the enchanting archipelago of Fiji, located in the South Pacific. Much like New Caledonia, the islands of Fiji boast crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches that will take your breath away. The islands are an exotic blend of rugged landscapes, tropical rainforests, and coral reefs, where you can swim with graceful manta rays and interact with friendly locals.

Don’t miss out on exploring the idyllic islands of Nadi and Mamanuca. Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and boasts stunning parks, markets, and traditional villages. On the other hand, Mamanuca is a chain of 20 small islands known for its awesome surfing spots and coral reef snorkeling, offering a true taste of paradise.

Bali

Next on our list is the Indonesian island of Bali. Located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is the ultimate tropical mecca for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and spirituality. Its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm makes it a perfect match for New Caledonia.

Much like New Caledonia, Bali has beautiful beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes. Discover the iconic rice fields in the Ubud region or marvel at the lush greenery in the Besakih Temple. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant cultural heart of Bali, with its bustling markets, art galleries, and traditional dances.

Hawaii

Let’s make our way to the Land of Aloha, where the islands of Hawaii await. Hawaii comprises a chain of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, best known for its rugged landscapes, aloha spirit, and world-class surfing.

Kauai is an island that closely resembles New Caledonia. Known as the Garden Island, it boasts a lush rainforest, majestic mountains, and stunning beaches. Here, you can experience a Jurassic Park-like adventure and explore the 17-mile Na Pali Coast. For thrill-seekers, get ready to surf the famous waves at Hanalei Bay, ranked as one of the best surf spots in the world.

Mauritius

Last but not least, let’s explore the mesmerizing island of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean. Known as the Paradise Island, it offers a colorful blend of cultures, pristine beaches, and laidback lifestyle.

Much like New Caledonia’s Heart of Voh, Mauritius has an iconic natural landmark, the Seven Colored Earths. It’s a vast rainbow-colored area made up of undulating sand dunes, creating an extraordinary spectacle. The island is also known for its abundant marine life, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountain peaks.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to explore the enchanting islands of Fiji, the spiritual mecca of Bali, the adventurous landscapes of Hawaii, or the laidback paradise of Mauritius, rest assured that a world of wonders awaits.

So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and set sail to discover the island that most resembles New Caledonia. With picturesque landscapes, tropical charm, and a hint of adventure, these islands will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Happy exploring!

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Since we rely on smartphones so much, we tend to use them far too often. However, they can be used to our benefit, by downloading the right applications. Visiting a new place, an island even, like the Loyalty Islands, or New Caledonia, as it is known, can be daunting. With the right travel apps, you can make your visit to New Caledonia much better. Here are the apps to download.

Google Maps

When traveling, nothing beats Google Maps. They offer a complete and comprehensive overview of any urban area you might want to visit. With anything from traffic congestion and live updates, this application can help you navigate your way through anything, including a remote archipelago in the South Pacific. 

As with most maps applications, you can download the maps and have them accessible for offline use, which is recommended when traveling abroad. A good alternative to this application is Maps.me, one which strictly works by downloading offline maps. While it does not have the updates that Google Maps have, it is a decent alternative for offline travel.

Tripadvisor

Reviews are necessary to make sure we get the right product or service for us. However, reviews are also necessary so that you don’t make a mistake and get a product or service which is horrible, something more important when you are abroad. When visiting foreign countries, the tourist often stands out and will be the target of various scams.

Knowing which restaurants, hotels and hostels to visit is a must whether you are traveling to a remote archipelago or a popular destination such as Paris, France. Read reviews and get informed ahead of making a choice.

Airbnb

Accommodation is necessary and we don’t always have to stay at an expensive hotel or a hostel where we compromise on something.

Airbnb is best used to find a type of accommodation that suits our plans and lifestyle, from grandparents on vacation to outgoing individuals who prefer something closer to the night clubs. It is a great application for New Caledonia and the rest of the world.

Google Translate

Translation is necessary from time to time. The good thing about New Caledonia is that the official language is French, which most applications can translate. Google Translate happens to do it the best, which is why you should have it downloaded, as well as the languages that you plan on using, so that the app doesn’t have to connect to the internet to work properly. 

Visiting New Caledonia can be an amazing experience, an entire archipelago ridden with beautiful beaches and sights. With these applications, you can turn that experience into something more pleasant, with less of a hassle.

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Items You Need for the Beach

You will likely spend most of your days sunbathing at one of the beaches which is why you need to definitely bring your sunscreen and swimsuit. You should also bring gear for snorkeling as this is one of the most popular activities. The massive reef that surrounds the islands is rich with marine life so you get to enjoy the underwater beauty by snorkeling. 

Hiking gear

One of the most popular tourist attractions or the activity here is hiking at Ouen Toro. This is great for those who love to enjoy nature, give their muscles a good stretch, and spend their time surrounded by scenic vistas. This is also a great place for nature photography, so if you have a professional camera and work with stock photos, don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture some of the most breathtaking landscapes. 

Camera

Even if you are not a professional photographer you will still want to capture some amazing moments during your vacation in New Caledonia. Nowadays, phone cameras can create good quality pictures during the day, so that will also do in this case. You will be able to learn a lot about the history of this place at the Museum of New Caledonia, and there will be some interesting exhibits that you might want to capture with your camera. The same goes for another museum called the Maritime Museum of New Caledonia and it holds thousands of antiquities that date back to the La Perouse expedition. 

Finally, you will need your camera for the number one tourist attraction and that is Nouméa Lagoons Aquarium. Everything you don’t get to see while snorkeling will probably be here. Freshwater species, nocturnal marine creatures, crustaceans, giant shrimp, and much more awaits those who visit this aquarium. 

Other Travelling Items

Finally, remember to take all of the other items that you take with you when you travel. Cash that you can exchange for local currency, stomach medicine, hand sanitizer, flashlight, book, a deck of cards, or anything else you think won’t be available at a general store if you need it. Also, remember to take a power adapter so that you can charge your phone and earplugs if you need absolute silence for sleeping. Another important item is bug repellant, you want to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito at a destination like this one, as you might contract a disease that you are not immune to. 

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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.

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There are a plethora of reasons why you should visit New Caledonia at least once in your lifetime, but here we will joust point out to those that we found the most appealing. 

The Heart of Voh

If you are not afraid of height and flying, then you should definitely go and see the Heart of Voh or Coeur de Voh.

Located north of Koné, this mangrove swamp has become a real sensation all over the world due to the shapes that have naturally formed. One of those designs is a perfectly shaped heart form that can be seen from the air or by climbing Mt. Kathépaïk.

Le Parc des Grandes Fougères

Just above Farino, there is a hidden treasure for any birdwatching fan that awaits to be discovered. The mountains hide a 4500-hectares of rich tropical rainforest that are just loaded with flora and fauna. If you are interested in encountering native birds that will fascinate you, this is the spot. Moreover, any avid hiker will also find that this location is a paradise on Earth since it offers different tracks ranging from 45 minutes to six hours. So, you better pack your most comfortable pair of shoes, because these will be the hikes you don’t want to miss.

Anse Vata

Just where you need to go to have a perfect beach photo. Anse Vata bay is an absolute must-see for any traveler who visits Nouméa. The vibrant beach located between two large rocks is rich with pedestrian pathways, but also with fantastic hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and night clubs. So you can spend your day taking a long stroll from Rocher César to Rocher à la voile while watching windsurfers perform a spectacular show. Take a break from your walk by relaxing under a coconut tree, or if you are in need of some exercise take advantage of the workout area. And afterward, enjoy a delicious meal or drink with a breathtaking view of this marvelous beach. Anse Vata is what you need for a perfect summer day.

Pont de Mouli

It can seem a bit strange that we should put a bridge on our list. But this is no ordinary bridge. The bridge is set over the bluest water surrounded by the pearl-white sand shore. The water under the bridge is filled with fish, turtles, and even an occasional shark. The breathtaking experience from this bridge is even more augmented with the fact that for the locals this is only a road and an excellent spot from which they can jump into the channel. 

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The North-Western edge of this region right up to Boat Pass, present an arid, moon-like landscape with an extraordinary sea bottom off the coasts of Poum Reef.

Down south, the area is referred to as “region of local cowboys” called stockmen with cattle rearing and agricultural cultivation in full swing. From the region of Koumac to Poya, through Kaala-Gomen and Pouembout, the coast here is a backdrop of long plains of grass, and vast savannas with softback trees. The unexplored coastline in this area has enormous mangroves and is still full of beauty and natural sumptuousness.

Deep in the heart of the mangrove, is where we have the famous Heart of Voh with a reputation popularized by the photography of Yann Arthus-Bertrand. You can choose to take a scenic aerial view of the famous landmark or do a 4×4 climb to the peak of Mont Katepec, to view the Heart of Voh from its top.

Asides the beautiful landscapes of the east coast, the region also has a lot of hidden archaeological and historical treasures, waiting to be discovered. One of such is the site of Foue, location of the beautiful Lapita potteries an area close to the town of Kone. An archeological wonder which expresses the rich cultural heritage of New Caledonia.

The petroglyphs of Katiramona, in Paita city, is another popular site that is continually something to fascinate visitors. The Caledonian petroglyphs rather than depict animals and humans instead are exclusively geometric. Consisting of Spirals, circles, stars, crosses, lines, and polygons are another form of drawing entirely whose meaning has continued to baffle researchers worldwide.

Fort Teremba which is a relic of the reformatory administration at Moindou provides another historical heritage to be explored in the west coast. Have a feel of the mining legacy of the west coast from Poum to koumac with mining sites such as the Pilou Mine or at Tiebaghi, a former mining village.

The west coast is also home to a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, lagoons of the west coast area are by far one of the most magnificent in New Caledonia, it is notable for its sublime lenticular reef stretching from Moindou to Bourail.

Join the cowboys of the west coast on a day of horseback riding with the cattle at raising stations from Paita to Kaala-Gomen for a thrilling experience. Thanks to the favorable climatic and geographic conditions, the west coast remains a fabulous agricultural destination. Tourists can have a feel of the regions abundant agrarian prowess during the yearly agricultural fairs held in various towns in the region.

Want more? Read about the Great South, the East Coast, Noumea, or the Islands of New Caledonia.

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Don’t give up and jump at the first chance to grab the welcome offer from Genting and play casino games. There are several exciting in-land sports you can participate in! Also, we’ve covered water sports in New Caledonia in this article, if you want to read more about them.

Every inch of New Caledonia both land and sea contain hidden treasures waiting for adventurers to explore. Fauna and flora, the fields, forests hills and valleys of the region form an essential part of the beautiful environment waiting to be explored through various sports:

Hiking:

New Caledonia offers you an unbeatable array of trails, paths and hiking routes with breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape as you take a walk through.

The southern Grande Randonee hiking route takes you through a seven stage journey beginning from ancient village of Prony to the very peak of the central mountain chains through the former mining village of Dumbea, then deep into the blue river province park.

While the northern GR route also takes you on an expedition through creeks, rivers, and waterfalls.  A hiking trip through New Caledonia will take you from the lush vegetation into drier wooded forests which Are home to several unique species exclusive to the region all for your admiration.

Mountain biking:

From the city and its surroundings into the hilly inner regions, enjoy a ride through the rough trails of the new Caledonian mainland.

Although without the excitement of winding paths or cycling through thick vegetation, hikers can still enjoy several kilometers of biking within the big cities. Rougher trails, however, exist through the cascading landscape on dry red earth and green paths of the forest. Bikers can enjoy a ride through trails as long as 50Km and climbs of several hundreds of Km to keep your calves in perfect shape.

Horse riding:

There are over 20,000 horses all over New Caledonia both in the wild and domesticated. Apart from their competitive use, one of the best ways to explore the region is to do so on horsebacks reaching places that cannot be reached by foot.

You can choose to climb the arduous slopes of the Caledonian mountain chains and discover breathtaking vantage points overlooking the vast plains.  

Apart from the heights you can take a ride by the shores as well trotting happily with your mount through an expense of beautiful beaches. You can also spend a day with the natives, cow tracking typical cowboy style on your saddle.

Hunting:

With an experienced guide, you can make a hunting trip through the rich forests and grasslands and enjoy a good hunt in the open country. However, this just like other sporting activity must be done with utmost respect for nature. You will not only return home with a kill but also with images of the amazing Caledonian natural habitats.

Aside from individual sports, check out our list of 4 sporting events happening in New Caledonia!

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Yate as a commune is a combination of the scenic image of the rainforest with the wild laterite red of the mining region to produce a unique environmental diversity. Its apparent aridity on the basis of its soil, however, does not rob it of a dense network of abundant rivers, creeks as well as water reserves.

Mont-Dore which is the second largest of New Caledonia’s towns is mostly unoccupied. Located quite close to the town of Noumea the town is a gateway to the south and has an abundance of both natural and cultural features.

The great south is a destination that holds green tourism as a priority. Sporting activities are common both in the open natural spaces or in equipped areas. Regarding cultural heritage, the region is also home to several historical and heritage sites, such as the Ouen Island, the ancient village of Prony, or the Yaté dam.

The Blue River Park is one of the most exciting places to visit in the great south and perhaps even in New Caledonia. Covering about 9,000 hectares of land at a location about 60km southwards from Noumea, the blue river park is the home of the one-thousand-year-old great kaori tree. The trunk of the tree is about 3 meters wide. The park can be explored on foot, on horseback or on a bike.

Tourists wishing to visit the Forgotten coast can only do so only by sea or air, the forgotten coast is a 30km long coastline that has remained widely untouched true to its name due to its remoteness and seclusion.

You can also spend the day kayaking in the largest reservoir of freshwater in New Caledonia, the yate lake which is located in the drowned forest or take a hike through one of the most famous trails and a favorite of several hikers in New Caledonia the La Grande Randonnée 1 interpreted as the great hiking trail.

Another must-see location in the Deep South of New Caledonia is the Madeleine Falls which are located in Plaine des Lacs (Plain of Lakes). For a small entry fee, you gain access to the lush botanical trails which houses 168 different species of plants most of which occur only in Caledonia. The Les Chutes de La Madeleine” is located right at the heart of the Natural Reserve, quite close to the Blue River.

If you happen to visit the great south between July and August, that would be perfect timing because the period is the whale season and the best location to watch the majestic giants as they dance in the deep blue lagoon of New Caledonia is the deep south.

There are a lot of marvels to discover in the great south and a lot to keep you busy all through your visit.

Want more? Read about the West Coast, the East Coast, Noumea, or the Islands of New Caledonia.

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It is a beautiful region, and an expedition through the east coast will reward you with several incredible scenic views. The landscape is plush and mountainous. The foothills bordering the coastlines are covered in an attractive vegetation cover.

There are plenty of hiking trails and a host of other activities to not only keep you busy through your stay in the east coast but also keep your body fit and your mind satisfied with abundant natural wonders.

The area is home to the Kanak people, who are the actual original inhabitants of New Caledonia.  Today they live in traditional huts in units broken up into several small communities the line the length of the coast. The Kanak people of the east coast have a rich culture with beautiful music, dance, and sculpture.

The region is also a wonderland of some sort with hidden waterfalls, tree ferns on the hillside, and lush valleys.

The Coast also has beautiful diving spots, a barrier reef with a wide variety of exotic and colorful corals and sea anemones, seamounts, canyons, drops and arches The reef is also home to several tropical fishes, pygmy seahorses, sea- turtles, manta rays, humpback and reef sharks and is, in fact, one of New Caledonia’s most vibrant and most beautiful reefs that will, without doubt, keep you fascinated on a snorkeling trip.

Take a hike and visit the magnificent Tao Falls, then climb to the top of New Caledonia’s highest point at Mount Panie. Pause for an amazing view from one of the island’s most beautiful spots at Hienghène Bay, where two isolated rock formations named ‘brooding hen’ and ‘sphinx’ are found.

If you are out to admire not just the beauty of nature but the culture and history of the people, then a visit to the Cultural Centre at Goa Ma Bwarhat will do you some good. Here you will find authentic and beautiful handicrafts.

Thio Village situated beside the Thio River; a colonial-style town is a place to visit to get a feel of the history of the people.  It was In Thio, that the Caledonian nickel mining adventure began, pay a visit to the world’s the oldest working open-pit mine which has been in operation since the year 1880. There is a newly renovated museum at the heart of Thio that tells the story of the activities of men who worked in the ancient mine.

Another town which preserves the mining heritage of the east coast is the town of Ouegoa located at the north-eastern edge of the Grande Terre. The town once ravaged by the leather and gold fever is now a laid back peaceful community.

Want more? Read about the West Coast, the Great South, Noumea, or the Islands of New Caledonia.

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