Massif du Panié Travel Guide

 hunwagner Says:  To me, the main atraction of the area was of course climbing Mount Panié itself.It must be one of the very finest hikes in the whole South Pacific!I will describe the climb in my Sports Travel tips below. 

 hunwagner Says:  This excellent campsite is about 2 kms to the north-west of the trailhead.It is located on a decent beach in very neat coconut groves, signposted from the road.The owners are very friendly and helpful, and the facilities were new, clean and modern at the time of my visit. I... 

 hunwagner Says:  Finally, you will emerge to a flatish plateu covered with low bush.Here you have fine views of the spine of the ridge and its neighbouring peaks, but ironically, the peak of Mount Panié itself is not very obvious.Again, the trail here splits into smaller ones, but following... 

 hunwagner Says:  Close to the peak, the trail becomes very steep in places, with some trickier scrambling necessary at least at one point.A small plank commemorating a 1943 French geological expedition here will reassure you that you are still on the right track and in fact close to your... 

 hunwagner Says:  Past here, the vegetation changes, with the trees becoming stunted and worn by wind.You will eventually reach the refuge (see my accomodation tips), and around there was the only opportunity to find drinking water along the trail - don't miss it!Past the refuge, there was... 

 hunwagner Says:  Much of the first half of the climb will only offer occasional view of the mountains AHEAD of you.Once you reach the higher altitudes though, you will pass a few viewpoint offering splendid views back towards the coast, with Grande Terre's great barrier reef very impressive... 

 hunwagner Says:  Along with the Riviére Bleau Provincial Park, this reserve has the richest collection of New Caledonia's unique fauna. Don't expect large mammals though - the specialities here are mostly birds and reptiles, like this little skink that crossed the trail in front of me - and... 

 hunwagner Says:  Much of the trail will take you through dense moss-forest.If you don't know what that means, this photo might give you an idea. 

 hunwagner Says:  If you expected a well-developed, wide and clear trail, you would be in for a shock!While the trail is certainly clear enough to follow (except towards the very top), it is narrow and somewhat overgrown. Certainly not your average walk in the park, but easy enough if you've... 

 hunwagner Says:  Having got past all the grass and entered the woods, you will reach this more modest sign announcing that you are entering the nature reseve proper.From here onwards, you will be walking through dense forest much of the way up, with only occassional clearings allowing views... 

 hunwagner Says:  The start of the trail up the mountain is marked by a large sign about 1 km north-west of the Tao Falls bridge, where the road climbs to a higher elevation.Do watch out for it as it could be missed, standing somewhat high over the road on the hillside.Once you pass this...