Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with Facebook
hunwagner Says: Most visitors to this area seem to consider climbing the mountain way too much effort to bother with (they don't know what they are missing!) and will be content with the short hike to the base of New Caledonia's highest and most impressive waterfall instead.The falls are...
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: Accomodation up on the mountain itself is limited to this very basic wooden hut.It is located very high up, close to the peak and of course is only reachable on foot.It would make a great (though no doubt cold) base for birdwatchers and other naturalists keen to explore the...
Terrain de Camping Chambonnier
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...
Helpfulness
There are no stores, let alone restaurants in this remote area.
The only place to buy any food at all was this humble little roadside-stall belonging to the family guarding the entrance to the Tao Falls.
They sold delicious papayas, and occasionally bananas and pumpkins for a pittance, but you do need correct change as it operates on a honesty basis!
Bring everything else you think you might need during your stay here from Hienghéne.
Updated Aug 5, 2006
Helpfulness
The single daily bus between Pouébo and Poindimié provides the only public transport option to reach this area.
Unless you happen to connect with it, hitching may just be faster.
Written Jul 25, 2006
Helpfulness
The same stall meantioned in my "Restaurants" tip also sold a few local crafts like simple little carvings, basketware and a few shells.
And that's it.
Updated Jul 25, 2006
Helpfulness
The next river-crossing past the Tao Falls, the trailhead, and near the Chambonnier campsite will pass a large, crystal-clear pool of water formed before that river would flow into the sea.
It has a uniquely inviting, short white-sand beach, which is better than the beaches on the seaside itself in this area!
Written Jul 26, 2006
hunwagner Says: From the ridge, you will have sweeping views of Grande Terre's interior, all the way to the west coast. Having climbed through the dense forest of this magnificent nature reserve, it is somewhat depressing to see all the deforestation on the other side of the range.There is...
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...
Climbing Mount Panié: The trail-head
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...
Helpfulness
Favorite thing: As Mount Panié is a nature reserve, public access is limited and you will need a permit to enter the reserve and climb the mountain.
Fortunately, this permit can be obtained quite readily and painlessly at the tourist office in Hienghéne - but not anywhere near the mountain itself! It is issued free of charge in a few hours.
Once you have it in hand, you will have to show it to the ranger who lives just east of the bridge crossing the river under the Tao Falls the day before you plan to start your climb.
Updated Aug 5, 2006
Mount Panié: The Top of New Caledonia
At 1628 metres, Mount Panié is the highest mountain in New Caledonia. It is surrounded by what is possibly the best remaining block of virgin forest in the territory, and has been declared a nature......
Build your own Massif du Panié page
Comments