Nouméa Things to Do

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This is the place to come and learn about Kanak culture, there are plenty of interesting exhibits.

Admittance is 500 XPF

You get to learn a bit about Jean-Marie Tjibaou as well, the Kanak leader who was assassinated in 1989.

Perhaps the most prominent architectural landmark of Noumea, this impressive cathedral was built in 1888. It is well worth going inside to see the coloured windows - while the main entrance is often closed, you can usually get in through the side-entrance on the left.

Near Port Moselle, this is the best place in Noumea to stock up on fresh bakery products, fruit, vegetables or fish.
There are also some handicraft stalls with better prices than the souvenir shops in the centre.
Be sure to come in the morning as it closes really early.

One of the first sites we were shown during our initial tour of Noumea, was the Place des Cocotiers.

It's known as the central gathering place in the heart of the city's downtown. Concerts are held here, and when famous leaders are in town (as was President Chirac we were told), they come here to greet the locals.

The afternoon we arrived, it seemed to be a popular picnic lunch hangout for the area's local working people.

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This is an trip not to be missed.

You are picked up from your hotel, delivered to the Mary D which takes you out to the lighthouse (about 1 hour)

The trip includes fish feeding, snorkling, shark feeding out on the reef, a fantastic lunch with wine and a cultural show.

You can climb to the top of the lighthouse if you wish (I didn't, but I hear the views are spectacular)

The lighthouse was built in France, and shown in Paris. Then dismantled and shipped and re-erected on the attol.

Getting the taxi boat over to Ile Aux Canards (Duck Island) was well worth it.

Good swimming, you can hire snorkels and get amongst it. Excellent snorkelling, and a great place to get away from it and relax.

It's a short taxi ride from Anse Vata.

A great way to discover Nouméa, these open-sided motorised “trains” depart regularly on a circle route that includes all of Nouméa’s major attractions, incl. the main shopping area, botanic gardens, beaches and Tijabou Cultural Centre.

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This fine museum on the northern side of the square is devoted to the history of Noumea.
It is housed in a fine colonial building, and has varied and interesting exhibits ranging from the early life-style of the city dwellers to the varied cultural mix and even World War II!