 | Off the Beaten Path in New Caledonia 
 
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New Caledonia TravelGuide
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 | New Caledonia Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 18 |  | ||
Popular Off the Beaten Path | Miscellaneous Off the Beaten Path Tips | All Tips (18)
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 | Mount Panié |    |  |
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 |  on July 26, 2006 |
At 1628 metres the highest mountain in New Caledonia, Mount Panié forms the heart of a lush nature reserve housing some of the richest flora and fauna in the territory. It's a rather steep and strenous climb to the top, and a permit is required - available from the Hienghéne Tourist Office for free. Very few people seem to bother with the climb - I even met French living in nearby Hienghéne who go hiking in New Zealand but never climbed this mountain. Too hard, they say... :-) Not to be missed if you are a nature lover! See my separate Mount Panié page for information on the area around the mountain, and the climb up to the peak! |
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| Cross-island road to Koné | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
There are several roads across Grande Terre from the west coast to the east, but the most beautiful yet least known one, not desribed in any guidebooks, is the one that branches off between Poindimié and Touho to go across the mountains to Koné. It passes beautiful lakes and forested hills with very few signs of human habitation, but has several roadside picnic stops and even a few marked hiking trails along it. |
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| Hienghéne Valley | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
Inland from Hienghéne, there is a string of Kanak tribal villages stretching into the mointainous interior along this valley. The special thing about them is that they encourage tourism by offering programs like horse-riding and even accomodation in traditional Kanak huts. This can be a good way to experience everyday life of the Kanaks if you speak French - if not, it's still interesting to go hiking in the surrounding mountains for a day or two. |
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| Tao Waterfall | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
7 kms north of the ferry crossing, the highest and most famous waterfall in the territory is actually visible from the road. It is nevertheless well worth paying up the 200 francs to use the trail up to the falls' base through the jungle. The track is very slippery so wear proper shoes! |
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| Touho | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
A small town on a pretty bay with a good beach, Touho also has an old mission attached to it. For budget travellers, it offers some of the best and cheapest campsites in New Caledonia - a good reason to make it a base for exploring the surrounding countryside. |
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| Balade | | |
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| on July 14, 2006 |
North of Pouebo, the area of Balade is connected with several important events in New Caledonia's early history. Captain Cook anchored here, the first Catholic mass in land was held under a banyan tree near the beach, and there is a beautiful church commemorating these historic events. There is also an ugly monument for France's rule over the territory. The stunning golden beach alone makes a visit worthwhile though! See my Balade page for more on this remote area. |
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| The North-East Coast | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
The North-East is Grande Terre's most beautiful region. It is dominated by steep hills covered in lush, green forests, which overlook beautiful stretches of coast with Grande Terre's great barrier reef within sight. The population here is mostly Kanak, with the Caldoche only living in the few small towns scattered along the coast. |
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| Pouébo | | |
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| on July 11, 2006 |
The northernmost real township on the east coast, Pouébo has an old church and a windswept beach with free camping. However it is mostly worth visiting for its yearly Mwata Festival, held in honour of a traditional banana cake. It features Kanak and Polynesian dances and a fair of local produce. |
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| The North Coast | | |
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 |  on July 11, 2004 |
If you have time in NC I would definately reccommend visiting the northern part of the island. The southern part of La Grande Terre has most of the Resorts, the white population and the Capital, Noumea - but the lesser visited Northern Part, I think is pretty cool as well. On My last trip we hired a car , and drove basically around the whole island , staying at local villages - which can be organised in Noumea through the tourist board. The further North you travel especially on the east coast, the more traditional the villages and lifestyle- with some people never having visited the south let alone Australia or somewhere. This view is on the road between Hienghene and Poum on something of a rainy day - but amazingly dramatic scenery. |
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| Tié Mission | | |
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| on July 10, 2006 |
Just north of Poindimié, this small mission settlement is typical of many others up the north-east coast. They are all centred on an old, quiant church and were established to concentrate the surrounding Kanak population who were losing their lands to French settlers in the 19th century. |
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More New Caledonia Tips
| Overview | General Tips Tips: 26 - Photos: 20 |
| Restaurants Tips: 7 - Photos: 5 | Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 20 - Photos: 12 |
| Things To Do Tips: 41 - Photos: 28 | Nightlife Tips: 6 - Photos: 3 |
| Off the Beaten Path Tips: 18 - Photos: 17 | Tourist Traps Tips: 4 - Photos: 2 |
| Warnings or Dangers Tips: 6 - Photos: 1 | Transportation Tips: 22 - Photos: 10 |
| Local Customs Tips: 21 - Photos: 15 | Packing Lists Tips: 10 - Photos: 5 |
| Shopping Tips: 4 - Photos: 3 | Sports Travel Tips: 9 - Photos: 8 |
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