New Caledonia Off The Beaten Path

  Inside the center, explanation in kakak...
by drmjalba
 
  • Inside the center, explanation in kakak language
      Inside the center, explanation in kakak...
    by drmjalba
  • Lifou in the midday sun- Perfect
      Lifou in the midday sun- Perfect
    by Liberty2008
  • Statue of Yeiwéné Yeiwéné at the entrance
      Statue of Yeiwéné Yeiwéné at the...
    by drmjalba
  • Founder remembered at 20 years after death
      Founder remembered at 20 years after...
    by drmjalba
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by hunwagner
 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Stray dogs alert

by Liberty2008

When off the beaten track on Lifou be very aware of stray dogs! They are everywhere. They sleep on the beach, hang around in packs and go nuts if you cycle past them on rented bikes from hotels.As you will, no doubt, not want to be spending your time in New Cal in a hospital being stiched up after a dog has caught you make sure you have secure shoes and you are fitter than the average Lifou dog.Remember this is an off the beaten path tip I'm sure dogs are well behaved if you do not go skipping across the countryside as we did.

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Mount Panié

by hunwagner

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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Balade

by hunwagner

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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Pouébo

by hunwagner

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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Tao Waterfall

by hunwagner

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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Hienghéne Valley

by hunwagner

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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Touho

by hunwagner

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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Cross-island road to Koné

by hunwagner

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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Tié Mission

by hunwagner

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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Poindimié

by hunwagner

Poindimié is the main urban centre of the North-East coast.Much to my pride, its main tourist attraction according to both English-language guidebooks on the country is this somewhat simple mosaic by Hungarian abstract artist Vasarely.It decorates the town's swiming pool.There is some good hiking to be had around the town, but most people head straight on northwards.

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Unique Places in New Caledonia

Top 3 Hotels in New Caledonia

Le Lagon  Nouméa

 50 Opinions

 Hotels in Nouméa

Le Meridien Ile Des Pins  Île des Pins

 2 Reviews and 60 Opinions  Lovely bar lounge where you can relax and unwind........with a $10 cocktail !! 

 Hotels in Île des Pins

Quality Resort Rivland  Païta

 6 Opinions

 Hotels in Païta

27 Hotels in New Caledonia
 
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The Place

Reviews and photos of New Caledonia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for New Caledonia sightseeing.

Experience New Caledonia
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in New Caledonia
  1. Nouméa Off The Beaten Path
  2. Île des Pins Off The Beaten Path
  3. Lifou Off The Beaten Path
  4. Hienghène Off The Beaten Path
  5. Massif du Panié Off The Beaten Path
  6. Maré Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in New Caledonia

 

Questions and Answers

CandS profile photo

Q:  Can anyone tell me if there are any resorts in New Caledonia with volleyball facilities? Thanks! 

tropicrd profile photo

A: Hello, Most resorts in New Caledonia offer volley ball facilities. You could look this resort up and they may then link you up to other resorts. Tieti Tera Beach... 

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