Things to Do in New Caledonia


	The Isles of Pines	Tip Rating:

Updated By Maximilian21

on January 19, 2005

Beautiful little island situated to the south of New Caledonia. Is definately worth the trip there. You can either go on a day trip or spend a few days in one the the expensive hotel resorts they have on the island. The island is not to large so can can see it all in perhaps a day or two.


	Noumea	Tip Rating:

Updated By Maximilian21

on January 20, 2005

Noumea has a really laid back vibe to it. There definantely the cafe culture thing happening here but it also lacks in pretentiousness and people just like to chill and have a good time. The port is very picturesque and there is an ubundance of restaurants and bars. All in all its a nice mix between the colonial and the traditional island lifestyle.


	Mix with some of the Village locals	Tip Rating:

By Maximilian21

on January 19, 2005

The highlight of the trip for me is always the people. New calledonia was no exception. Being an islander myself, ive always been drawn to melanesian people and thier lifestyle. The seem to have "la joie de vivre" without our own luxuries and "necessities".


	Melanasian culture extraveganza	Tip Rating:

By Maximilian21

on January 20, 2005

I particularly love melanesian culture. The people seem to ooze peace and genuine good will. The cultural festivites are ok, but why watch them do a "show" when you too can join in. Im sure they would much appreciiate this. It wouldnt be a spectacle of their lives and culture but more of an expression of themseleves. So put the camera down and have a little dance yourself.


	Ile des Pins	Tip Rating:

Updated By stigel

on May 30, 2004

by stigel
Send Photo to a Friend

Baie de Kuto

This tiny island is located just south of Grand Terre which is the main island, it's possible to get there either by boat or by plane - and it's worth the effort! Ile des Pins is a picture perfect paradise! There is not a whole lot of facilities or hotels and prices are incredibly high but I definetly recommend spending a couple of days there. Getting around the island can be a hassle, we rented bikes from a tiny restaurant in Baie de Kuto which is probably the best choice since there are niether buses nor taxis.

Website: www.air-caledonie.nc

Other Contact: www.isle-of-pines.com


	Noumea	Tip Rating:

Updated By hunwagner

on July 20, 2006

by hunwagner
Send Photo to a Friend

The capital of New Caledonia is an unashamed outpost of France in the South Pacific. It has a majority French population, many of whom are recent arrivals from Europe, although it does also have a noticable presence of the native Melanesian Kanaks, Polynesian migrants from Wallis and Tahiti, as well as Chinese, Vietnamese and Indonesians. Who are conspiciously missing are the English-speaking tourists - except on cruise-ship days, though even then, Noumea is big enough to absorb the lot. Architecturally and culturally the city looks and feels very Mediterranean, while also boosting the fine beaches its Pacific location has blessed it with. It is probably the most beautiful capital in the South Pacific and well worth a few days, even though it is hardly representative of New Caledonia as a whole, and you should also try and see what the rest of the territory has to offer. See my separate Noumea pages for more info on the city!

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2e789/1d1eb7/


	Hienghéne	Tip Rating:

Updated By hunwagner

on July 14, 2006

by hunwagner
Send Photo to a Friend

A small town in the north-east of Grande Terre, Hienghéne sits on a secluded bay surrounded by rugged hills and a coastline graced by fantastic limestone formations. It also has some fine beaches, an excellent cultural centre, and plenty of traditional Kanak villages, some offering tribal homestays others campsites, nearby. If you can only visit one place away from Noumea, this should be the one to head for! See my separate page on Hienghéne for more.

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2e789/1d1fea/


	Isle of Pines	Tip Rating:

Updated By hunwagner

on July 11, 2006

by hunwagner
Send Photo to a Friend

The most beautiful and most visited of the outer islands, the Isle of Pines gets its name from its trademark pines towering over some of the finest white-sand beaches in the South Pacific. While it is probably the least traditional and the most touristy of New Caledonia's islands, it is far from being over-run or spoilt, and its proximity to Noumea makes it easy to reach even on a day-trip. See my Isle of Pines pages for more info!

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2e789/1d1e26/0/


	Tjibaou Cultural Centre	Tip Rating:

By Maximilian21

on March 23, 2005

Completed in May 1998, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre is a spectacular edifice rising on the Tina peninsula in Noumea. It is named in recognition of the Kanak leader, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and his contribution to the nation's cultural developments. The centre exibits Kanak and pacific art and is a wonderful place to learn more about the island and its history.