BONJOUR! WELCOME TO NEW CALEDONIA!
Literally on our doorstep (only 2 ½ hours flying time from Auckland), New Caledonia is our nearest South Pacific neighbour and is the France of the South Pacific. For years a great number of travellers and tourists have been smitten with the island's unique mix of French colonial charm and native Melanesian culture - you will be too!
New Caledonia is divided into three provinces- Northern, Southern and the Loyalty Islands. The mainland, "La Grande Terre" is 400 kms long and just 50 kms wide.

Noumea, which is located on the island's south-western coast, is New Caledonia's only city and is the capital of the Southern Province. It is the place where most people start their New Caledonia experience. Tontouta International Airport is about 45 minutes north and the domestic Magenta Airport is just a few minutes drive from the city centre. A large marina plays host to a number of boat tour operators in addition to yacht charter companies and dive operators.

Noumea offers a diverse range of possibilities to its lucky visitors. A good way to start your holiday is to take the "Le Petit Train" excursion to find your bearings. Then you may wish to discover the markets, have lunch in an outdoor cafe, taking in the colourful sights and sounds of this bustling city and its local people. Take a day tour out to Amédée Lighthouse (the snorkelling is fabulous) or discover the underwater marine life on Ilot Canard (Duck Island) located a short distance from Noumea's shores. The beaches at Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (just a 5 minute drive from downtown Noumea) are great places to relax and unwind. Watch the locals play pentanque or better still... join in! Night time Noumea is superb! Choose from a wide range of restaurants, join in the fun in one of the many bars, cafes and nightclubs or try your luck at one of the Casinos. Noumea has so much to offer... by day and by night!

Outside "La Grande Terre" Isle of Pines is the other island most often visited by travellers to New Caledonia. Take the short 20 min scenic flight to the Isle of Pines for a day trip or better still STAY! This island is around 18 kms in length and 14 kms in width and is world renowned for its unspoilt beauty - powdery white sand beaches, aquamarine water (home to a variety of colourful coral, and tropical fish) and boasts some fabulous flora and fauna. The island is an ideal size for exploration by rental car or motorbike.

Driving holidays in New Caledonia are the best in the Pacific. Having excellent (mostly sealed) roads offering good facilities and accommodation along the way and most of all offering an unbelievable diversity of scenery and experiences. Just remember to keep the steering wheel side of the car to the centre of the road and you'll be fine.

The Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa) are a string of islands anchored 100 kms off the East Coast of New Caledonia and only 40 min away by air. There are regular weekly flights from Noumea and a high speed catamaran that serves Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa.

When visiting the Loyalty Islands you will get to know the people and their beliefs and will discover the authentic Kanak (the indigenous Melanesian inhabitants) way of life. You will be overwhelmed by the generous hospitality of these island people who will welcome you as a real guest and share the richness of their traditions and history with you. This unique and personal touch will leave you with lasting memories and will add something very special to your holiday itinerary.
So come to New Caledonia and experience its unique charm and colourful diversity for yourself. Where else will you find a taste of Europe in lush island surrounds within three hours of Auckland? New Caledonia is awaiting your discovery!

VIVA LA DIFFERENCE!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF NEW CALEDONIA
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF NOUMEA

LANGUAGE
French is the official language, while the local Melanesians also have their own dialects. English is widely understood and spoken, especially in Noumea. Any effort made to speak the local language is warmly received!

DEPARTURE TAX
Noumea departure tax of 1570 XPF per adult and child (approximately $29 NZD) is payable when collecting your document.

VISA
Not required by New Zealand passport holders for stays up to 3 months. Visitors must have a current passport, valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and a return or onward airline ticket.

DUTY FREE
The duty free allowance for each visitor over 17 years is 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars), one litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine. A customs declaration must be completed and handed to customs upon arrival.

TRANSPORT
In Noumea and surrounding suburbs there is no shortage of public bus transport, which is inexpensive and easy to use. The bus routes provide an extensive coverage and frequent service. Taxis are also readily available. There are 2 main airports on the mainland .. Tontouta International Airport is situated 50km's north of Noumea (about 45 minute drive) and Magenta Airport which is used for domestic flights is just a few minutes drive from downtown Noumea.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). New Zealand Dollars are accepted for exchange by all banks and most main hotels. Banks are open from 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards (except Bankcard) are widely accepted, and there are plenty of ATM machines in Noumea - but please, don't forget your PIN number.

CLOTHING
The style in New Caledonia is casual, and being French very elegant, especially in the evenings when dining out, nightclubbing or visiting the casino. And don't forget the sunscreen and insect repellent!

ELECTICITY
The current in New Caledonia is 220 volts 50 cycles. You may require an adaptor for some appliances as most hotels will be fitted with European-style 2 pin power points.

MEDICAL
There are excellent medical facilities in Noumea - doctors, dentists, hospitals and pharmacies - and your hotel will assist in finding the closest if required. New Caledonia is free from malaria. As with all overseas travel however, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance before departure.

Noumea is the place where most visitors start their New Caledonia experience. Here there is just so much to see and do that Go Holidays has made life easy for you by recommending below, some "must do" activities .. After all holidays are about relaxing and having fun .. not wasting precious time making decisions - ENJOY!

LE PETIT TRAIN
A good way to start your holiday is aboard the Le Petit train. This 90 minute excursion allows you to get your bearings and there is time aplenty to have a look around the town centre or the Botanical Gardens and zoo before catching the next scheduled train shuttle.

THURSDAY MARKET
This event takes place every Thursday evening from 6.00pm on the Anse Vata waterfront and provides an insight into the ethnic and cultural mosaic of New Caledonia. It is also a craft showcase for the creation and unique arts of New Caledonia … it's a great place to meet & mingle with the locals too!

AMEDEE LIGHTHOUSE
Take an excursion further afield to the Amedee Lighthouse, located within a natural marine reserve, and home to a large variety of coloured tropical fish - this trip is a must for those who like snorkeling. Your excursion includes return catamaran transfers from Noumea, buffet lunch, Tahitian dancing and a glass bottom boat ride.

TIBAOU CULTURAL CENTRE
The Tjibaou Arts & Cultural Centre on the Tina Peninsula, 10 minutes from Noumea City Centre offers visitors a voyage of discovery with works of Kanak art and imposing Pacific sculptures plus a unique collection of contemporary art from the Pacific region.

NOUMEA AQUARIUM
World famous for its fluorescent corals and numerous varieties of tropical sealife, the Aquarium is located between the two main beaches - Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons.

PETANQUE (BOWLS)
This French version of bowls is mostly played by the male population of New Caledonia. You'll normally find a game in action alongside Anse Vata Beach - spectators & players are welcomed!

GOLF
Enjoy a game of golf at the Tina International Golf Course centrally situated a 10 minute drive from Anse Vata.

PLACES LOISIRS
Certain Noumea hotels (Le Pacifique, Hotel Le Lagon, Novotel Surf, Parkroyal Noumea & Casa Del Sole) .. offer free beach activities - windsurfing, kayaks, pedalboats plus deck chairs to assist with sunbathing - for guests at 'Plages Loisirs', a leisure & nautical centre on Anse Vata Beach. The centre is open daily from 7.00am - 5.30pm. Vouchers will be issued to you at the participating hotels.

MARKETS
The market, situated near Baie de la Moselle is a must to visit. The action starts at 5.00am through to 11.00am with fish, vegetables & tropical fruits available for sale.

SHOPPING
Explore downtown Noumea, do the shops and check out the latest in designer label clothing from France and Europe, imported shoes, bags, jewellery, lingerie, perfumes and cosmetics that aren't available in New Zealand. Some of the larger department stores also offer a wide choice of Melanesian handicrafts and souvenirs.

DIVING
Discover the splendor of New Caledonia's coral lagoon (… the largest in the world) and home to nearly 2000 different varieties of fish. The water temperatures also provide ideal conditions in which coral and shells thrive. There are numerous dive centres located throughout the mainland and on the surrounding islands providing initiation dives, dive instruction and qualification, night and day exploration dives … all complete with equipment hire.

DAY TRIP TO ISLE OF PINES
Flights to Isle of Pines operate daily. All day itinerary includes return air travel on Air Caledonie from Magenta (Noumea domestic airport), transfers and a tour of the island with lunch.

NOUMEA BY NIGHT
Night time Noumea is superb - enjoy the extensive choice of cuisine in the many Noumea restaurants or take one of the dinner cruises out on the harbour, join locals in the numerous bars and cafes or party the night away at one of the several excellent nightclubs … or try your luck in the Casinos.

If you have never thought of New Caledonia as a fly/drive destination, then you need to think again. It is just perfect, being just 400 kms from end to end, having excellent (mostly sealed) roads, offering good facilities and accommodation along the way and, most importantly, offering an unbelievable diversity of scenery and experiences. In fact, New Caledonia has it all – high mountains, coastal farming and grazing, lush tropical vegetation, rivers and waterfalls, towns, mines, plantations and a beautiful coastline with a sprinkling of resort hotels.

THE DRIVING
In New Caledonia, all rental cars are left hand drive. Although some visitors are a little hesitant about driving on the other side of the road, as long as you follow the signs and rules, and remember to keep the steering wheel side of the car to the centre of the road, you’ll be fine. A current drivers licence is needed.

THE TOURING
A popular fly/drive itinerary is to drive up the west coast with a night or two at Malabou Beach Resort, and then down the east coast with a night or two at Koulnoue Village, Hienghéne. At about half way down the east coast, the road cuts back to the west coast, so you only have 162 kilometres of duplicated scenery as you backtrack to Noumea.
To do justice to the complete circle trip, we think you should allow at least five days and if you are a keen climber, walker, photographer, fisherman, botanist, historian, horserider, or just plain beach bum, then longer would be better.
For shorter fly/drive itineraries, we would suggest you combine the resorts at Poe Beach and Koulnoue Village, Hienghéne – a three or four day experience. Whatever fly/drive itinerary you plan, there are some excellent driving guides for visitors, which have helpful hints, distances, road rules and good maps to help you along your way.

DESTINATIONS
MONT DORE
Mont Dore, approximately 30km south of Noumea, is an interesting place to visit, particularly in the late afternoon, in the golden colours of the setting sun.

YATÉ
Known as the Botanical Paradise, Yaté is about 80km south from Noumea. There are several hundred different kinds of plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Built on a hill slope, Yaté village may be reached through the magnificent Yaté gorge which is a good starting point for excursions to Waho. En-route to Yaté, visit Riviére Bleue (Blue River Provincial Park) at the mouth of which is a hot water spring.

BOULOUPARIS
A small village 73km north of Noumea at the foot of Mount Ouitchambo, with a racecourse at the entrance to the village. Golf can be played at the 18 hole golf course at the nearby Les Paillottes de la Ouenghi hotel!

LA FOA
Just 110km from Noumea, signals the start of “cattle country” and a good base for the exploration of Dogny Plateau and the village of Koindé. Between La Foa and Moindou, the ruins of Fort Teremba prison are the setting for an annual sound and light show retracing the convict ear. Nearby are the remains of an old military watchtower overlooking the plain.

SARRAMÉA
Small picturesque village squeezed in between mountains, a real paradise for nature lovers with a variety of walks and streams for swimming.

BOURAIL
162kms north of Noumea is Bourail. Area highlights include a museum, NZ Pacific War Cemetery, Arab Cemetery, Nemeara Cattle Station, caves, forests, plus “La Roche Percée” (Pierced Rock), “La Baie des Tortues” (Turtle Bay) and Poe Beach (located 17km from Bourail). Horseriding treks and diving tours are popular in this region.

KONÉ
Capital of the Northern Province, still on the West Coast and around 267km from Noumea, Koné is a small town at the foot of the Koniambo mountain range. The peak of Mont Koné (237m) may be reached on foot by a winding track. Koné is serviced by an airport.

KOUMAC
Situated 368km from Noumea, Koumac forms the crossroads to the interior of the North West Coast, and is famous for its church which features exquisite wooden sculptures. Not far from the town centre are caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Walk to the river or swim at Koumac beach. Regular domestic flights operate to Koumac Airport.

POUM
Located in the Banara Bay, about 56km from Koumac at the extreme north of the island, the Melanesian village of Poum is under the palm trees and its beaches at Nennon, Ouegoa, Tiabet, Bouarou and Malabou are the most beautiful in New Caledonia. Mount Poum can be reached in one hour by foot.

HIENGHÉNE
Located on a rocky pit at the mouth of the Hienghéne River, Hienghéne is considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in New Caledonia and features an interesting cultural centre. Lagoons, valleys, beautiful waterfalls, coconut groves, coffee plantations, Melanesian villages and the highest peak in New Caledonia, Mont Panie (1,639m) are all found here. Lying between the Melanesian village and Hienghéne itself, are two naturally sculptured limestone rocks towering 60m above the bay of Hienghéne.

TOUHO
This is the most tropical region of the mainland. The road between Hienghéne and Touho follows the very picturesque coastline, reaching the pretty seaside village of Touho, surrounded by coffee plantations and palm trees. It is famous for its Troca fishermen and has an excellent view over the sea, the rocks and Cap Colnett. Domestic flights operate into Touho Airport.

POINDIMIÉ
Poindimié is situated 306km from Noumea, boasting one of the best beaches on the East Coast. It consists of two distinct areas separated by a stream which flows through the middle of the town. Poindimié scenery is remarkable. Coffee plantations, dotted with coconut trees separate Melanesian villages built in traditional style with the huts covered with niaouli bark. In this area Melanesians sell coconuts and local handicrafts from the roadside. Inland from Poindimié are beautiful waterfalls in the Nessapoué and Napoemien areas.

HOUAILOU
This is the crossover point to Bourail on the West Coast. This terraced village faces a valley with the Nindiah caves and Mission just 7km away, and country walks through to the Ba river and waterfalls. The Nickel Mine, located at Poro, can be visited with permission.

THIO
An important mining centre in a beautiful valley 126km from Noumea on the east coast. Nickel mining was discovered here in 1876 and some years later the mining company set up factories and the different mining levels can be clearly seen. The Thio Museum can be visited. Permission can be obtained to vist the Plateau Mines for the magnificent view over the valley, beach and ocean.

The Loyalty Islands are a string of islands anchored 100 kms off the East Coast of New Caledonia and only a 40 min scenic flight from Noumea. There are also twice weekly services from Noumea on a "high speed catamaran" (3 1/2 hours to Mare, 4 hours to Lifou and 5 hours to Ouvéa).

This group of islands has all the charm of the South Seas: peaceful bays with long deserted beaches of pristine white sand and enchanting crystal clear turquoise lagoons, sheer cliffs crowned with colonial pinetrees and fish and coral fauna found nowhere else in the world. Each of the three islands has its own unique attractions and hidden treasures just waiting for you to discover!

The climate is extremely pleasant year round. Ouvea the most northern of the 3 islands has the warmest climate, while at Mare the most southern island, the temperatures can sometimes be quite cool during the Southern winter (mid May - mid September).

Despite the influence of modern times, the Loyalty Islanders have managed to preserve strong traditions, their culture still richly steeped in old myths and legends. When you visit, you will discover the authentic kanak way of life and enjoy their natural and generous hospitality.

Within the island group, there are different styles of accommodation available to suit all tastes and budgets from tourist hotels and fully self-contained motels to guesthouses (gites) and homestays.

To really discover the island of you choice properly and at a relaxed pace, we suggest you allow at least three days and make the most of their local guides. You will be captivated by the natural beauty of the Loyalty Islands, their diverse landscape, clear turquoise waters and the charm and warmth of the local Melanesian people, only too happy to share their traditions and history with you ... come and discover their hidden treasures for yourself ... you won’t be disappointed!

NOUMEA
Noumea offers a diverse range of possibilities to its lucky visitors. The beaches at Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (just a 5 minute drive from downtown Noumea) are great places to relax and unwind. Watch the locals play pentanque or better still... join in! Night time Noumea is superb! Choose from a wide range of restaurants, join in the fun in one of the many bars, cafes and nightclubs or try your luck at one of the Casinos. Noumea has so much to offer... by day and by night!

ISLE OF PINES
Located on the southern tip of New Caledonia, Ile des Pins is often referred to as the "Jewel of the Pacific". Crystal clear lagoons, fringed by a Norfolk Pines backdrop, with tiny islets within the protective reef, create an extraordinary corner of the Pacific.