New Caledonia Travel Tips

Grande Terre
The main island, Grande Terre, is surrounded by a coral reef and is split by a mountain range into a verdant east and a drier west. The territory boasts an abundance of unique plants and animals. Colonial buildings and fine beaches contrast with the industrial infrastructure of the nickel industry.Grand Terre ('Big Land'), is by far the largest island of New Caledonia, being 400km long and 50km wide which makes it the 6th largest island in the South Pacific. The island is montainous with the highest peak (Mt Panie) reaching 1628m. It also has 2 main coastlines. The East coast is wet, lush and mountainous. The west is dry but windy with large coastal grassy plains and mangrove forests. To the south there lies a 250m high plateau with small lakes and marshlands. The island is surrounded by coral reefs.Tourism is centred in and around the charming port town of Noumea on the southern end of the island, with its french style boulevards and cafes, plush shopping and fine restaurants. The northern part of Grand Terre is mountainous with gorgeous tropical rain forest and a more traditional village system and culture.There are many Satellite towns as you head out of Noumea but nearly all towns and the only city (Noumea) are all situated on or near the coast. Some of the larger town include: Koumac, Kone, Borail, Tontaouta, and Poum.

Loyalty Islands The Loyalty Islands: Lifou, Mare and Ouvea, situated off the Grande Terra islands east coast. Situated 100 kilometers off the coast of the Caledonian mainland, Lifou, Mare', Ouvea and Tiga constitute the Loyalty Islands archipelago, spanning a surface area of 2,200km2. Inhabited by Melanesians more than 3,000 years ago, the Loyalties later became home to Polynesians: immigrants from Tonga, Polynesian seafarers, and Samoan fishermen integrated the tribes because of their know-how.In 1864, the Loyalty Islands were annexed by France. However, unsuited to intensive colonisation, they were constituted as native reservations, a status that established the archipelago's history for evermore. This special status set the Loyalty islanders apart as "different" Melanesians. Traditional Kanak customary organisation remains very strong, and continues to govern daily life. Visitors are immersed in a truly authentic way of life.Endowed with natural wealth and beautiful landscapes, there are long deserted beaches of pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, sheer cliffs, rocks rising like medieval fortresses and fish and coral fauna found nowhere else in the world.

Isle of Pines Eighty kilometres south-east of Noumea lies the enchanting Isle of Pines (14 km wide, 18 km long) a place where time seems to stand still. As the name implies, the island has a truly distinctive pine tree skyline which is beautifully offset against perfect white sandy beaches and turqoise lagoons. There are also several small islets within the islands protective reef.The islands landscape consists of spectacular natural colours of white sand, green, blue water and lush green vegetation. The island is also beautiful under water as there are spectacular colourful corals and fish.Often called the 'Jewel of the Pacific', the contemporary name was given by English explorer Captain James Cook. To the indigenous population (the Kunies) the island is known as Kunié.In the past this island was once a convict settlement for political prisoners from Paris and then later became a ordinary prison for preventative detainess. The convicts became known as the 'wretches in paradise' because they were mainly thieves, beggars, tramps and alcoholics taken off the streets of France. The prison finally closed and the island was fully handed back to the Kunies.Vao on the islands southern most tip is the only real village. The islands sole church dominates the village centre

Divine Island
Divine Island is an uninhabitied island located near to Poum on the northern tip of Grande Terra the main island in New CaledoniaThe island is a stopover for cruise ships and has one jetty with a BBQ are and beach volleyball nets on the main beach. A short stroll up the hill to the lookout rewarded visitors with stunning views of Emerald Bay, more islands, and sweeping views of the long white sandy beaches. There is a track that disects the island which gives you easy access to the beaches on the otherside of the island. You can also walk around the island in less than 3 hoursInland there are Palm trees and Maquis vegetation which is characterised by low, sclerophyllous, evergreen, trees and srubs.

Amadee Island
Amadee Island is a small coral islet measuring only 200 by 400 metres. The island is very popular with tourists for it's natural attractions and it's close proximity with Noumea only 20 km away. Diving in the coral reef, lazing on pristine beaches and swimming in the clear waters of the Coral Sea are popular pastimes.The island has a famous lighthouse which was manufactured in Paris in 1862. The foundation stone was laid on 18 January 1865 and the light first shone on 15 November 1865. This lighthouse is visible miles away and is a good marker when trying to locate the island from a distance.Once you arrive at the island, you can gear up on the wharf before transferring to to smaller crafts for a 10 minute run outside the famous coral reef. Snorkelling is best at the western end of the island. There is one commercial diving operator on the island.

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