Kayak tour of the drowned forest at the Rivière Bleue Provincial Park in Yaté, in New Caledonia's Deep South.Blue River Provincial Park, Yaté
©Blue River Provincial Park, Yaté|Oneye Production

Top thrilling experiences

New Caledonia’s stunning landscapes serve as the backdrop for a range of adrenaline-pumping activities on land, sea, and in the air. Here are nine sensational experiences that will get your heart racing.

Skydiving over the lagoon

New Caledonia is renowned as one of the world’s premier destinations for skydiving. Prepare for a breathtaking blend of adrenaline and natural beauty as you soar over turquoise lagoons, lush forests, vast plains, and majestic mountains. With favourable weather conditions year-round, professional facilities, and experienced instructors, skydiving in New Caledonia is a must-do for thrill-seekers.

Hiking on majestic peaks

Take to the skies and witness the splendour of New Caledonia’s landscapes from its mountain peaks. Whether you explore the heart of the Central Mountain Range or hike along ridges overlooking turquoise lagoons, golden plains, and emerald forests, you’ll feel the rhythm of the earth beneath your feet. Embark on multi-day adventures, either self-guided (GR® South) or in the company of Kanak tribe guides (GR® North), and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Caledonian wilderness.

Diving on the barrier reef

Explore the depths of the Caledonian lagoon, a dream come true for diving enthusiasts. From introductory dives to full-scale explorations, New Caledonia offers an array of magical diving spots along the world’s second-largest barrier reef, stretching nearly 1,600 kilometres. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned diver, you’ll encounter a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem nestled amidst reefs, passages, and drop-offs, featuring gorgonians, manta rays, and various species of sharks.

Explore the Great South in a 4x4

Embark on an off-road adventure through the rugged trails of the Great South. Journey through uncharted terrain with elevated viewpoints, untamed paths, and river crossings. Buckle up, hold on tight, and relish the scenery and sensations as you explore Yaté and Mont-Dore, including the village of Prony, the barren landscapes of the former Iron Mine, Prony Bay, and the Champ de Bataille plain.

Kayaking through dream landscapes

Within the Blue River Park in the Great South lies the Drowned Forest, famous for its hauntingly beautiful gum oak trunks emerging from Lake of Yaté. While exploring this surreal landscape by day is impressive, nothing beats experiencing it by moonlight during a guided kayak trip. Follow the glow of the full moon and your guide’s lead as you paddle through this extraordinary terrain. Another thrilling kayak adventure awaits on the Forgotten Coast, a remote and uninhabited stretch between Yaté and Thio, offering a four-day escape into nature, akin to Robinson Crusoe.

Cross the mountain range on horseback

Embark on a multi-day horseback trek that takes you deep into the heart of the Central Mountain Range of New Caledonia. Traverse lush rainforests and rolling plains, where legends come to life. Nights spent in lodges or with local tribes immerse you in Kanak culture, and tribal members share the captivating tales that surround the places you’ll visit.

Wakeboarding and Jet Skiing on the Lagoon

With a lagoon designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, water sports are an integral part of New Caledonia’s identity. Enjoy year-round sunshine, trade winds, and a thriving water sports culture. Whether it’s kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, or jet-skiing, enthusiasts from around the world come to New Caledonia for an adrenaline rush on its pristine waters. Make the most of your stay by learning a new sport or simply relishing the water.

Treetop Adventures

Experience the thrill of traversing the treetops on a zip line or navigating between trees above water. Just a short drive from Nouméa in Dumbéa and Païta, you can revel in the forest and enjoy outdoor fun at dizzying heights. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close to the distinctive trees found in New Caledonia’s dry forests.

Flying over the lagoon

If you crave a breath of fresh air, take to the skies aboard a helicopter, ULM, paramotor, or gyrocopter. Admire New Caledonia’s incomparable landscapes from above, including the turquoise lagoon with its vast coral reef, the drowned forest of the Great South, the cliffs of Lindéralique on the east coast, and the iconic heart-shaped mangrove famously captured by Yann-Arthus Bertrand. Paramotors and gyrocopters provide an open cockpit experience, allowing you to spot marine life such as turtles, whales, and dolphins, while taking incredible photos. When the beauty of the landscape combines with the thrill of flying, the memories are bound to last a lifetime!

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