A land of adventure and a paradise for nature and outdoor lovers, the Great South brings together national parks, hiking trails, rivers and lakes to fulfil every desire for escape!
Leave Nouméa behind and set your course for the southern tip of Grande Terre, in the villages of Yaté and Le Mont-Dore! Here, the arid, red earth is adorned with lakes and rivers and surrounded by prehistoric flora. This unexpected landscape offers an extensive playground for outdoor activities, including hiking on the GR® NC1 and provincial trails, mountain biking and kayaking in the Blue River Park (Parc de la Rivière Bleue), swimming, whale watching in the lagoon, and encountering the cagou, the native New Caledonia iconic bird, in its natural habitat…
- By car from Nouméa:
- Head towards Boulari in the southern village of Le Mont-Dore.
- Two routes are possible:
- Option 1: Take the road to Yaté, passing through the Blue River Park (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue), with superb views and scenery.
- 1 hour to reach the park
- 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the village of Yaté
- Option 2: Follow the southern road to Prony.
- 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the village
- Option 1: Take the road to Yaté, passing through the Blue River Park (Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue), with superb views and scenery.
- While parts of the road are unpaved, it remains in good condition, so there is no need to hire a 4×4.
- Guided tours are also available from Nouméa.
The Great South is the ultimate destination for observing New Caledonia’s iconic wildlife in its natural habitat:
- Humpback whales can be spotted from mid-July to mid-September on day cruises, multi-day cruises, or from Cap N’Dua;
- While cagous, the native bird known for its distinctive barking call, can be found at Blue River Park.
