Top Experiences during winter
Hiking in Parc Provincial de la Rivière BleueHiking in Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue|
Hiking in Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue
The Tchamba hiking trailThe Tchamba hiking trail|
New Caledonia in Winter
Top Activities and ExperiencesHiking in Parc Provincial de la Rivière BleueMarvel at humpback whales
Whale watching in the South LagoonWhale watching in the South Lagoon|
Every year between July and September, humpback whales return to the warm waters of the South Pacific to rest and give birth. This is the time to observe these magnificent creatures in New Caledonia. Whether on a day-long catamaran cruise or from a land-based observation post, an unforgettable encounter awaits!
Discover the historical and cultural heritage
of Nouméa
Place des Cocotiers, NouméaPlace des Cocotiers, Nouméa|
Shopping on rue Sebastopol in downtown NouméaShopping on rue Sebastopol in downtown Nouméa|
Market in downtown NouméaMarket in downtown Nouméa|
Caledonians love to get together for a chat on the Place des Cocotiers (Coconut Square), in Nouméa. Do as they do: linger on a bench and strike up a conversation with your neighbour. Wandering around the capital is very pleasant in the cooler season, as it’s less hot and you can linger long in front of the city’s heritage sites. On the program: a stroll through the historic districts, shopping in the commercial streets, a visit to the city museums, and a colonial house tour. And the highlight of the tour? A well-deserved break facing the turquoise lagoon!
Hiking trails
Trail at Domaine de Deva in BourailTrail at Domaine de Deva in Bourail|
Mild temperatures make walking and hiking truly enjoyable during this season. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas over New Caledonia’s lagoon and the Central Mountain Range without breaking a sweat. Marvel from the peaks and discover the exceptional biodiversity of the territory on hikes ranging from a few hours to several days. Remember, even in the cooler months, the sun shines brightly, so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!
I love the trails in the Great South!
They’re well laid out and signposted. What a pleasure it is to reach the ridges and see this landscape that blends red earth, mining scrub, river, and lagoon! Even when the route is demanding, the view makes up for all the effort.
Explore the countryside
on horseback
Horseback riding, ThioHorseback riding, Thio|
Equestrian guides offer magnificent outings throughout the year. Explore the plateaus of the Central Mountain Range or the beaches of the West Coast. The result: breathtaking panoramas, a taste of Broussard (French Cowboys) culture, and a fantastic chance to bond with your horse!
Fly over the lagoon
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Flight over the Faille aux Requins in BourailFlight over the Faille aux Requins in Bourail|
Flight over Poé lagoonFlight over Poé lagoon|
Experience the lagoon and its coral reef from a unique perspective. Whether by ULM, paramotor, seaplane, helicopter, or skydiving, take flight and behold sublime contrasts, heightened sensations, and peak luminosity. Let your spirit soar as you explore New Caledonia from the skies.
Get back in time of New Caledonia
as a penal colonyOn Grande Terre and in the islands, notably the Isle of Pines, several remains of the penal Colony bear witness to New Caledonia’s tumultuous past. On the West Coast, Fort Teremba is home to patiently restored and richly documented penitentiary buildings. The emotion is palpable in front of the prison where the political opponents were once locked up. As you stroll along, stop off at these poignant sites to better understand the complexity and richness of the archipelago today.
Mountain bike
at the Blue River Provincial ParkIn the Great South, the Blue River Provincial Park is a sanctuary for many plant and animal species. Here you’ll find wet and dry forests with majestic houps, kaori and oak trees. Native animals such as the cagou and notou roam freely. The Drowned Forest is an incomparable curiosity. Trunks of gum oaks emerge from Lake Yaté, towering skyward. By riding its mountain bike trails, you’ll fully appreciate these unique landscapes, without risking “heat stroke”.
Mountain biking in Blue River Provincial ParkMountain biking in Blue River Provincial Park|
Mountain biking in Blue River Provincial ParkMountain biking in Blue River Provincial Park|
Bathing at the Prony hot springs
Bathing at the Prony hot springsBathing at the Prony hot springs|
If the lagoon waters feel too cool, venture to the deserted hot springs of Prony in the Great South. Hidden amidst vegetation, these springs offer a privileged swim in the heart of nature. Access them via a hiking trail or kayak on an organised outing.
Admire the Heart of Voh
Flying over the Heart of Voh in New CaledoniaFlying over the Heart of Voh in New Caledonia|
Famous for having been photographed by Yann-Arthus Bertrand, the Heart of Voh is a must-see in North Caledonia! Appreciate it best with a microlight or helicopter flight, observing the distinctive mangrove swamp from the air.
Roadtrip
The austral winter’s coolness makes road trips comfortable without blasting the air conditioning. Take the “Corniche calédonienne” (Coastal Road) along the east coast of Grande Terre for majestic coastal views. Stop at waterfalls like Tao and Colnett along the way, and visit Kanak tribes to participate in daily activities and experience traditional hut accommodation. In the Great South region, embark on a more adventurous 4×4 road trip, exploring uncharted roads and immersing yourself in unique landscapes.
Take part in trail running
Trail in New CaledoniaTrail in New Caledonia|
Ultratrail 2018(2)Ultratrail 2018(2)|
New Caledonia, a haven for sports enthusiasts, offers exceptional natural environments and a network of sports associations. Take part in trail running, especially during the cooler months when it’s more enjoyable. Join one of the races featured in our calendar of events for an unforgettable experience!
Observe native birds
in nature parks
Notou sighting at Parc Provincial de la Rivière BleueNotou sighting at Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue|
New Caledonia boasts an endemism rate of over 75%, making its natural parks home to unique plant and animal species. Spot cagous, notous, and other typical New Caledonian birds at Blue River Provincial Park or Great Ferns Park. Enhance your experience with a guided tour alongside a passionate ornithology expert. A must for nature lovers!
Admire the starry sky
The cool season offers the best opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere sky. With drier climate and less light pollution, it’s easy to find observation spots even in Nouméa. Identify constellations like the Southern Cross, Orion, and Scorpio among the 46 in the southern hemisphere.
Île des Pins starry skyÎle des Pins starry sky|
Bourail's starry skyBourail's starry sky|
Enjoying a good meal
Lunch in a restaurant in NouméaLunch in a restaurant in Nouméa|
During cooler evenings, warm up with a delicious meal. Visit Nouméa’s restaurants or join a table d’hôte to share stories with locals and fellow travellers. Experience the cosiness of an evening by the fire, just like home, but with added relaxation!
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8 months ago
Partez à l’aventure sur les sentiers du Mont-Dore. Une vue imprenable vous y attend ! 😍 Go on an adventure on the trails of Mont-Dore. A breathtaking view awaits you! 😍 📸 morganexplorer #SudTourismeNC #newcal #newcaledonia #noumea #nature #explorer #island #pacifique #pacific #paysage #landscape #nature #photography #naturephotography #landscapephotography #photo #travel #naturelovers #photooftheday #voyage #sunset #photographie #picoftheday #photographer #montagne #montdore #hiking #randonnée
a year ago
Saut incroyable #parachute #nouvellecaledonie #poe #kiff #joie
2 years ago
Le Bac de la Ouaième est situé sur la côte Est de Nouvelle-Calédonie, à 15 min du centre de Hienghène au sud et 1h de Pouébo au nord. Pour rejoindre la côte Est depuis Nouméa, l’itinéraire idéal consiste à remonter vers le nord en direction de Koné (3h20), avant d’emprunter la route Koné-Tiwaka. Cette portion pittoresque serpente durant 1h environ dans la Chaîne Centrale avec de beaux points de vue à la clé. Ensuite, il faut compter 1h pour atteindre le village de Hienghène en passant par Touho. Pour aller de Pouébo à Hienghène (et vice-versa), on ne peut faire autrement que de traverser la rivière de la Ouaième car il n’y a pas d’autre route. Le cours d’eau ne comportant pas de pont, le seul moyen de traverser son embouchure est d’emprunter le dernier bac de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Et c’est tant mieux ! Gratuit et fonctionnant nuit et jour 7 jours sur 7, le dernier bac de la Nouvelle-Calédonie évolue dans un décor de montagnes luxuriantes. Emprunter cette plateforme flottante procure une émotion incomparable de quiétude et d’admiration face à cette magnifique nature. #explore #expatriationfamille #explorer #expatlife #expatfamily #ontheroad #roadtrip #decouvrirlemonde #decouverte #expat #noumea #nouvellecaledonie #pacificisland #beautepacifique
