It is time, now more than ever, to indulge yourself and get back to the essential: freedom and encounters. Embark on a trip to New Caledonia, which is gradually relaxing its entry restrictions, and live stress-free embracing the Pacific pace of life. Far from the crowds, jump easily from one culture to another, from turquoise lagoons to red earth deserts, from green cliffs to vast plains, from relaxation to adventure...
The landscapes, the locals, the emotions, the thrills and the new experiences; whether smiling, crying with happiness, doing nothing or doing it all... Here are 10 reasons to fall in love with New Cal.
Dreaming of an exclusive and preserved destination? New Caledonia is the perfect place! With only 130,000 tourists every year (pre-Covid) and 15 inhabitants per sqm, New Caledonia is one of few destinations where stumbling upon a deserted patch of pristine white sand or hiking for kilometres without seeing a soul happens often. Just turn up, sit back and embrace the feeling of seclusion.
Outback plains on the West Coast. Tropical mountains on the East Coast. Eye-wateringly beautiful beaches in the Loyalty Islands. Buzzing city life in capital Noumea. Deserts in the Great South. You can have several different holidays in one!
Six parts of New Cal’s lagoon are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage, meaning they’re well protected and home to some of the most incredible snorkelling spots in the world. Get up close and personal with beautiful coral, fish, turtles and more. Let us know if you ‘find Nemo’😉
New Cal is a melting pot of people –Kanaks, Caledonians, French and more – it offers a unique cultural experience. Immerse yourself in a French language music festival like Francofolies. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea for a look back at the Kanak history. Or head to the West Coast for a glimpse of the New Cal’s cowboy life. Yeehaw!
New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with a level of endemism, per square kilometre, seen almost nowhere else on earth. 76% of the country’s plant and wildlife species are only found in New Caledonia.
The French territory is a peaceful, safe and a politically stable destination. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. With great roads, modern international and domestic airports, modern infrastructure and a second to none health system, New Caledonia is a secure destination for everyone. LGBTQIA+ and solo travellers will feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed everywhere. Cherry on the cake? Australian and New Zealand passport holders – plus EU, US and around 50 other European economic area countries – do not require a short-stay visa for visits up to three months.
Looking for a hit of adrenaline? Why not skydive over our UNESCO World Heritage Listed lagoon? More of a leisurely traveller with a penchant for wine and cheese? Try a tour of Noumea’s Port Moselle market followed by lunch at a French restaurant. Or do you love the great outdoors? Hike parts (or all!) of the Great South’s GRNC 1 100KM track. There’s really something to interest everyone.
Never too hot and never too cold! The average temperature throughout the year is around 24°C. Warm and humid from November to March with average temperatures between 21C and 29C. The coolest months are July to September with average temperatures between 17C and 24C.
New Cal’s mix of cultures means you can enjoy French cuisine one day, fresh caught fish and other local produce the next, and a traditional Kanak bougna the day after that. You’d better arrive hungry…
Talk about saving the best for last… this picture-perfect vacation destination is right at your doorstep – hello, gorgeous South Pacific neighbour! New Caledonia is only a short flight from Sydney and Brisbane meaning you can enjoy breakfast in Australia and dinner in a tropical paradise!