Top experiences

No-one should leave Nouméa without visiting Amédée, the capital's most famous islet. It is home to an impressive 19th century metal lighthouse and a natural marine reserve known for its tropical fish and turtles. If you want to take a break from swimming and relaxing, the climb to the lighthouse offers an incredible 360° panorama over the lagoon and the coral reef!

If you want to capture the essence of New Caledonia, dinner is a good place to start! A French island in the Pacific Ocean, its cuisine combines French gastronomy with Oceanic recipes to create an explosion of flavour. To enjoy this unique culinary experience, head to the restaurants and hotels that line the bays of Nouméa. Bon appétit!

The Oro Bay swimming pool is a natural aquarium, with translucent water and schools of multicoloured fish. This coral basin is sheltered from the currents, surrounded by New Caledonia pines and a beautiful white sand beach. It is easily accessible via a trail to the north of the Isle of Pines or from Upi Bay by dugout canoe.

In the heart of the Blue River Provincial Park, the Drowned Forest is famous for the hundreds of bleached gum oak trunks that have emerged from the lake since the creation of a huge dam. It is accessible during the day, but nothing compares to kayaking through this ghostly setting in the moonlight!

The Isle of Pines lagoon is full of beautiful yet deserted islands, populated only by coconut palms and New Caledonia pines. Set sail on a nautical day trip to swim in translucent waters with manta rays, turtles and dolphins. Enjoy a lobster on the beach in your own private paradise!

Immortalised by the famous photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, this striking feature has been shared around the world. The Heart of Voh was formed naturally by the surrounding mangrove. Best seen from the air, a microlight is the ultimate way to take in this memorable sight!

In the outskirts of Nouméa stands the majestic Tjibaou Cultural Centre. A beacon of Kanak culture, designed by the celebrated architect Renzo Piano, this imposing building is a must-visit destination to understand and immerse yourself in the Melanesian world. The centre combines national history, traditional sites and exhibitions of contemporary artists.

To immerse yourself in the rich Kanak culture, dating back thousands of years, you must experience a tribal welcome. On top of the welcome ceremony, known as "faire la coutume", you can also sleep in a hut and sample some tasty bougna (a dish of tubers steamed in coconut milk). There are countless traditions to share with the indigenous people of New Caledonia!

It's impossible to miss the imposing black limestone rock that looms out of the waters of Hienghène Bay. Known as "La Poule" because of its striking resemblance to a hen, it has even influenced the legends of the local tribes, who made it the ancestral guardian of the region and one of the symbols of their country. To get a closer look and navigate around the surrounding Lindéralique rocks, a kayak is the way to go!

Ouvéa, known as the island closest to paradise, is home to one of the country's most beautiful beaches: Mouli. A picture-postcard destination with white sand and crystal clear water, it is the perfect place to just relax. Mouli Bridge, the only bridge between the south and north of the island, is also worth a visit!

The only way to truly understand the stockmen and their way of life is by visiting their farms, located deep in the New Caledonian bush. Watching the livestock being rounded up on horseback is always an impressive sight, and sharing a family meal with the bushmen is an excellent opportunity to sample the local products.

You cannot leave New Caledonia without sailing around Upi Bay in a traditional dugout canoe. Follow the current to the stunning Isle of Pines, concealed between huge coral rocks that seem to float on the turquoise lagoon. In terms of wildlife, keep a lookout for turtles, rays and dolphins!