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!
Set off on an emotional journey to discover New Caledonia.
Within a few days, this remote archipelago will make you discover a brand new culture and guide you from activity thrills to breath-taking landscapes.
From the turquoise lagoons of the Isle of Pines to the red-earthed trails of the Great South, from the green cliffs of Hienghène to the vast plains of the West, in the air, on land or under water... Come feel the pulse of New Cal.
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.
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!
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.
New Cal is a melting pot of people – French, Kanaks, Caledonians and more – so 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 history of the Kanaks. Or head to the West Coast for a glimpse of New Cal cowboy life. Yeehaw!
Aux « Kanaks » — peuple présent depuis plus de 3000 ans — se sont progressivement associés des Européennes (« Caldoches »), des Asiatiques et des Polynésiens. Aujourd’hui en Calédonie, il est donc facile de plonger dans cette culture locale métissée pour découvrir des traditions issues de tout horizon : dormir dans une case en tribu, participer à une cérémonie de coutume Kanak, assister à un rodéo broussard ou encore partager un repas à la française.
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…
Ever dreamt of having your own private beach? Just come to New Cal where stumbling upon a deserted patch of pristine white sand happens on the regular. Especially in the postcard-perfect Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands – just turn up, sit back and embrace the feeling of solitude.
Book a serviced apartment and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals made from the fresh produce at Port Moselle markets. Or treat yourself to a luxe resort like Le Meridien Noumea and enjoy gourmet meals, spa treatments and more. Whether on a beer or champagne budget, New Cal guarantees a great time for all.
Six parts of New Cal’s lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning they’re well protected and home to some of the most incredible snorkelling in the world. Get up close and personal with beautiful coral, fish, turtles and more. Let us know if you ‘find Nemo’ 😉
What you gain in island paradise, you don’t lose in modernity. New Cal has well-paved roads (road trip anyone?) and modern international and domestic airports for getting around. It’s also safe for solo travellers, and, if travelling on an New Zealand passport, you don’t need a visa. Yes please!
You’ll find plenty of family friendly hotels – places like Chateau Royal Beach Resort offer two-bedroom suites, which are perfect for families. It has activities for all ages – even the little ones can enjoy a swim in the crystal-blue waters. It’s got food to suit all tastes – Amorino in Noumea serves ice creams shaped like a rose. Need we say more?
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 Auckland meaning you can enjoy breakfast in New Zealand and dinner in a tropical paradise!