Új-Kaledónia
A unique mix of European and Pacific!New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France laying 16500 km from Paris. The tropical climate, amazing beaches, cuisine, and culture of the local Melanesian people leave you without a doubt that you are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but the outstanding quality of roads, infrastructure, and the fact, that you find baguettes in every single shop, adds European atmosphere to it.
The total population of New Caledonia is around 270.000 and from this, nearly 100.000 people live in the capital, Noumea. As a result, the population density in rural areas is low, and anywhere you go outside Noumea and major tourist spots, you will have the chance to enjoy lots of empty spaces and deserted beaches. I recommend renting a car for exploring the countryside as public transport is not that developed in rural areas. New Caledonia is amazingly safe, so you can easily camp around or sleep in your car. If you have plenty of time, hitchhiking could be also an option, but rural roads are often deserted, so it could be time-consuming to move around.
Don´t stay only around Noumea!
We decided to rent a car, which in our case also served as a place to sleep, and explored first the south part of Grand Terre with the Blue River Provincial Park. Later, we took the west coast to the northern tip of Grand Terre and returned from the eastern coast to Noumea.
The western coast is less hilly and more agricultural, has better infrastructure, and some of the most famous beaches (Plage de Poé, Plage de la Roche Percé) are situated there. The east coast is more rugged and mountainous with smaller, worse quality roads, but the views are stunning and you can experience much more from the traditional Melanesian lifestyle. Especially in the northern part of the east coast, you can find many Kanak tribal villages. You have to ask permission from the tribal chief and bring a small present in order to visit these communities, but it is definitely the best way to learn about the local culture.
Best things to do in New Caledonia!
Visit the Blue River Provincial Park!
The park is easily accessible from Noumea, and it gives home to a huge number of endemic plants and animals, like the crested gecko, imperial pigeon, and the Kagu, an endangered, flightless bird, living only in the dense forests of Caledonia.
Learn about Kanak culture!
The Kanaks are the indigenous, Melanesian inhabitants of New Caledonia, who at the moment make up only around 40% of the total population in New Caledonia. Their history and traditions are fascinating and it is really worth spending some time in their villages. In Hienghene there is a great cultural center where you can also learn about the customs and traditional architecture. If you are interested in learning about the Kanak independence movement, I would definitely recommend visiting Tiendanite.
My favorite beaches in New Caledonia
For discovering the best beaches, it is again worth leaving Noumea and its surroundings behind. You have some really nice and famous beaches around Bourail ( Plage de Poé, Baie des tortues), but my personal favorites are in the far northeast corner of Grand Terre. I would definitely recommend visiting Plage de Mahamate or any of the beaches around Puebo, where you quite often have the beach only for yourself!
Fotógeléria
On the way to Prony, in the south part of Grand Terre. The hills in this area are composed of strikingly red soil.
Plage de Mahamate, my favourite one on the North-East Coast
Nepenthes vieillardii, a carnivorous (meat-eating) plant in the Blue River Provincial Park
Kanak flag of the Independence movement FLNKS
Kagu bird in the Blue River Provincial Park
The way with Araucarias to the Plage de la Baie des Tortues
Small, hidden beach south of Pouebo, Eastern Coast of Grand Terre. We were the only people around!
Kanak totem Pole at the Centre Culturel de Hienghene.
New Caledonia is so safe! Locals just leave around their products to sell and you just leave the payment in the box.
Kanak handicrafts carved from sand stone
If you like collecting seashells, you will love New Caledonia!
Kanak totem pole near Gouaro
Waterfall in Yate commune
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