Travellers who have had the opportunity to visit New Caledonia are likely familiar with areas such as Upi Bay in the Isle of Pines, Anse Vata Beach in Nouméa, or the lighthouse at Amédée Island. While these spots are well-deserving of another visit, there’s a hidden world of untold beauty waiting to be explored outside of the go-to spots. From secluded beaches and sparsely populated regions, these lesser-known treasures offer travellers an authentic, peaceful experience where they can truly uncover the heart of the destination.
Whether it’s a returning traveller looking for new experiences or a newcomer keen to explore the lesser-known spots of New Caledonia, these off-the-beaten-track areas hold the key to an unforgettable getaway.
A relaxing holiday on the Isle of Pines? Try Lifou and OuvéaMany travellers who visit New Caledonia for the first time often make their way to the beautiful island of Isle of Pines, with its turquoise-coloured waters, pristine white sand beaches, and unique pine trees dotted along the waterline. For those keen to experience the island life vibes of the destination again but trying something new, the islands of Lifou and Ouvéa serve as the perfect option for a second visit.
The island of Lifou has an incredible natural beauty, with towering cliffs overlooking green and turquoise reefs, dense forests and beautiful empty beaches. Besides these exceptional natural wonders, the island’s drawcard is the culturally rich experiences, from tribe visits where you can be part of the process of cooking the traditional dish Bougna, go fishing with locals, sampling New Caledonian fruits and delicacies at the farmers market and world-famous vanilla plantations, and discovering water-filled caves by a local guide.
Ouvéa stands out as one of the most beautiful atolls in the Pacific region and has aptly earned the title ‘the island closest to paradise. It’s the ultimate destination for travellers wanting an opportunity to disconnect from the urban world and immerse themselves in the local Kanak culture. This is also a great spot for dancing with manta rays in the ocean.
Bike ride in the Great South? Try Canyoning in Dumbéa
A day trip to hike or bike in the national park in the Great South is easy to plan while staying in Nouméa, which makes it a given activity for travellers visiting New Caledonia for the first time. Those who are already familiar with the red dirt tracks and kayaking through the drowned forest, instead have the option to go canyoning in Dumbéa, also a short ride from the capital.
There are tours for all skill levels led by experienced and multilingual guides, who take the group through the terrain of the protected Dumbéa Provincial Park. One family-friendly course includes navigating through gentle white-water currents, swimming in emerald pools and learning about New Caledonia’s rich biodiversity. For a more challenging route, Mont Koghi’s canyon offers a thrilling mix of jumps, rock slides, and abseiling down 25-metre high waterfalls.
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Metropolitan Nouméa? Try horseback riding in cowboy country
While there are plenty of opportunities to experience Nouméa when arriving and departing New Caledonia, some travellers might want to get out of the city to explore some more regional areas. By driving only 2 hours up the West Coast from Nouméa, travellers have the opportunity to explore cowboy country, also known as the ‘broussard’ region.
Stretching from Bourail to La Foa, this region offers plenty of activities such as hiking and biking across the sprawling golden plains, skydiving and ultra-light flights over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon and discovering the endemic flora and fauna in the Great Ferns Park. Visitors also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Caledonian traditions and history through stays with Kanak tribes, or crack a whip and go horse riding at livestock farms and ranches.
Untouched parts of New Caledonia, even for the most intrepid of travellers
Experienced travellers who might have already ticked all of the above locations on their previous visits to New Caledonia might be interested in exploring the far North side of the island or the untouched ‘Forgotten Coast’ on the east side of the main island.
The north side of the Grand Terre is an untamed and semi-arid region, with locations such as Poum and Koumac offering travellers an opportunity to discover majestic landscapes, catch glimpses of wild horses roaming the lands, and gaze at the UNESCO World Heritage Site lagoon surrounding the tip of the island. Top experiences include taking a mud bath in the salt marshes, trying your hand at big-game fishing and exploring the caves sculpted by underground rivers.
The East Coast of the Grand Terre features bountiful natural wonders, authentic traditional experiences with the Kanak locals, and sparsely populated areas, making it the ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination. Travellers are recommended to explore this region in a self-drive experience with scenic, long-winding roads along the coast where the mountains plunge into the ocean, driving from Pouébo to Hienghène.
Whether it's the first or the hundredth time visiting New Caledonia, the archipelago’s wide variety of landscapes and activities means that there’s something for every type of traveller.
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