New Caledonia Travel and Accommodation Guide

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The Southern Province is the most densely populated of New Caledonia and comprises some seven thousand square kilometres approximately 40% of the whole territory. The capital, Noumea, is a garden city where long strolls are a pleasure. Walk along the beautiful beaches of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons and enjoy browsing in the French influenced boutique. Places to visit include the Territorial Museum dedicated to the archaeology and ethnology of Oceania, the new Cultural Centre, the City of Noumea Museum, the Geological Museum and the Maritime History Museum, the Bernheim Library and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Aquarium of Noumea, the colourful variety of the local produce market, and the Zoological and Forest Park where you can see the the rare endemic Cagou, the emblem of New Caledonia.

Attractions not far from Noumea include dazzling white sandy beaches, mangroves with mud crabs, the taboo Fatanaoue Caves where the mummies of high Kanak chiefs are laid to rest, the Pierced Rock, a huge cliff with caves and ending with Le Bonhomme, an enormous monolith sculpted by waves. Tourists can also visit the Cave Perrin winery and the orchids of the Amieu Pass, the museums of Bourail and Paita, and Rusa deer farms.

There are numerous hikes and horseback excursions available, including many close to Noumea.

Take a hiking or 4WD trip to the south beyond Noumea, a wild and mysterious region which despite a barren appearance provides an exceptional haven for its Flora and Fauna. Contrasting with the vast red-ochre landscape is the Blue River Provincial Park with its ancient trees and rare animals. Other places of interest include the Madeleine Waterfall, a botanic reserve and picnic/swimming spot, The Yate Dam, the Giant Kaori tree of Mount Goro and Wadiana Waterfall, the Woodin Canal, the Bay of Prony, and Keubini beach with its myriad islets popular with yachties.

From Noumea it is possible to take excursions to the numerous islands and islets in the south west lagoon.......

Ile aux Canards (Duck Island) is easily accessible by windsurfers and taxi boat..

Ilot Amedee (lighthouse), about 40 minutes by boat is one of the most popular excursions from Noumea. The 56 metre high, 130 years old lighthouse which dominates the island was built under Napoleon III. Its sparkling lagoon is popular for diving and snorkelling.

Ilot Laregnere is accessible either by a 35 minute motor-boat ride from Noumea or as part of an excursion.

Ilot Signal, surrounded by white beaches, was fitted with the first beacon for the entrance into the Port-de-France Harbour.

Ilot Casy, in the middle of the Bay of Prony, is an isolated nature reserve with many of the features of the mainland. Excursion from Noumea are by seaplane and minibus.

Ouen Island is halfway between Noumea and the Isle of Pines and is renowned for its turtles and jade mines. Boat transfers are organised from Noumea's Port Moselle.

Isle of Pines or Kunie as it is still called by its inhabitants is 14 km wide and 8km long and is as beautiful underwater as it is above. In the past, it was a place of exile for people convicted of taking part in the 19th century commune uprising in Paris. It is best to stay for 2 or 3 days to really appreciate the diversity of the Isle of Pines.

Excursions available include stops at numerous beautiful bays, caves and ruins of the convict prison. It is possible to do tours in a traditional Melanesian outrigger canoe, by minibus or on horseback. There are also diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours.

Located in the beautiful Anse Valu Bay, Hotel Le Lagon Apartments offers beachside accommodation in the heart of Noumea's tourist centre. Step out the door and you'll find within easy reach a great variety of restaurants, nightclubs and casinos. Or stay indoor and relax in the comfort of your private apartment.

There are 59 apartments, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations, which can house up to six people. Each air-conditioned apartment is tastefully decorated with a full kitchen and bathroom, laundry and ironing facilities, ceiling fans, colour TV and direct dial telephone. All apartments are serviced daily.

Restaurant Le Cauguin offers 'nouvelle cuisine' either in the air-conditioned dining room or on the shaded terrace. Other services include a hairdressing salon, 24 hour reception, fax, money exchange, safety deposit boxes and a tour operator.

The convenience of an apartment with your own kitchen takes the worry - and expense - out of planning a family holiday. In the morning just pack a picnic lunch and head to the beach. While your little rays of sunshine spend the day windsurfing, snorkelling and canoeing free of charge, you can relax on a sunchair with a good book.... or forget the book and join the kids for some fun in the sun.

Completed in May 1998, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre is a spectacular edifice rising on the Tina peninsula in Noumea. It is named in recognition of the Kanak leader, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and his contribution to the nation's cultural developments.

The structure was designed by Renzo Piano, who was responsible for the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris and Kansai International Airport in Japan.

A harmonious alliance of traditional Kanak and modern architecture, there are ten pavilions connected along a spine evoking the central alley of a typical Kanak village. The design also highlights the culture's symbiotic relationship with nature as the Kanak pathway passes through gardens with traditional 'case' or houses representing the three main regions of New Caledonia - the North, the South and the Loyalty Islands. In Kanaka house, visitors view a multimedia presentation including an eight minute video. Bwenaado 'case' houses an exhibition of artistic and historical items from the Kanak heritage, and Jinu house illustrates the spirit of all the Pacific cultures with fifteen monumental sculptures.

A collection of contemporary Kanak and Pacific art is housed in the gallery space and the Mediatheque resource centre contains a wide range of documentary resources on Kanak and Pacific cultures.

In addition, there are three theatres for performances, the indoor seating 400 and two outdoor spaces holding 1,000 and 2,000.

The Tjibaou Cultural Centra is reached by local bus from the city terminal or on tours available from major hotels. Guided tours can be provided in English, French and Japanese (booking required).

Visiting New Caledonia has become even more exciting and pleasurable since the opening of Le Meridien Noumea. Located on the tip of Pointe Magnin, overlooking the the tip of Pointe Magnin, overlooking the spectacular Anse Vata Cove, this luxury hotel offers 253 elegantly furnished and appointed deluxe rooms and suites with beautiful views of the garden, lagoon, or pool from private balconies.

The deluxe rooms comprise 42 square metres and feature king size or twin beds, individually controlled air-conditioning, television with satellite channels, in-house movies, and personal safe. Bathrooms have a window to allow for natural light, separate walk-shower and tub, hairdryer , and private toilet with telephone.

For guests who desire further pampering, there is a selection of spacious suites which includes junior suites offering one or two bedrooms, diplomatic suits with 106 square metres of pure luxury, and the fabulous Presidential suite with an area of 210 square metres containing two bedrooms, living area, separate study, spa bath, dining room with stylish decor, and three double floor to ceiling sliding windows with balcony access.

Dining at Le Meridien is a feast for the palate with a choice from the finest French haute cuisine, Japanese and Asian delights, to a light salad or sandwich. Each of the hotel's four dining venues has a unique ambience and style. Le Sextant, overlooking the pool and garden, is the elegant main dining room while L'Hippocampe features gourmet dining and has a private salon for eight persons. The Shogun restaurant serves exquisite Japanese cuisine, and features a sushi bar, teppanyaki bar, and tatami room for eight persons. For an outdoor lunch, the ideal spot is Le Fare located right on the beach.

The stunning beachfront location is perfect for complimentary water sports such as paddle boats, sailing, kayaking, catamarans, windsurfing, and snorkelling. Additional recreation options include a magnificent swimming pool, volleyball, waterpolo, mountain bikes, table tennis, badminton, billiards, as well as tennis courts and the new 18 hole Tina golf course only a few minutes away.

The concierge staff can also arrange special boat excursion to nearby islands, four-wheel-drive day trips, and horseback riding. The hotel also has a fully-equipped Fitness Centre, scuba diving club, gift boutique, and can cater for any function with 930 square meters of conference, banquet, and meeting space available.

Devoted to comfort and personalised service, Le Meridien Noumea combines elegance and 'plaisir de vivre' for which the name Meridien Hotels is synonymous.

The temperature in New Caledonia rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius,. so it's no wonder that the aquatic indulgences to be enjoyed at Club Med Village, Chateau Royal, are simply 'par excellence'.

In typical, unique, warm and friendly Club Med atmosphere, the sheltered lagoon is a perfect learning ground for sailboarding or your choice of many other aquatic pleasures. Guests don't have to splash out on equipment or tuition fees either, as it's all inclusive and paid for at the time of booking. Other water sports include snorkelling and sailing Mentors, Lasers or Hobie Cats, while drier activities include tennis (there are 11 courts) squash (three courts) and aerobics. For the more self-indulgent, nothing beats lazing around on the beach or by the pool, or a boat trip with a picnic hamper.

There are three restaurants, one of which is quite large and convivial, where meeting new friends from around the world sometimes becomes more of an attraction than the excellent fare. For those who already have new friends, Le Grande Cafe is an intimate, traditional French brasserie, or the preference may be for the traditional Italian restaurant. For a wonderful evening's entertainment the Club Med theatre has a different show each night. Guests feeling lucky will undoubtedly enjoy an evening at the nearby Casino Royal.

Club Med Village Chateau Royal is only a few minutes by local bus from the downtown centre of Noumea where department stores and colourful boutiques offer the latest goods and fashions from France. Noumea also has duty free shops.

Rooms are air-conditioned and each has its own bathroom. Other services and facilities provided at Club Med Village Chateau Royal include library, telephone for outside calls, bridge room, laundry, medical and, of course, conference facilities which makes it possible to mix business with pleasure.

Children are also well catered for at Chateau Royal with the Mini-Club (2-7 years) and Kids Club (8-14 years). Outside of school holidays, the Mini-Club caters for 2-11 years only. These clubs are located in their own private area of the village and are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, providing special care by fully trained staff.

A new attraction in 1995 was Club Med's Fabulous Circus School which is available for children of all ages. Here they can have fun and learn skills to last a lifetime. The finer points of juggling, unicycling, tumbling, trampolining and trapeze flying are taught by experts in a superb holiday experience.

To complement the Chateau Royal facility, the newest Club Med, Hienghene, is situated on New Caledonia's north east coast. Built in traditional Melanesian style and accommodating only about 100 guests, Hienghene is located in an unspoiled area of New Caledonia and boasts magnificent scenery, intimate atmosphere and loads of activities in typical Club Med style.

The Pacific is well known for its friendliness, and Club Med's Pacific is a promise of extra warmth - Club Med is, after all, a unique holiday concept - blending an idyllic location, superb facilities and a competent, dedicated staff.

Aside from the top north, beyond the town of Koumac, the Northern Province also encompasses the West and East coasts of Grand Terre, the main island of New Caledonia.

The West or leeward coast is a region of wide open spaces, mountains scarred by mining, and savannah sprinkled with paperbark. Extensive stock-farming is predominant, and interspersed are a few Melanesian tribes.

The East or windward coast is more tropical with lush vegetation, turquoise lagoons, wide rivers, the spectacular waterfalls of Ciu, coconut groves, and the coffee plantation of Negropo. Not far from Canala are the warm and sulphurous waters of the Crouen, renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Across the mountains and forests, one can encounter Melanesian tribes such as the Xaracuu. Also famed for its nickel mining, the old regional capital, Thio, has a mining museum, and Kouaoua has cable cars and a 14 km nickel conveyor.

Balade, where the Melanesian encountered the first Europeans to land in New Caledonia, has interesting churches and the ruins of former missions. Then there's Hienghene with a coastal road that drops steeply into the most picturesque bay in New Caledonia where there are mysterious small dwellings, a Cultural Centre, and strange 60m high rock formation shaped like a 'brooding hen' and a 150m high 'sphinx'. A range of hiking and horseback excursions are available including a visit to Mount Panie, the highest point in New Caledonia.

Heading to the top north from Koumac with its fascinating churches and caves, you leave civilisation and enter wild, deserted countryside littered with abandoned mines where you encounter every facet of nature ranging from densely forested mountains and valleys to grassy savannah and bays lined with coconut palms. The lush green Diahot Valley flanks the longest river in New Caledonia. The north is also an enormous mining area where nickel, copper, zinc and even gold have been minded for many years.

Major attractions of the north include its massive rugged coastline, and beautiful beaches near Poum. Malabou in the vast bay of Nehoue, and the deep blue coloured Bay of Pam. Hiking and mountain biking are the best way to explore the region.

Situated on the most beautiful point in Noumea, right between the beach of the Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata, Hotel Novotel Surf's guests are surrounded by a Pacific panorama - ocean, lagoon and beach amid landscaped tropical gardens.

The complex has 240 rooms which include 12 luxurious suites. All have a private balcony, air-conditioning, bathrooms, col9our TV, radio and music system, direct dial telephone, mini bar and tea/coffee facilities.

For fine dining there are three main choices - the Le Grill coffee shop, the brasserie-style Le Fun Beach, and La Coupole for superb French cuisine.

The beautifully appointed, elegant bar is open nightly, and the hotel schedules regular open nights. You can also try your luck at the casino located in the hotel.

There is a convenience store in the lobby, as well as a duty free shop. In-house services and facilities include babysitting, a health centre with spa, sauna and hairdresser.

For the active-minded, the hotel arranges beach activities from which one can choose to recover lazing by the beautiful pool with a tropical cocktail in hand. Nearby, guests are able to find a game of golf, squash and enjoy just about any form of aquatic sport.

Ideally located on the Baie des Citrons beach, the Hotel Ibis is well-known for the quality of its spacious and comfortable rooms and its impeccable service.

A great feature of Hotel Ibis is its bar, which opens out onto the street for guests to indulge in round-the-clock people watching. When you need a break from the passing parade, indulge yourself in the mouth watering delights offered at the hotel's authentic Japanese Restaurant or French Brasserie.

Alternatively, venture out to the numerous restaurants nearby and sample the local nightlife. Also within close proximity is the Port Plaisance shopping mall and the Caledonian Yacht Club.

All rooms feature private bathroom, telephone, air-conditioning, TV, radio, refrigerator, and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Ibis has its own pool and guests have access to the water sports equipment at nearby Anse Vata Beach, where the non-motorised equipment is free for Ibis guests.

The dedicated staff offer excellent service 24 hours a day, which helps create the famed friendly ambience for which Hotel Ibis is renowned.

Exotic Escapade Island Resort is an affordable tropical paradise just 20 minutes by boat from Noumea which provides the ideal formula for a fabulous holiday.

Surrounding this small, intimate island are white sand beaches lining the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Swim in a dream-like pool on the edge of the magnificent aqua lagoon. Here one can indulge in a host of water activities, including snorkelling, canoeing, pedal boats, water skiing, and more. Volleyball is also available, and the hotel boutique sells essentials and gifts.

The resort offers 44 mini-suites in bungalow style accommodation complete with en suite and sunroom, scattered amongst the island's tropical palm trees. Bungalows have wither one double and one single bed, or three single beds.

All accommodation includes colour TV, ceiling fan, private shower and toilet, tea/coffee making facilities, daily servicing, mini bar, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, telephone, safety box, cots, rollaway beds, and iron/ironing board on request.

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers superb buffet and a la carte dining. There is also a cocktail bar and snacks and drinks are available from the poolside bar. Room service is available from 7a.m.to 9p.m. for the perfect end to blissful sun-drenched days ... which somehow always seen too short.

Tucked in a secluded bay on an island just ten minutes from Noumea over a causeway, Kuendu Beach Resort is a beach side haven which has just about everything for everybody.

The resort has 21 air-conditioned thatched roof, 2 bedroom bungalows - just meters from the beautiful beach and lagoon, as well as several brand new romantic over-water bungalows. They are elegantly furnished and each contains a fully equipped kitchen and even a washing machine. There is also a colour TV and phone. A welcoming basket of local fruit greets visitors.

Two restaurants provide elegant seafood buffet dinner choices and, if required, can be supplemented with excellent room service. For delightful decor, impeccable service and superb quality, you can't go past the famous Le Grande Chene which offers magnificent French cuisine.

Kuendu Beach Resort also has a swimming pool, two bars and the entertainment includes Tahitian, Wallisian and Melanesian dance shows at the Kuendu beach restaurant. Water activities include pedalos, canoes, jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, reef fishing, horse riding and barrier reef day and island picnic trips.

Open in November 1988 the brand new Le Meridien Ile Pins located at spectacular Oro Bay is the island's first luxury resort. It is set within 45 hectares of coconut groves. Surrounded by majestic Norfolk pines, and the bay offers a natural lagoon fringed by a beach of powdery white sand.

Accommodation comprises 29 bungalows suites and 10 deluxe guestrooms of Melanesian inspired architecture secluded within a lush green forest environment. Each bungalow suite measures 55 square metres and features a large outdoor terrace, open plan living area, large master bedroom and spacious bathroom. The deluxe guestrooms directly overlook the pool and the beach. All accommodation has individually controlled air-conditioning, ceiling fans, TV and video, personal safe, personal bar, IDD telephone, and coffee and tea making facilities.

Sumptuous breakfast, theme buffets, freshly caught fish and seafood, tropical refreshments and romantic dinners are all featured on the menu at the resort restaurant.

Choose from a variety of water sport including snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boats, scuba diving or simply laze by the pool or beach. There is also table tennis, billiards, volleyball, and bicycles for exploring the island. A range of excursions and activities includes glass-bottomed boat ride, island picnics, nature walks, bicycle tours, outrigger canoeing, sunset catamaran sailing and guided tours to view some of the island's hidden treasures such as the caves of Queen Hortense, the village of Vao with its Melanesian architecture and the remains of the penal colony established in 1872.

While Ile des Pins' remoteness makes it conducive to total relaxation, the resort is still easily accessible. It is only 20 minutes drive from the Airport and flights to and from Noumea, a mere 80 kilometres southeast, operate daily.

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