New caledonia wikitravel

New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. It is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands, with the main islands being Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, and the Isle of Pines.

Get in

New Caledonia is accessible by air or sea. The main airport is Nouméa Magenta Airport (NOU), which is served by Air France, Air New Zealand, and Qantas, among others. There are also several smaller airports on the other islands.

By sea, you can arrive in New Caledonia by cruise ship or by taking a ferry from Australia or other Pacific islands.

Get around

New Caledonia has a well-developed road network, and renting a car is a good way to get around. There are also buses and taxis available, as well as a ferry service that connects the main islands.

See

• Nouméa: The capital city of New Caledonia, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Grande Terre: The largest island in New Caledonia, with a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and beaches.
• Loyalty Islands: A group of islands located east of Grande Terre, known for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
• Isle of Pines: A small island located south of Grande Terre, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
• Kanumera Pass: A scenic pass that connects the north and south of Grande Terre, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Driant Bay: A beautiful bay located on the west coast of Grande Terre, known for its stunning beaches and snorkeling opportunities.

Do

• Snorkeling and diving: New Caledonia is known for its incredible marine life, with many opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
• Hiking: Grande Terre has many hiking trails, including the popular Kanumera Pass trail.
• Fishing: New Caledonia is a popular destination for fishing, with many opportunities to catch a variety of species.
• Cultural experiences: New Caledonia has a rich cultural heritage, with many opportunities to experience the local Kanak culture, including traditional dances and music.

Eat

• French cuisine: New Caledonia is a French territory, and as such, French cuisine is a big part of the local food scene.
• Seafood: New Caledonia is surrounded by ocean, and as such, seafood is a big part of the local diet.
• Kanak cuisine: The Kanak people have their own unique cuisine, which is influenced by their Melanesian heritage.

Drink

• Coffee: New Caledonia is known for its high-quality coffee, which is grown on the islands.
• Beer: New Caledonia has its own local beer, which is brewed on the islands.
• Rum: New Caledonia is famous for its rum, which is distilled on the islands.

Sleep

• Hotels: New Caledonia has a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
• Guesthouses: There are many guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts available, which offer a more personalized experience.
• Camping: For those who prefer to rough it, there are many camping options available, including national parks and private campsites.

Stay safe

• Crime: New Caledonia is generally a safe place, but as with any destination, it's always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Health: New Caledonia has a well-developed healthcare system, but it's always a good idea to take out travel insurance and to consult with your doctor before traveling.
• Weather: New Caledonia has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. It's always a good idea to pack light, breathable clothing and to stay hydrated.

Respect

• Kanak culture: New Caledonia has a rich Kanak culture, and it's important to respect this culture and its traditions.
• Environment: New Caledonia is a beautiful and fragile environment, and it's important to respect this environment and to take steps to minimize your impact on it.
• Local customs: New Caledonia has its own unique customs and traditions, and it's important to respect these customs and to learn about them before traveling.

Get out

• Vanuatu: Located to the north of New Caledonia, Vanuatu is a popular destination for travelers.
• Fiji: Located to the west of New Caledonia, Fiji is a popular destination for travelers.
• Australia: Located to the southwest of New Caledonia, Australia is a popular destination for travelers.

Learn

• Kanak language: The Kanak language is an official language of New Caledonia, and it's a good idea to learn a few basic phrases before traveling.
• French language: French is also an official language of New Caledonia, and it's a good idea to learn a few basic phrases before traveling.
• Local customs: New Caledonia has its own unique customs and traditions, and it's a good idea to learn about them before traveling.

References

• New Caledonia Tourism: The official website of the New Caledonia Tourism Board, which provides information on travel to New Caledonia.
• Wikipedia: The Wikipedia page on New Caledonia, which provides information on the country's history, culture, and geography.
• Lonely Planet: The Lonely Planet guide to New Caledonia, which provides information on travel to the country.