Map showing New Caledonia’s location in Oceania. To the west is Australia, Fji is east, Vanuatu to the north,...
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Explore New Caledonia
About New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a taste of France in the South Pacific. The main island Grande Terre is the location of the capital Noumea. This city is where Melanesian tradition and French chic combine to create a casual, relaxing, and even cosmopolitan town with good shopping, dining, and cafes. Outside Noumea the culture becomes more Melanesian and the scenery changes to steep mountains, lush valleys, rainforests, waterfalls, and a coastline surrounded in the world’s largest lagoon.
South of Grande Terre is the beautiful Isle of Pines (Île des Pins) an island that early explorer James Cook dubbed, “The Jewel of the Pacific”. That title is still true today. With a lagoon, coral gardens, stunning white beaches, palms, and huge needle shaped pine trees, this island is a true tropical paradise.
In the east, the Loyalty Islands including Maré, Lifou, and Ouvea are rich in the native Melanesian culture where the Kanak people have had much less French influence. These islands also have great beaches and diving opportunites.
Top 5 places to visit
- Noumea the capital city has a strong French culture blended with the native Kanak culture. By far the biggest city/town it offers the comforts and services of a city, but also has great landscapes and beaches such as Baie des Citrons.
- Amedee Island is just minutes by boat from Noumea. It is a marine reserve located in the biggest lagoon in the world within the New Caledonia barrier reef. The island offers beautiful beaches and crystal clear water.
- Isle of Pines is an absolute gem. This stunning island paradise has some of the finest beaches and lagoons you will see anywhere. Visit wide sweeping Kuto Bay and its pure white sand to the coral colors of Kanuméra Bay just around the corner.
- Lifou in the Loyalty Islands is a great way to see and experience the Kanak culture first hand, and still enjoy isolated beaches, caves, and trekking amongst the lush vegetation inland.
- Bourail is a scenic commune (town) on the main island Grande Terre to the north of Noumea. It has mountains, long sandy beaches, surf, and several rivers.
View of The Isle of Pines in New Caledonia
Isle of Pines photos, Beaches, Islands, Landscape, Sea, TreesView of the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. This island is famous for its stunning beaches, coral gardens,...
View looking at Kanumera Bay on the Isle of Pines (circa 2004). The bay has coral gardens and clear...
Approaching The Isle of Pines in New Caledonia
Isle of Pines photos, Beaches, Islands, Landscape, SeaThe Isle of Pines is the most beautiful island in New Caledonia. Set amongst a group of islands below...
The sea around the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia is famous for its rich colours. This is due...
Sandy beaches, coral gardens, and crystal clear water framed by palms and huge pine trees. Kanuméra Bay is without...
Sweeping view of Kuto Bay on the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. This bay is only one of...
View of the main beach at Kuto Bay on the Isle of Pines. In view is tropical vegetation including...
Kuto Bay on New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines is Heaven on Earth. The azure sea, colorful coral, pure white...
Kuto Bay on the Isle of Pines is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. While there are other...
View of Notre Dame de l’Assomption in the main settlement of Vao on the Isle of Pines, (circa 2004)....
Kanuméra Bay on the Isle of Pines offers great diving amongst some stunning coral gardens. Water clarity is also...
Sacred Rock divides Kanumera Bay into two beaches. Also known as La Rocher, the rock is sacred to the...
Separated from Kuto Bay by a narrow isthmus is scenic Kanumera Bay. It rivals Kuto in terms of beauty and...
View of Kanuméra Bay. Kanuméra Bay is a picturesque bay located in New Caledonia. This stunning location is renowned...
The coast around Lifou Island in New Caledonia offers some great diving among the many coral gardens located here.
A local Kanak man welcoming visitors to the Isle of Pines. The Kanak people who inhabit the island are...
Noumea center in New Caledonia as seen from La Fol Hill (circa 2004). In view is Nouméa Cathedral with...
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