Things to see and do West And North Coast

These 7,500 hectares of wild and preserved nature is the dream playground for sportsmen and nature lovers. Located on the edge and on the heights of the lagoon classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is accessed via the road to Poé, shortly before arriving on the beach. The Domaine has five hiking trails for all levels, including the Oua Koué trail, on ridges with breathtaking views (5.5 km, 324 m ascent); the Forest of Origins trail to the lagoon, through the largest dry forest in New Caledonia (7 km); the Giant's Trail, around the Fournier marsh equipped with an ornithological observatory (6.5 km) and the Boé Arérédi Trail, which overlooks the Poé fault, whose deep blue line cuts into the turquoise waters (4.5 km, 317 m ascent).

For mountain bikers, there are 240 kilometers of trails dedicated to them on 17 different routes with increasing levels of difficulty: the green trail No Poradéno (8.6 km), the blue trails No Bouaou (12.3 km) and Forêt Plateau (11 km), the red trails Bouencoy (16 km) and Me Awi (15 km), as well as the black trail Zouvézélé (20.7 km).

You will also find more than 13 km of white sand beach on the domain and 7 horseback riding trails. Finally, in addition to the Sheraton Hotel, its spa and its golf course, it is also possible to rent mountain bikes at the Maison de Déva located at the entrance of the Domaine or to go horseback riding with the Carré 9 ranch, open from Tuesday to Sunday morning.

Téremba, named after a small islet in the Bay of Uarai, was a penitentiary with a post office, telegraph and store. Construction of the buildings began in 1871, but following the Kanak revolt in 1878, a fort was erected there to serve as headquarters for the French army. After 1897, the site lost its importance and was sold at auction in 1919. The Marguerite de La Foa Association has been very active in the restoration of the site and participates in the dissemination of a past that has long remained taboo. It is an excellent museum.

This well-stocked info point is located next to the town hall at the top of Farino, from there the view of the area is sublime and not to be missed. An interesting stop to make in order not to miss anything of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the city of Farino. We recommend stopping here to discover the various activities to do in the area during your stay. Moreover, the area around the information point is ideal for a picnic

From the beach covered with twigs, the village of the tribe of Foué, located at the bottom before the mangrove, looks like a small fishing village with its motor boats that come and go day and night, at the rhythm of the tide. It is possible to rent kayaks at the nautical base to venture into the calm waters that lie in front of you.

Good to know: wild camping is allowed on the beach of Foué (sanitary facilities and showers available). Beware of mosquitoes (the mangrove is close by) and the alcoholic parties that take place there on weekends.

Poe beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, 17 kilometers long and offering shallow waters over several dozen meters. Its colors are as bewitching as its white sand and reefs swept by the waves of the open sea, which contrast with the flat calm of the lagoon. Popular with the inhabitants of New Caledonia and especially with families from Nouméa, the tourist activities are rich and benefit from the recognition of the site as a Unesco World Heritage Site. You will see many kitesurfers and some windsurfers.

Located in the communes of Sarraméa, Farino and Moindou, the Grandes Fougères Park was inaugurated in 2008 to protect an exceptional natural environment. A network of hiking trails has been developed to allow visitors to survey 4,500 hectares of tropical rainforest. The flora and species present are mostly endemic (cagou, notou, crested parakeet...). Mountain bikers are welcome, but there is no bike rental company on site. Motorized vehicles and dogs are not allowed.

The Association for the Safeguarding of the Mining and Historical Heritage of North Caledonia (composed of former miners) has restored the site, its dispensary, the school, the executive quarters, the village hall, the chapel and the bakery. Some old rolling stock is still there... It is now possible to come and soak up the history of the site by contacting the Point I of Koumac to organize a visit. Bring a bottle of water, a hat and sunscreen.

It is in the heart of a beautiful forest that the caves of Koumac are hidden, in the middle of bancouliers, gyrocarpus and banians. Carved by underground rivers, they were formed in karstic limestone dating from the Eocene (53 to 34 million years ago). Known long before the arrival of the missionaries, they were used as burial places by the local tribes. Between 1970 and 1990, exploration and topographic surveys of the caves were carried out. The Small Cave of the Winds can be explored in 15-20 minutes, while it will take 1 hour for the Big Cave, accessible only on its first 380 meters. Do not go at night or in the rain; remember to bring good closed shoes, a lamp, a drink, and to sign the booklet at the entrance. Inside, the cave is absolutely sublime and will give you the opportunity to see many types of rocks, natural ceilings, bats (yes) and the roots of banyan trees mixed from the surface. There is some graffiti here and there by unscrupulous vandals.

The camping is authorized and free on the equipped area. To access the site, which is 8 km from the center of Koumac, turn right at the church traffic circle when coming from the south, then follow the right again at the crow's feet, before turning left at the sign. after 400 m, follow the right and cross the fortified bridge. Turn right after 900 m. You are only 1 km from the caves. Take the right track at the end of the road.

In the direction of Poum, at the exit of Koumac, you will have to take the road to Babouillat and drive for about twenty kilometers to reach this beautiful forest park. Picnics and camping are possible here near the Néhoué River. Children's games, walking and swimming are also available. Please note that the collection of wood and plants is forbidden. A very nice walk during which you can admire the numerous birds.

This mine was exploited at the time by convicts, before falling into ruin. It all began in 1884, when Johnny Higginson bought the concession. The open-pit mining of copper lasted one year, until the engineer Louis Pelatan opened the way to a new type of extraction: the steam core drilling system, which made it possible to dig down to 199 m below sea level. Nine galleries were then built in the subsoil, but the fall in prices led to successive takeovers, and then to the final closure of the site in 1931.

Count 2h30 of walk for the ascent of the mount Kathépaïk, from where we can see the Heart by good weather. (It is the sunshine that brings out the heart). Once at the top, find your bearings in relation to the two rivers, with the point of the Heart pointing towards you. At the risk of being disappointed, do not imagine that you will be able to find what you see on Yann Arthus-Bertrand's postcards; unless you fly over the site, it is quite difficult to distinguish. Nevertheless, if the sun is shining, the panorama is grandiose and stretches between red laterite earth, mountains, mangrove and ocean. To the north, the Téméla tribe; in front of you, the Duroc pass, to the east, the Koniambo massif and, to the south, the Oundjo tribe. Not to mention the recently built huge factory in the North.
But you have a good view on the heart, without necessarily reaching the top. Count in that case, about one hour of walk. Be careful, it goes up!

A guided tour in 4x4 ? Get in touch with Jacques Loquet: ✆ +687 42 38 78 or ✆ +687 75 44 67.

A flight over the Heart by microlight? The flight departs from the Koné airfield. Count 17,000 CFP for 45 min. Information from Hibis Air at ✆+687 47 22 61.

Parking: the starting point of the hike is at the level of a housing estate, a little outside the center. Arriving at the level of the store "the Katepai", take the road that runs alongside the store, then at the crossroads, take the left. Park in the available spaces or along a sidewalk.

Also called "Trou Feillet" because Governor Feillet used to visit it regularly during the colonial era, this natural pool is very easy to access and allows for a pleasant swim or serves as an ideal picnic area. The Cuve de Sarraméa is a magnificent place to discover in the midst of a lush nature and left master of the place. Water holes and waterfalls are scattered along the walking paths. On some of the waterfalls, you can even make a natural slide! An aquatic hike to do.

This beach is a very popular spot for surfers thanks to the waves of the Popinée pass. But the real star of the place is of course the famous "Bonhomme", a massive rock that stands out from the cliff. To best appreciate the surroundings, two trails are recommended: the Three Bays Trail, which links the Roche Percée to the Bay of Turtles and the Bay of Lovers with superb views over 4 km from the Roche parking lot, and the Cycad Forest Trail, which starts in the middle of the beach and crosses a dry forest over 2 km.

This beautiful beach takes its name from the turtles that regularly come here to lay their eggs - but beware, swimming is forbidden because of the strong currents. However, you should not miss it, as its location is exceptional. Facing the pass and the lagoon, the magnificent columnar pines stand next to the famous Bonhomme de Bourail. From the Roche Percée, the three bays path to the Baie des Tortues, passing by the Baie des Amoureux and the belvedere, is one of the most beautiful pedestrian itineraries of the West Coast.

The trail follows the left bank of the creek into the ever-growing wilderness to reach the river, its small waterfalls and waterholes. The rainforest, the many birds and the low elevation trail make this a popular walk for families. At the end, you can take a dip in shallow pools. It takes about forty minutes to walk the trail (although we recommend taking your time to admire the scenery) before arriving at the waterfall from the parking lot. A very relaxing and quiet place.

A few wild beaches will allow you to cool off after a day of walking or driving, including the beach of Tangadiou and the beach of the Péninsule peninsula accessible by overland roads. Very poorly attended, you will be able to observe the fishermen at dusk. Picnic areas at the seaside are also located on the tip of Pandop. 

Count 40 minutes of walking through a lunar landscape to the top. The panorama opens up gradually to reveal a 360° view of the plain and its numerous stations, the lagoon and the surrounding mountains. Lush vegetation. The Tia plateau is a must for hiking fans or those who just want to enjoy the landscape. You can count on about two hours to go to the plateau and back and discover the magnificent panorama of the surroundings. The view from the top is magnificent.

A beautiful stroll through the tribe of Pothé to the waterfall of Ny. On the agenda: walking, swimming and picnicking. The setting is magical. The excursion is possible every day depending on the availability of the guide, it is better to call him to book.

For a walk at the end of the world, stop at Nénon, one of the most beautiful beaches of Grande Terre. Located 12 km north of the Poum crossroads, at the bottom of a small pass from which you can overlook the Bouana bay, a track leads to it on the left. This site from elsewhere is absolutely magnificent, scattered with shells and desert. Its clear sand stretches for kilometers, between the houses of the tribes of the region. A picnic area has been set up on the spot, but beware the area is sometimes invaded by horseflies, the "shark flies", as they say.

Originally from Reunion Island, a settler who arrived in Moindou to plant sugar cane took with him a bag of royal palm seeds. A flood spread them in the valley and 1,200 trees were born. The Ryawa Valley in Moindou is home to the largest concentration of royal palms in New Caledonia. More than 500 of these trees, up to 50 m high, stand there. To learn about the place, plan a guided tour of about 2h30!