Things to see and do West And North Coast

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!

Impossible to miss the square and its works of art. Several monumental sculptures have been created by artists from all over the territory on this square in the center of La Foa. Various events are also organized under the bandstand and two creations complete the ensemble: the Gally-Passebosc monument, named after the colonel who died during the Kanak insurrection of 1878, and the Pioneers monument, dedicated to the free settlers and penal concessionaires who participated in the construction of the country.

This cemetery pays tribute to New Zealand soldiers killed during military operations in New Caledonia during the Second World War. Numerous training camps were established in the Bourail region from 1942 onwards, and 18,000 men passed through here until 1944. Here lie 161 soldiers, 78 airmen and 7 sailors. At the entrance to the site, a plaque recalls the main events of the conflicts in the southwestern Pacific.

The origin of this site dates back to the end of the 19th century, when between 1864 and 1897, nearly 2,000 common law prisoners, notably rebels of Kabyle origin, were deported from Algeria to New Caledonia to be interned in the country's prisons. After their liberation, many of them settled in Nessadiou and Boghen; in 1897, a Muslim cemetery was created along the river. Along the RT1, it can be recognized by the red crescents and stars that decorate the gate. The graves are naturally turned towards Mecca.

In 1887, the prison administration decided to open the Brun camp, a disciplinary internment site for the hardest convicts. It can be found along the RT1, 17 km west of Boulouparis, indicated by a sign. Turn right, drive 400 m and stop at the entrance of the track. The remains are overgrown, but you can make out a staircase, remains of walls and rusty rings to which convicts were sometimes tied. No roof had been built, so as to better monitor the prisoners. Moving.

Located on the edge of the RT1, before the entrance of the village on your right, along the river and behind a wooden shed, these stones engraved with strange symbols fire the imagination... These are prehistoric vestiges of New Caledonia, which scientists have not yet managed to date precisely. 350 sites and more than 6,000 engravings await you. Concrete steps lead up to the site and there are a few very limited parking spaces.

At the end of the trail, an old colonial house, renovated by a doctor and bought by the Northern Province, now houses the center and a craft workshop. Lapita pottery, discovered in the commune, was exhibited here for the first time. Two of them were discovered in 1995 in Foué, the historical cradle of Lapita identification. Events of all kinds are organized regularly (information by phone).

A competent and dynamic team, which will be able to direct you towards the activities and accommodations best adapted to your expectations. On site, you can book an excursion to the Tiebaghi mine. We strongly recommend that you make the information point in Koumac your first stop when you arrive in the city. You can also consult their very well done and comprehensive website to learn more about Koumac.

Once you have reached the Forêt-Français, and before reaching the Nekoro pass, which culminates at 128 m, cross the Muéo river. On the mountain side, you can see on your right the Muéo station, installed in the castle built in 1882 under the direction of Major Escande. About 200 m further on, on your right, you will find a white fence. The place is now a private property, so you can take pictures, but only after asking for permission. It is not possible to visit it, but it is a very nice viewpoint on the lagoon.

It is the largest petroglyph site of the Caillou. It extends over a 200 m perimeter and contains 156 large-sized motifs carved on rocks. The meaning and origin of these works remain enigmatic, most of these engravings being abstract. They thus differ from other petroglyphs observed in the world, which, for the most part, represent humans and animals. To get there, you will need to contact a tribe guide in advance.

You can go there by the old road from Poya to Bourail. If the famous caves of Adio are no longer accessible to the public, the valley of the Roches d'Adio can still be visited. It gives the visitor the opportunity to see a tormented black limestone chaos that emerges spectacularly from the forest, on the way to the tribes of Montfaoué and Gohapin. We find the trail shortly after the northern exit of Poya, just before Basse-Poya. A site rich in petroglyphs, unavoidable for the simple curious as well as for the fanatics of archaeological sites.

The Relais de Poingam has set up different hiking routes on its property. One of them, the Découverte Malep trail, is punctuated with explanatory panels. The savane savanna, the plains of wild horses and the dugout are discovered on the island before you can admire a 360-degree panorama on the Poum Peninsula and its islets. In clear weather, the Archipelago islands can even be seen. At 1 h 15, accessible at all levels.

Nearly 48 km separate the east and west coasts, between Koumac and Ouégoa. Without looking for superlatives and clichés, let's not sulk our pleasure. The landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, with a high point at the Grand-Crève-Coeur pass, located at 204 m. The Amos pass with its white cross is not to be missed.

15 km from Koumac in the direction of Ouégoa, make a short stop on the Roches Notre-Dame trail. The marked path allows you to go around the massif (30 minutes walk) and to enjoy a superb panorama. Also a good climbing spot.

South of Païta and after the Gadji bay, this beautiful black sand beach is a nice spot well equipped for picnics. Be careful when accessing it if you are by car, the track is not the most convenient for vehicles so avoid it if you are not in a 4x4 or a high car. The wreck of the Melanesia is the main attraction of this beach, because of its incredible history. The coaster Melanesia had many names during its history and kept running aground before being simply abandoned by the shameful navy.

Culminating at 1,219 meters, Mount Mou, surrounded by a botanical reserve, gives the opportunity to make a beautiful hike to its summit. From Païta, take the direction of La Tontouta by following the RT1 to reach the Col de la Pirogue. At this point, at the top of the pass, take a paved road on the right towards the Païta sanatorium. It takes 5 hours for the 7 kilometers round trip and 950 meters of ascent. You will cross a forest of mossy trees. Once at the top, the view is incredible on the whole region.

The 70 km long transverse road linking Koné to Poindimié is certainly one of the most beautiful routes in the territory. The Koné-Tiwaka, named after the two rivers whose course it follows, was the largest construction project in New Caledonian history, spread over ten years. Numerous areas have been set up along the way, offering superb views and starting points for walks. At the Tango pass, the panoramic view of the lagoon and the valley is priceless

In the heart of the Green commune of Moindou, on the way to the Table-Unio tribe, this magnificent road winds through the landscape and offers a sublime view of the surrounding nature. Carved out by the Moindou River, from which the village takes its name, this gorge has created beautiful and green landscapes on its sides. An accessible walk is possible and one can enjoy several viewpoints, up to the dam where one can swim (ask the inhabitants of Table-Unio to know where). A 4x4 is recommended, after a certain point.

Before coming to Bourail from the cross of Houaïlou, on the left, you go to a former school of boys held by the Marist brothers. Néméara, a orphans'home, is located in an old flat Caledonian box, which forms a beautiful ensemble with its church. The chapel is unique in New Caledonia, classified as a historic monument in 1989 to preserve its polychrome interior frescoes. Then you go to the tribe of Peté. From the Col Pass, where they nest in hundreds, the perspective extends to very green valleys, where several small tribes are rarely descended into Bourail village. People work their land and live fruit and river fishing. Rainfall is high in the corner, but when the sun spreads its rays on the slopes of the hills, it's just beautiful.

If you have the time and the condition of the track allows it (accessible only by 4x4 in rainy weather), don't hesitate to push on to Boat Pass, the northern tip of Grande Terre. A small parking lot will allow you to park your car and admire the exceptional panorama that is offered to you. Dozens of islets appear on the horizon, wedged between the sky and the sea, as far as the eye can see. Beyond, the Belep islands and the ocean are endless. At low tide, you can walk to the islands in front. A magnificent landscape to admire without moderation.

The view over the lagoon is superb from the Moméa pass. It is here, on the reef and not far from the Uaraï pass, that the five-masted ship France-III ran aground on July 12, 1922. It was then the largest sailing ship in the world, with its 126 m length. If you continue further, you will reach the Boghen pass (225 m) in the heart of a very mountainous site. The road then joins the RT1 between Nessadiou and Bourail. This is a must-do step to enjoy one of the best spots in the region to admire the view (and take pictures!).

Opened in 2013, the Voh Cultural Center is a new vector of cultural exchange in the Northern Province. It hosts local and national exhibitions and shows as well as the Voh media library and cyberbase. Closed because of the pandemic, it is back in service in 2021, stronger than ever. Many exhibitions and other cultural events, such as dance workshops or computer training, take place there. Don't hesitate to visit their Facebook page to check their program, and even less hesitate to visit them.

Second highest mountain of New Caledonia after Mount Panié, it is the highest point of the Pebble to which one can reach alone, the roof of the country being forbidden to walkers without a guide. The itinerary is marked and several small refuges are installed until the summit. In all, it will be necessary to count at least two days through imposing landscapes which really deserve the effort. Once at the summit, at 1,618 meters, you will be sure to have arrived at the end of a beautiful experience! This hike is only for the most experienced.

Created in 2013, the park aims to protect the natural heritage developed around the river. From the RT1 from Nouméa, take the Koé road on the right, just before the river, and continue to the parking lot. The old dam and the "marmites du Diable" (Devil's potholes) are among the most famous places in the area. The path of the old dam (built in 1892) and the presence of explanatory panels allow you to become familiar with the park.

Several trails start on the road next to the Auberge du Mont Koghi and are marked. The Malaoui Peak trail is undoubtedly the most interesting and rewarding. This 6.5 kilometer and 300 meter climb will take you about three hours round trip. The path goes deep into the primary forest before joining the ridge lines, on a steeper and slippery part. Once at the peak, the view of Grand Nouméa and the lagoon is breathtaking. Another hike of 2 km leads to the waterfall of the Koghis Mountains and is worth the detour.

After the Népoui junction, between Poya and Pouembout, turn left towards the Pindaï peninsula, where 8 km of tracks go down. 100 m after the beginning, the path on the right leads to the lighthouse, while the one on the left leads to the beach, three kilometers long and equipped. With fins, mask and snorkel, you can explore the few coral reefs in the area. This coastal area of several hectares is a small paradise of biodiversity, with mangrove, mining maquis and dry forest. A marked trail is open to walkers.

The trail towards the trail begins 4 kilometres after the airfield between Koné and Voh. The climb is gradual and leads to 880 metres of altitude, with a total journey of 16,5 kilometres. The less seasoned can stop after the first 2,6 kilometres, at the point of view 400 meters above the sea. For others, the hiking will continue with many panoramas on Koné, the lagoon, the chain and the mineral scrub. Think about providing enough water and food. It takes 8 hours to return. The itinerary is downloadable on the website.

The climb is very steep and not to be taken lightly, so it is better to be a seasoned and experienced walker. It will take about six hours to complete the 10 kilometers round trip and the 1,050 meters of elevation gain. After three kilometers, you will see three different paths: take the one on the right. Once you reach the top, the view of the surrounding area is spectacular. Be sure to take precautions, including checking the weather beforehand (make sure it hasn't rained). Also take plenty of water and food with you.