Things to see and do East Coast

A true New Caledonian icon in the same way as the cagou or the striped tricot, the elegant ageless hen sits proudly in the bay of Hienghène, between the coast and the open sea. It takes on different faces depending on the point of view, which explains the great diversity of possible photos. The most beautiful spot is at the belvedere, where you can access the southern entrance of the village. A small sign announces the site and there is room to park and picnic. The panorama is absolutely magnificent and extends from the black rocks of Linderalique to the famous incubator and the sphinx that faces it. In the open sea, the sea and the sky seem to be one, so that the horizon beyond the bay is interrupted only by the islets and the high peaks of the Mount Panie massif. According to local beliefs, the chicken symbolizes the founding element of life. Many legends surround these mythical places with a halo of mystery. According to one of them, the settlement of the territory would have even started here. If you have the opportunity to go for a canoe ride, it seems that you can even recognize the towers of Notre-Dame from certain angles! To better appreciate the Sphinx, you will have to cross the village and come out of it by the north to admire it from its point of view.

This is a must-see site for anyone visiting (or re-visiting) the region and even New Caledonia in general. The beauty of the place and the legends surrounding it are bewitching.

This museum is installed in an old colonial building. It traces the world of mining and the history of the region. The Le Nickel company (SLN), founded in 1880, was at the origin of development in Thio. It set up the infrastructure necessary for the exploitation of the site. The mines, the ore processing plant and the shipping wharf required a large workforce, half of which was recruited from Japan. A very interesting museum directly related to the modern exploitation that you can appreciate by visiting the mine.

Do not hesitate to contact the tourist office to prepare your stay in Hienghène and more particularly in the tribe. The tourist office will give you the names of the hosts able to welcome you (it is better to book 24 hours in advance). It is located in the center of the village, the reception is pleasant and informed. Behind the desk, the portrait of Jean-Marie Tjibaou is displayed. Very practical at the beginning of any stay, the team of the tourist office of Hienghène will be delighted to guide you in your adventure.

In the Xârâcùù language, they are called xwâkwé nè, "the sources of fire". For centuries, Kanak warriors dipped their weapons there before going to war. A legend transmitted by the Melanesian oral tradition explains the origins of this place. A long time ago, the valley of La Crouen was sacred. Only a family guarding the site lived there, along with a god named Wankwéné, who punished the unwary who committed the sacrilege of coming here. One night, the god stirred in his sleep and shook the mountain. The river, which was flowing along the western slope, drifted towards the eastern slope. The tribes then wanted to appropriate the source. A young man from the west went in search of it and came across a young girl from the east who had gone astray. They fell in love with each other and fled into the forest. Coming from opposing families, they could not return together and ended up in the valley of the Crouen, provoking the wrath of Wankwene. In anger, the god urinated on them, turning them into turtles and dogfish. The legend says that at the place where the urine ricocheted, two hot springs sprang up... But don't let that put you off, because the spot is very nice. The sulphurous and alkaline springs flow 250 m³ per day at a temperature between 40 and 44 °C. They are effective against asthma, bronchial affections and rheumatism, but don't be too sensitive to the smell of sulfur.

A ten-minute drive from the center stretches the pretty beach of Moara, with its white sand at the edge of the coconut trees. The bay of Port Bouquet is also worth a visit, a few kilometers away. It overlooks the sea magnificently and faces the islets Némou and Toupéti, which offer superb underwater scenery for diving. In the direction of the hourly road leading to Canala, the beach of Ouroué and its black sand also reveals a surreal landscape. The region of Thio is a beautiful area, mountains and sea offer thrills.

Located in the Nakety valley, 1.5 km south of Canala, on the heights of Gelima, it is necessary to climb for 4 km through banana and coconut plantations to reach the falls. At the arrival, a path on the left leads to the top of the falls. Be careful during your ascent, the path can be tricky. You will find there one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the territory, which will make you enjoy a panoramic view on the magnificent surroundings of Canala. Remember to ask for permission from the tribes of Gelima or Mia. Swimming is possible on site.

19 km south of Houaïlou, towards Canala. Once you reach the hill in the mining center and after passing two large power poles, turn left to a platform overlooking the ocean. At the top of a knoll, on the left, three power poles appear in a row. You are in the heart of a petroglyph site. The rocks are decorated with sun, men and crosses. The Kanaks deposit coins there as a sign of respect.

Reaching Thio from Canala is almost an adventure. The road, then the track, is so narrow and winding that timetables have been set up for 13 km. From Nakety to Thio, you pass at even hours and, in the other direction, at odd hours. Be careful, the route is not paved everywhere, and some people try to force their way through. Be sure to check the condition of the road before you go, and make sure that the weather is good and that your vehicle is able to drive on the track. At night, it is open on both sides.

8 km after the beginning of the river, after passing the tribe of Poindjap, you will discover two burned and rusted trucks that recall the attack and assassination of ten Kanak militants on December 5, 1984. On the stele is inscribed: "Son of Kanaky, remember...". Two of Tjibaou's brothers fell in the ambush and seven people escaped. On this place of pilgrimage and recollection for the Kanaks and the independentists, the carcasses of Peugeot 404 are regularly covered with banners, pieces of cloth and flowers.

On the east-west transverse just before the Coula bridge, don't miss a bus shelter on the right with a portrait of Eloi Machoro. After the bridge, turn left. At the first fork in the road, turn left and continue straight ahead. Ask the locals for permission to access the waterfall. When you hear the water of the stream, park on the median, turn right, cross the ford and continue in the high grass. The path is now used only by kids who use it to go to school. The view is splendid.

On the cross, just before arriving in Houaïlou, take the small road on the right, at the level of the bus stop. Leave your car at the grocery store and go past an old sawmill. You have to walk 2 minutes to arrive at the first basins, the fall is 200 meters. It is a beautiful place to take a few moments and appreciate the beauty of nature. The fall, fifteen meters high, provides bathers with natural diving and a large basin. There is a table on the spot and the spot is very pleasant.