Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit 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.

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.

Every month, the Thio tourist office organizes tours of the plateau mine, which has been in operation since 1874 and is still operated by SLN. The first mine in New Caledonia, it is one of the largest nickel deposits in the world and the only site in the country open to the public. These days are commented by Maurice Fels, a local historian, and then by a site manager. They are followed by a traditional tribal meal. Attention, closed shoes and pants are mandatory. Remember to ask about the calendar and to reserve.

North of the Ouaïème ferry. 100 meters high, it is accessible, except in rainy periods. To reach it, you have to follow the sign and the path to reach, in a few minutes, the nice natural basin, where the bathing is pleasant. A signposted path, sometimes sporty, then leads you to the site in an hour round trip. The terrain can be slippery and steep, but the view from the top reveals the wonders of the lagoon. The Tao River, which rises in the heart of Mount Panie, is dotted with waterfalls, each one higher than the next.

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.

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.

The transverse road between Houaïlou and Bourail is very beautiful and crosses mountainous landscapes that almost make you forget that you are on an island. It is very winding and requires caution. Coming from the east, you can see Mount Maoya, one of the highest peaks in New Caledonia (1,508 m) and one of the oldest irrigation cultivation sites in the Kanak world. The Roussettes pass is the highlight of the crossing, with a fabulous perspective on the valley that runs to the west coast

From the henhouse, several hiking routes to discover the landscapes of the region. Another starting point is possible between the bridge south of the village and the Goa Ma Bwarhat cultural center. The trails are between 2.8 and 6.3 kilometers long and require between 1.5 and 3 hours of time, with easy, medium and difficult levels. Great views of the bay, the hen and the rocks, but also of the whole bay and the village from the Ga Wivaek pass.

The waterfall is located halfway between Touho and Poindimié. It will be necessary to ask Point I to put you in contact with a guide to go there, because it is located on the lands of the tribe of Kokengone. The hike is magnificent and promises splendid panoramas. At the top, you can see a small reservoir that forms a pool, while the rest flows between the rocks overlooking the valley and the lagoon. You will certainly take some of the most beautiful pictures of your stay. A magical place to discover without delay.

An emblematic site, the Bota Méré is a mountain located in the deltaic plain of Thio. The place is taboo for the inhabitants of the valley. During the Second World War, it was used as a lookout post. A path allows you to reach the top of the mountain, from the Thio mission. At the top, you have a splendid view of the surrounding area, the lagoon and the site where the nickel was loaded into the ore carriers. A beautiful 360° panorama! Nearby, you will also find a magnificent beach lined with an alley of coconut trees.