Things to see and do Maré

It takes about 7 km round trip (about 3 hours) of an easy and pleasant level. The itinerary alternates between sand and coral rocks and is not very well indicated, but remains accessible to all. We discover the beaches of the hotel, Shini and Pédé, which is the most beautiful of all. The latter is also accessible by road: coming from Tadine, park before Cape Wabao and cross the white barrier freely. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, with superb coral reefs.

This large building contains paintings and sculptures of Kanak art. It is named after a pro-independence leader from Maré who was assassinated with Jean-Marie Tjibaou by Djubelly Wéa, a pro-independence extremist, in 1989. Temporary exhibitions are also organized every six months, as well as several cultural events. Sophie, surrounded by her team, will also be able to inform you about the activities to do on the island. A visit that is worth it!

Located in the heart of the Tenane tribe in the north of the island, this famous and beautiful vanilla plantation organizes tours upon request and sells beans and local handicrafts in its store. The host, Pa Kaloi Cawidrone, has been passionate about vanilla and its exploitation for decades, and his vanilla plantation is ideally located in a region and forest known for its many tales and legends. An excellent visit.

Tataio and Taniela were the first Polynesian Protestant catechists who came to evangelize the island in 1841. Anchored in front of Ténane, they reached the shore on board their pirogue. To reach the site, cross the village, pass in front of the church, turn left and walk 200 meters, without forgetting to ask for authorization beforehand. Following Melanesian custom, the bones of the two missionaries were placed in their pirogue and hoisted up the side of the cliff.

This road runs along cliffs with many caves, where the inhabitants found refuge during tribal wars. About 3 km north of Tadine, red handprints are engraved in the rock. We then pass in front of the tribes of Mébuet and Nécé, where the former great chief of Maré, Naisseline, one of the most influential in New Caledonia, resided. The road goes up and through the tribes of Padawa and Wakuarori to reach a viewpoint from which the island of Tiga can be seen in the distance. Roh is at the end of the road in a preserved site.

Bring your fins, mask and snorkel! An ideal place for snorkeling. Below, the coral bottom is superb. The lucky ones might come across white tip sharks, turtles or rays... A bit difficult to find due to a lack of signposts, Pédé Beach is located between the natural aquarium and the Nengone Village hotel. Access is through a bend in the road, 50 m from the road. Difficult to find, but this white sand beach and its blue-green lagoon are enchanting and worth exploring.

The road leading to Cengeïté is one of the most beautiful of the island with its creeks only frequented by fishermen. On the same road, after 10 km, there is a small fork in the road on the right. Take it to follow the coast and cross the Cengeïté tribe, grouped near the beaches and around its temple. Leaving Wabao, you find the main road again. One kilometer before arriving at Eni, on the left, you will see on the road the trace of a parking lot. Take the path through the tall grass to bathe at the Eni waterhole.

Between Tadine and Cengeite, a short signposted path leads to a beautiful natural pool with amazing colors, dug in the coral and communicating with the sea through a siphon. During the hurricane season, fish and turtles come to shelter there, but you can go there at any time to contemplate the fauna. Yeiwéné Yeiwéné, a pro-independence leader assassinated in 1989 with Tjibaou, is buried nearby. Swimming is forbidden, but you can still admire the shy fish. A small path on the right leads to the coast.

Located between Tadine and Penelo, this site is considered to be one of the largest drowned cavities in the world, with a 40-meter-deep shaft with a 30-meter diameter that leads to a lake of more than 350,000 m³ of fresh water. To find it, a guidebook can be useful but here is a procedure to follow for those who want to explore on their own: take the RP3 road that crosses the island between La Roche and Tadine; take the RM4 that leads north towards the villages of Ténane and Roh; the site is located two kilometers after the crossroad.

Only 10 kilometers from La Roche, you have to take the road north to Tenané. There is little signage other than a small sign before the site and guardrails on the road. One kilometer after the fork in the road, the chasm is hidden in the bushes on the right. Approximately 40 meters deep, one can venture to the edge of the circular cliff, in the middle of a tropical forest, and peek into the void, looking for hidden caves that surround a freshwater lake.

The Warrior's Leap is located east of La Roche, at the Wakone tribe. It is a 5-meter wide crack in the cliff that overlooks the sea by almost 30 meters. Legend has it that a warrior from the Si Hnathege clan, named Hnor, leapt across the hole with the Si Gurework at his heels. Carried away by their momentum, his pursuers fell into the sea. Be careful with children, even if the site is secured by railings. A very nice panorama to admire (and photograph) without moderation!

Located less than 2 km from La Roche, this monument is one of the most important of its kind in the Pacific. This heap of coral blocks, dating approximately from the year 500 of our era, keeps all its mystery. According to legend, the tribes of La Roche and Hnaened were constantly at war. The great chief of La Roche decided to organize a contest for which each of the two tribes had to build a war shelter in record time. The warriors of La Roche set about the task and devoted their days and nights to it.