Places to visit Science and technology New Caledonia

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.

This mine was exploited until the Second World War by the Japanese and closed after Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were expelled and some interned. The remains are impressive. All that remains here are concrete columns that carried evacuation hoses to the beach, as well as rusted conveyor belts that end up on the shore. Up there, on the mountain, more than 1,500 people once worked to extract the iron.

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

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.

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