Natural Crafts Grande Terre

The beauty of this immense bay, protected from all winds, will never cease to amaze you. Called the "cyclone hole", its typical southern landscape is dry, arid and absolutely spectacular. Rich in iron ore and chromium, the earth here is saturated with red amidst the green of the vegetation and the blue of the Pacific. At the mouth of the Blue River, hot springs have been developed for bathing and can be an interesting stop. The best place to see the beauty of the area is undoubtedly the Cape N'Dua Nature Reserve. Created in 1972, it was reopened in 2002 and is located on the border of the Great South Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From mid-July to mid-September, you can observe whales passing by, especially from the top of the observatory, where you can see the mining maquis and the 1892 lighthouse. For divers, the bay is also a renowned site, thanks to its famous needle, a coral concretion of 38 meters. You have to imagine a mineral cathedral coming from the depths, whose calcification results from the action between fresh water, coming from lakes and rivers, and salt water from the ocean. But the jewel of Prony is also the islet Casy. An extension of Grande Terre from which it was separated a million years ago, it covers 40 hectares and is mainly composed of peridotite, a geological material that is the source of the nickel richness of New Caledonian soils. Named in 1854 in honor of Admiral Casy, it is in the heart of a splendid marine reserve. In 1870, two gardeners from the penitentiary settled there to supply the Prony camp with fresh vegetables. Today, it has nothing to do with purgatory and is more like a little paradise. Seven varieties of orchids and nearly 65 species of wood, some of which are endemic, have been listed. Marked trails allow you to learn more about its flora and Casy Express taxi-boats provide transfers for those who wish to go there. You should visit the old cemetery. As far as hiking is concerned, you should also know that the wonderful GR1 trail starts at the level of the Somme bay, before going through the whole Grand Sud until Dumbéa. In short, the only concern in the area is the huge Valé Goro nickel factory, which you should not look at too much... We can also blame the local authorities for not maintaining the bay well enough, but this does not spoil the pleasure of the visit.

You can wander around the mountain, in the humid forest, and steep ravines of 150 m to a beautiful river. The waterfall is on the other side. You access the river, but the water level can climb very quickly when the valves are open. You arrive in the village. Now you are on the east coast: vegetation is green and tropical. When you arrive at the bridge that crosses the False Yaté, you have two options: either cross the bridge and choose the direction of Yaté village or Unia (which ends two more or less in cul-de-sac), or to Waho and Goro. Arriving at Yaté, you see the bridge of Yaté which replaced the ferry and leads to the tribe of Mamié (Unia). If you continue towards Unia (along the coast towards the north), a road will take you over kilometres. Walk through fields of banana trees. At the end of the road to the right, a small entrance gives on the sea: the waves are meant to break off on the reef. To the north is the Forgotten Côte. You can't get there by car, you have to turn around to Goro.

The trail starts at the Evasion Hotel. You must pass the entrance gate of the hotel and, at the first intersection, turn left before the tennis courts, then right. At the next intersection, go downhill towards the river, before turning left. Cross an old fence and walk up to the sign, which will provide information on the route. This hike leads to the heart of the primary forest, where it is not uncommon to observe some endemic bird species (green pigeons, notous...). 1 055 meters of ascent await you!

It is certainly the most impressive hike near Nouméa, and yet the most accessible. This 772 meter high rounded colossus is well known by the inhabitants of the capital, as it occupies the horizon of the region. The route is 9.3 kilometers long and starts at the end of the rue des Inséparables, in Mont-Dore. You can connect to the site: www.visorando.com to get a map. The trail is steep, sometimes slippery, in spite of non-slip boards, exposed to the sun and not to be taken lightly. You will need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, food and good shoes. But the game is well worth it, and the whole thing is quite feasible for anyone in good physical shape, allowing between 3 and 5 hours of walking. The signposting is excellent and it is almost impossible to get lost. The Destination Grand Sud website details the itinerary and there is also a map at the entrance of the trail. As you gain altitude, the panorama is superb: the colors of the lagoon contrast beautifully with the red of the land, while the islands of Ndé, Bailly and Charron are set in the middle of the sea, with the coral reef and the Amédée lighthouse in the background. To the north, the view of Noumea and the Magenta and Boulari bays is exceptional. The Grand Sud also reveals its very particular wilderness. Once on the plateau of the mountain, the remains of the nickel mine remind us of the stigma that the industry has left here.

It is in the heart of a beautiful forest that the caves of Koumac are hidden, in the middle of bancouliers, gyrocarpus and banians. Carved by underground rivers, they were formed in karstic limestone dating from the Eocene (53 to 34 million years ago). Known long before the arrival of the missionaries, they were used as burial places by the local tribes. Between 1970 and 1990, exploration and topographic surveys of the caves were carried out. The Small Cave of the Winds can be explored in 15-20 minutes, while it will take 1 hour for the Big Cave, accessible only on its first 380 meters. Do not go at night or in the rain; remember to bring good closed shoes, a lamp, a drink, and to sign the booklet at the entrance. Inside, the cave is absolutely sublime and will give you the opportunity to see many types of rocks, natural ceilings, bats (yes) and the roots of banyan trees mixed from the surface. There is some graffiti here and there by unscrupulous vandals.

The camping is authorized and free on the equipped area. To access the site, which is 8 km from the center of Koumac, turn right at the church traffic circle when coming from the south, then follow the right again at the crow's feet, before turning left at the sign. after 400 m, follow the right and cross the fortified bridge. Turn right after 900 m. You are only 1 km from the caves. Take the right track at the end of the road.

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.

The Madeleine reserve is an exceptional site for the diversity and richness of its flora. Botanists will find here unique species: dwarf araucarias, carnivorous plants, wild orchids... 168 species of plants (most of them endemic) have been listed in the area. This red earth contains very few nutrients and only the vegetation of the mining maquis can resist these extreme conditions, which explains the unusual rate of endemism. The trail leads for 2 km to the falls. Easy access.

Count 2h30 of walk for the ascent of the mount Kathépaïk, from where we can see the Heart by good weather. (It is the sunshine that brings out the heart). Once at the top, find your bearings in relation to the two rivers, with the point of the Heart pointing towards you. At the risk of being disappointed, do not imagine that you will be able to find what you see on Yann Arthus-Bertrand's postcards; unless you fly over the site, it is quite difficult to distinguish. Nevertheless, if the sun is shining, the panorama is grandiose and stretches between red laterite earth, mountains, mangrove and ocean. To the north, the Téméla tribe; in front of you, the Duroc pass, to the east, the Koniambo massif and, to the south, the Oundjo tribe. Not to mention the recently built huge factory in the North.
But you have a good view on the heart, without necessarily reaching the top. Count in that case, about one hour of walk. Be careful, it goes up!

A guided tour in 4x4 ? Get in touch with Jacques Loquet: ✆ +687 42 38 78 or ✆ +687 75 44 67.

A flight over the Heart by microlight? The flight departs from the Koné airfield. Count 17,000 CFP for 45 min. Information from Hibis Air at ✆+687 47 22 61.

Parking: the starting point of the hike is at the level of a housing estate, a little outside the center. Arriving at the level of the store "the Katepai", take the road that runs alongside the store, then at the crossroads, take the left. Park in the available spaces or along a sidewalk.

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.

This beautiful beach takes its name from the turtles that regularly come here to lay their eggs - but beware, swimming is forbidden because of the strong currents. However, you should not miss it, as its location is exceptional. Facing the pass and the lagoon, the magnificent columnar pines stand next to the famous Bonhomme de Bourail. From the Roche Percée, the three bays path to the Baie des Tortues, passing by the Baie des Amoureux and the belvedere, is one of the most beautiful pedestrian itineraries of the West Coast.

With a surface area of 40 km², it is the largest in the country! At the eastern end, the Yaté dam impresses by its dimensions. 45 meters high and 641 meters long, it is located at an altitude of 160 meters and the thickness of its wall varies between 2.3 meters and 9 meters. Built in 1959, it provides 20% of the country's electricity. A path leads from the site to the power station of the municipality and it takes 1h30 for the descent, which is delightful. One meets there in particular a rare fauna and some carnivorous plants... A foot race crosses it every year.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

We are at the end of New Caledonia and high up, in a reserve of 830 hectares. Its biodiversity is exceptional: shrubby maquis, humid forest, mangrove, diversified fauna, endemic plant species, chiropterans, marine mammals, 27 species of birds... A 10 km circuit allows you to discover the richness of this fauna and flora. The icing on the cake: an observatory equipped with telescopes allows you to observe humpback whales from the ground.