Tourist Attractions & Monuments New Caledonia

These 7,500 hectares of wild and preserved nature is the dream playground for sportsmen and nature lovers. Located on the edge and on the heights of the lagoon classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is accessed via the road to Poé, shortly before arriving on the beach. The Domaine has five hiking trails for all levels, including the Oua Koué trail, on ridges with breathtaking views (5.5 km, 324 m ascent); the Forest of Origins trail to the lagoon, through the largest dry forest in New Caledonia (7 km); the Giant's Trail, around the Fournier marsh equipped with an ornithological observatory (6.5 km) and the Boé Arérédi Trail, which overlooks the Poé fault, whose deep blue line cuts into the turquoise waters (4.5 km, 317 m ascent).

For mountain bikers, there are 240 kilometers of trails dedicated to them on 17 different routes with increasing levels of difficulty: the green trail No Poradéno (8.6 km), the blue trails No Bouaou (12.3 km) and Forêt Plateau (11 km), the red trails Bouencoy (16 km) and Me Awi (15 km), as well as the black trail Zouvézélé (20.7 km).

You will also find more than 13 km of white sand beach on the domain and 7 horseback riding trails. Finally, in addition to the Sheraton Hotel, its spa and its golf course, it is also possible to rent mountain bikes at the Maison de Déva located at the entrance of the Domaine or to go horseback riding with the Carré 9 ranch, open from Tuesday to Sunday morning.

This is one of the must-see activities in New Caledonia. Among the two main activities, we advise you to explore the Blue River Park, its fauna and flora, and to listen for the cry of the cagou, the emblematic bird of New Caledonia. You can walk there or rent a bike to cover a longer distance!

You can also do a kayak trip at full moon on the blue river in the heart of the drowned forest, a really unique experience!

A true showcase of the Deep South, this park is absolutely unmissable for all outdoor enthusiasts. A very good map is provided at the entrance and lists the interesting places to visit. The White River area is accessible to cars while the Blue River area has been limited to hikers, on foot or by bicycle. There are specially designated areas for bivouacking in the Blue River basin, but permission must be sought from the front desk agent. Three colors dominate this unique environment: the green of the vegetation, the blue of the river and sky and the red of the earth. Among the species present in the Grand Sud, not less than 75% are endemic. Among the notable trees, we find the kaori, which can reach 40 meters high; one of them would be 1,000 years old, and its diameter is 2.70 m. Fortunately, its exceptional size has made it unworkable. Thanks to a protection program, the area is still one of the few places on the pebble to shelter a population of cagous. This endangered species is a hidden treasure here and everyone is looking for a glimpse. To meet it, you need a lot of luck and a bit of tactics. Theoretically, you have better luck early in the morning and by remaining discreet. One of the highlights of the exploration is undoubtedly the mysterious Drowned Forest, with its naked and white trunks that emerge from the lake.

Hiking: Blue River Provincial Park is home to numerous trails with routes ranging from 30 minutes to 7 hours. Signs indicate the characteristics of each trail and provide information on the animal and plant species that you may see. There are brochures presenting the different routes. Here is the description of some of them:

The Palmetum trail (1 hour - 1 km - very easy). A short botanical and educational trail created on the site of a former mining camp. Discovery of the mining maquis and a dense humid forest.

Le sentier du Houp géant (30 minutes - 1 km - very easy).This short walk follows an old track that was used to extract the trees cut in the forest. A magnificent houp (tree) with extraordinary dimensions watches over the place.

Le sentier de la Source (1 hour - 3.8 km - easy). This is a peaceful loop through the scrubland and around magnificent kaoris and araucarias.

The Three Forests Trail (1 hour - 1.3 km - easy). It starts near the ford of the Pourina. It is necessary to follow a short ascent through humid and dense forests, before entering the mining scrubland.

The Grande Cascade trail (5 hours - 15.7 km - difficult). Located at the end of the main valley trail, this is a long walk to the upper Blue River.

Kaori Trail (3 hours - 8.5 km - medium). Also located at the end of the valley trail, this is a somewhat physical walk among the giants of the forest.

The Koureu Deni trail (2 hours - 4.6 km - medium).This pretty botanical trail starts near the Bon Secours development. Slightly strenuous, it takes you to the giant houp through different types of environments.

The Renaissance Mine Trail (3 hours - 8.3 km - medium). This is a varied loop that leads you on the steps of an old mule track leading to the Renaissance mine prospecting site. The landscapes dominate the valley of the Blanche River and offer a beautiful spectacle.

The GR1 trail. It allows walkers to evolve on paths leading from Prony to the Dumbéa dam and to cross the Blue River Park on foot. By following this fabulous path, you will explore the Great South in all its richness, along ancient paths traced by the Kanaks. Beware, it requires a thorough preparation and a good knowledge of the terrain. You need to be in excellent physical shape and have adequate equipment, as well as enough food because no refreshments are available.

Several service providers also offer various activities in the park and you can contact them beforehand to find what you are looking for: Sud Loisirs (kayaking, mountain biking and hiking - ✆ +687 77 81 43 - www.sudloisirs.nc), H2O Odyssée (kayaking - ✆ +687 91 10 03 - www.h2o-odyssee.com), Aventure Pulsion (kayaking - +687 26 27 48 - aventure-pulsion.nc), Escal'aventure (rock climbing - ✆ +687 74 78 37 - www.escalaventure.com) and Loisirs Concept (rock climbing - ✆ +687 43 90 13 - loisirsconcept.nc).

The Deep South is full of secrets and superb spots where being guided can be very enjoyable, especially if you do not have your own vehicle and rental 4x4s are rare (book in advance). Toutazimut offers various excursions from Noumea.

It is the jewel in the crown of the Isle of Pines and a visit is a must during a stay here. This small natural coral basin, wedged between a channel and the sea, is an impressive and marvelous spot, a place simply blessed by nature: sheltered from the ocean waves that hit the surrounding rock barrier, surrounded by majestic pines and a beach of fine white sand, it hides under its turquoise and clear shallow waters a heavenly marine fauna: corals, shells and multicolored fish. Swimming in this crystalline pool, with or without snorkel, in the middle of a multitude of multicolored fish not afraid for a penny, even curious, is an idyllic moment. However, don't forget your plastic sandals, because before reaching the sandy bottom, it is necessary to walk for a few meters on small rocks! Spending the day there to capture all the magic, discover new specimens and swim several times is a good option. But to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to come in the early morning or later in the afternoon, as families and locals tend to go there for lunch, enjoying the pool just before and/or after. To get there, you have to leave your car at the parking lot and follow for about 15 minutes a forest path that you have to pay for, at the entrance of which someone will wait for you to collect the money and explain the shortest way. This path crosses the channel, so you will have to walk in the water (more or less high depending on the tide) which does not present any particular difficulty. And for the smaller budgets, it is possible to come by your own means via the track that serves the Meridian. But it can also be pleasant to arrive on the site from Upi Bay, after an excursion in a traditional Melanesian pirogue, piloted by a piroguier from Saint-Joseph Bay. In this case, it is necessary to foresee forty-five minutes of walk on the pedestrian forest path to reach the natural swimming pool. The toll and a certain surveillance have been put in place by the customary authorities to avoid certain abuses of cruisers. Please remember to wear a bathing suit to ensure a certain modesty.

This is truly a stopover not to be missed under any circumstances, for the beauty of the place, of course, but above all to take a dip and enjoy a welcome moment of relaxation before resuming your excursion.

Connected by a narrow isthmus, the bays are masterpieces of nature. If the first one is known for being the landing place of the Betico, the second one is famous for its rock, whose access is taboo. Both beaches are the only spots on the island where you can practice windsurfing, and PMT is also a widespread activity. Take the path that runs along the peninsula from the south and go around it going north, you will be delighted by this short excursion (1h).

Téremba, named after a small islet in the Bay of Uarai, was a penitentiary with a post office, telegraph and store. Construction of the buildings began in 1871, but following the Kanak revolt in 1878, a fort was erected there to serve as headquarters for the French army. After 1897, the site lost its importance and was sold at auction in 1919. The Marguerite de La Foa Association has been very active in the restoration of the site and participates in the dissemination of a past that has long remained taboo. It is an excellent museum.

With your fins, mask and snorkel, you will discover an important variety of fish that we do not suspect so close to Noumea. Several buoys mark out the circuit with a wealth of information on the underwater fauna. On these buoys, you will find the different fishes and corals that can be observed along the way. Turtles and a dugong even frequent the area. A stroll for all; our favorite! We advise you to come during the week and early, to avoid the crowd.

Built in the 19th century to supply Nouméa with wood, it is now invaded by lush vegetation. Huge banyan trees cover the buildings with their bewitching roots. In the last quarter of the 19th century, a village was grafted onto the site where the exploitation of the wood lasted until 1911. An association of restoration enthusiasts has rehabilitated the powder magazine built in 1884 and a path has been laid out to fully enjoy the remains. Wet forest and mining scrubland follow one another as you enter the heart of the penitentiary's history.

It is here that dugout expeditions begin, in the pretty bay of Saint-Joseph with its numerous coral islands in the shape of a mushroom. It is not uncommon to see a few of them while passing by, but they almost disappeared once upon a time. Having become obsolete, these boats were replaced by motor boats, before becoming fashionable again in the 1990s. Some fishermen perpetuate the tradition today and also offer trips in Upi Bay (to be booked through your accommodation).

Once arrived, we are on a hill overlooking Noumea, we discover the superb panorama on the lagoon, the Tjibaou Cultural Center and the Mont-Dore. Below the hill, Notre-Dame-du-Pacifique watches over Nouméa. One of the last dry forests still preserved in the vicinity of Nouméa can be found on 36 hectares. In the Valley of the Endemics, many unique animals in the world are a real showcase of New Caledonian fauna!

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.

This well-stocked info point is located next to the town hall at the top of Farino, from there the view of the area is sublime and not to be missed. An interesting stop to make in order not to miss anything of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the city of Farino. We recommend stopping here to discover the various activities to do in the area during your stay. Moreover, the area around the information point is ideal for a picnic

From the beach covered with twigs, the village of the tribe of Foué, located at the bottom before the mangrove, looks like a small fishing village with its motor boats that come and go day and night, at the rhythm of the tide. It is possible to rent kayaks at the nautical base to venture into the calm waters that lie in front of you.

Good to know: wild camping is allowed on the beach of Foué (sanitary facilities and showers available). Beware of mosquitoes (the mangrove is close by) and the alcoholic parties that take place there on weekends.

Poe beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, 17 kilometers long and offering shallow waters over several dozen meters. Its colors are as bewitching as its white sand and reefs swept by the waves of the open sea, which contrast with the flat calm of the lagoon. Popular with the inhabitants of New Caledonia and especially with families from Nouméa, the tourist activities are rich and benefit from the recognition of the site as a Unesco World Heritage Site. You will see many kitesurfers and some windsurfers.

No sign will show you the way to this lovingly planted Garden of Eden. It is here that Felix and Janine welcome travelers every day to the heart of their vanilla plantation. More than 1,000 plants have been planted on the trunks of local species and are kept at man's height to be able to fertilize the beautiful ephemeral orchid and pick the pods without too much difficulty. It is Felix Bolé who has revived the activity on the island. Fascinating.

This bay is very famous for the quality of its anchorage and literally means "arrival of the boats". It is here that the sandalwood trade began in 1842. Today, times have changed. The latter has given way to cruise ships that unload their stream of Australian tourists in stopover. The site extends to the cliffs of Easo Point and its white chapel. From the wooden pontoon, it is easy to observe sea turtles at sunset. Don't miss the opportunity to visit early or late in the day.

The name of the Qanopeu cave literally means "bowels of the earth where spirits are born". It consists of three rooms: the first one would correspond to the place from which the men came out, the second one is used as a shelter for the bats, and the third one turns out to be the Devil's room... According to the legend, the Devil would go out during the day to join his wife in Wanaham and would return to sleep here. So it is strictly forbidden to go there at night... To come and discover the place, you have to contact Albert Trohmaé, at least 24 hours in advance.

Ideally located on the Ferry quay, the tourist office is very well documented. You will find all the information you need to organize your stay in New Caledonia. In touch with all the actors of tourism. Friendly welcome. This tourist office is very recent, it opened its doors in August 2022, and benefits from all the comfort and information possible. It is THE first essential step for any visitor to the island.