So you have been seeing Air Calin advertising everywhere, and something has told you to book New Caledonia!
C’est Magnifique!
New Caledonia is made up of more than 140 individual Islands – crazy huh! All international flights come in and out of the bustling metropolis of Noumea, and where else to start your French journey in the South Pacific, than its very own heartbeat?
Noumea is a wonderful city, full of vibrant people and places to visit – just another city? Not even close!
How to begin
Firstly, you will arrive from Australia into Noumea Tontouta Airport. This airport is roughly 45 minutes from the centre of Noumea, and pre-booking a private shuttle is highly recommended. This way you don’t need to worry about a thing when you head to your city centre accommodation.
Day 1:
Take it easy! You’ve just flown a couple of hours, yet a world away, where the food, wine and language all have something in common – it’s all French!
Start your day by exploring the city centre. Visit Coconut Square and the Place des Cocotiers, the heart of Noumea. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, savouring some traditional New Caledonian cuisine.
In the afternoon, take a stroll along Anse Vata Beach,relax on the sandy shores or try water activities like paddleboarding.
For the evening, dine at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2:
Island Excursion to Île aux Canards
Embark on a boat trip to Île aux Canards, a small islet near Noumea.
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant marine life of the New Caledonian lagoon.
Enjoy a beachside picnic or dine at the island's restaurant.
Return to Noumea in the late afternoon and unwind at your hotel.
Day 3:
Spend the morning exploring the exhibitions and lush surrounds at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre which is dedicated to the indigenous Kanak culture.
Have lunch at a local eatery to savour more New Caledonian flavours.
In the afternoon, visit the New Caledonia Aquarium to discover the region's diverse marine life.
Evening at leisure to explore the city's nightlife or relax at your accommodation.
Day 4:
Adventure the Great South
Take a day trip to the Blue River Provincial Park in the south. Hike through lush forests to reach the stunning Blue River.
Picnic by the river and cool off with a swim.
Visit the Goro Nickel Plant to learn about the nickel mining industry, a significant part of the local economy.
Return to Noumea in the evening and dine at a local restaurant.
Day 5:
Shopping and Relaxation
Explore the local markets, such as the Port Moselle Market, to shop for souvenirs and local products.
Afternoon relaxation at the Kuendu Beach, where you can swim or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Evening at leisure to explore Noumea's dining scene.
Day 6:
Lifou Island Day trip
Now, it’s important to know that Lifou deserves its own trip! And we know you will feel the same after spending just a day there, so for the sake of this itinerary we will just dip our toes into the Loyalty Islands in Lifou 😉
Either fly from Noumea Magenta Airport (domestic airport located close to the city) and fly 40 minutes, or take a 2 hour ferry ride.
Either way, a car is ideal on this tropical paradise.
Explore the beautiful landscapes, visit traditional villages, and enjoy the unique Melanesian culture.
Snorkel in the Jokin Cliffs area and savour a traditional island lunch.
Return to Noumea in the evening.
Day 7:
Departure day, farewell Noumea – you will be back!
Some flights back to Australia depart in the afternoon, so take advantage of your last few pastries and beach swimming opportunities before heading home.
Noumea has so much to offer
Our team at Spacifica Travel live and breathe the South Pacific, and are happy to answer any questions you have about New Caledonia. This little known gem is just ripe for the picking, and you will never regret having a week in New Caledonia, you will just wish you had longer!
How do I get there?
Get in touch with the team at Spacifica Travel on 1800 800 722 or email sales@spacificatravel.com, or even visit our website for great deals to New Caledonia.
We can’t wait to make your island holiday dreams come true!
Photos courtesy of M.Dosdane &Terres de Lumiere in Noumea