As our closest South Pacific neighbour, it’s time you got to know New Caledonia a little better! We’ve put together everything you need to know before you visit this beautiful country.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia boasts sunny warm weather year round with average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. During the cooler months of July/August the temperature can drop to 20 degrees Celsius, and rise up to 28 degrees Celsius in the summer months of December to February.  The water temperature is perfect at around 21-28 degrees depending on the season so it’s no wonder that New Caledonians spend so much time snorkelling, diving and explore the stunning lagoon.

GETTING TO NEW CALEDONIA

The national carrier for New Caledonia is Aircalin which flies into Noumea directly from Australia.

• 2 hours from Brisbane operating on Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
• 2.5 hours from Sydney operating daily
• 3 hours from Auckland operating 6 days
• 3.5 hours from Melbourne operating on Mon, Thurs, Sat

Tonouta International Airport is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Noumea so we recommend a private car transfer to enjoy the scenic drive on your way into town. There are also affordable seat in coach options. The Magenta Domestic Airport is ten minutes from Noumea city centre and is your hub to get to the Loyalty Islands of Lifou, Mare, Ouvea and Isle of Pines.

NEW CALEDONIA CURRENCY

New Caledonia currency is the Pacific franc (CFP or XPF). You can withdraw cash from ATMs on your arrival at Noumea Airport or head to a foreign exchange office in downtown Noumea that are open Monday to Friday.  Banks in New Caledonia are no longer accepting travellers’ cheques. Credit cards are widely accepted however if you plan to travel to the islands or outside of Noumea it is advisable to ensure you have cash with you in case you cannot pay by card.

ELECTRICITY AND POWER

True to it’s European influence, New Caledonia plugs and sockets are the same as European countries at 220V and adapters are available for sale at the international airport or shops near the Cruise Terminal in Noumea.

PEOPLE & LANGUAGE

New Caledonia is a true melting pot of nationalities from its colourful history. Early inhabitants were made up of migrants from Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and New Guinea before France took official possession of New Caledonia in 1853. There are also strong communities of Kanak people as well as people from Indonesia, Japan, Tahiti Wallis, Futuna, Vanuatu, Vietnam to create a vibrant multicultural society.

French is the official language and English is widely spoken as is the local Kanak languages. Most Kanak people speak their language within their native region and although for many years the languages were taught at schools, unfortunately there are a few that are likely to disappear over the coming decades. For example in the Voh region there is only a few dozen speakers.

If you do have the opportunity to visit a Kanak village, keep in mind that there are certain rules and customs to respect. If you would like to enter tribal lands you should make a customary gesture called “faire la coutume” of a small gift of money, rice, food or a souvenir from your home country. ‘Coutume’ refers to the Kanak way of life and social rules that they follow. This traditional ceremony of greeting and welcome has significant meaning to the Kanaks and shows mutual respect and a special bond between you and the community.

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATION

One of the easiest ways to stay connected in New Caledonia is with a Tourism SIM card. You can purchase these from the OPT-NC (local telecommunications company) counter at La Tontouta International Airport or any OPT Store in New Caledonia.

There is also the option to rent an NC Pocket Wi-Fi device during your stay which is a small portable modem that operates via the 4G network and allows you to share the connection on up to 5 devices.

If these two options don’t suit, there is also several public Wi-Fi terminals in the city centre, near the beach at Anse-Vata Park, at the airports and tourist offices that you can connect to for free. Most accommodation providers will also offer Wi-Fi included as part of your stay.

So What Are you Waiting for?

Now you’re more familiar with our New Caledonia neighbours, why not contact one of our experts on  1800 800 722 to book your dream holiday!