New Caledonia is a mix of both French and local Kanak culture with a little splash of Vietnamese and Indonesian influence, creating a unique travel experience within the South Pacific Islands. This island nation gives visitors the opportunity to discover its historic past, savour rich cuisines, experience a cultural mixing pot, and soak in the scenic beauty. There’s more to New Caledonia than being a popular destination for cruise ships from Australia to pull into port, whether it be Noumea, the Isle of Pines, Lifou or Mare Island. Here are a few things to do in New Caledonia when you get there.

Aquarium & Duck Island

Discover the pristine ecosystem of New Caledonia during a visit to the Aquarium and enjoy a snorkel outing near Duck Island. Be surrounded by amazing coral, tropical fish and learn all about the conservation efforts lead by New Caledonian scientists. Promenade Tours pick you up from your hotel in Noumea and take you a short distance to the Aquarium which is a self-guided and educational visit. Tourists get to learn about the New Caledonian barrier reef and the species that live here including reef sharks, sea turtles, marlins and mahi-mahi. About 100 metres across the road from the Aquarium, visitors then take a water taxi to Duck Island to get up close and personal with some of the sea life they just observed by diving beneath the surface themselves. This tour also includes lunch and hire of snorkelling equipment, and of course your return trip back to your accommodation.

Amedee Island

A small but beautiful island just off the south west coast of Noumea is Amadee Island. This natural marine reserve is part of the New Caledonia barrier reef (the world’s biggest lagoon), and day trips to this UNESCO heritage site includes snorkelling, glass-bottom-boat rides, buffet lunch, island dance show and more. On this island, you’ll also find the iron Amedee Lighthouse which was built in Paris and erected by French engineers back in 1862. It stands 56 metres high and if you climb the 247 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the island, the reef lagoon to the ocean and beyond – it’s definitely worth the trek!

Local Cuisine

With the culinary influence of France, there’s no shortage of grabbing yourself a good baguette or a glass of Bordeaux, but with a mix of Melanesian and Asian cultures gives visitors a variety of flavours to enjoy on the island. However, ‘Bougna’ is the most traditional dish you’ll find in New Caledonia and a perfect example of the local Kanak cuisine, so it’s a must-try when you visit! It’s made of chicken, lobster or fish combined with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves. They’re then placed into an earth oven and cooked over hot rocks. Although this style of cooking is common in the Pacific Islands, the ingredients vary between them. Bougnas are prepared for tourists on the Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines and the east coast of Grande Terre.

Port Moselle Market

Port Moselle Market is the largest market in New Caledonia and is conveniently located beside the marina at Port Moselle. It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays from 5am to 11:30am and has been a popular hot spot since it opened in 1991. It’s a one stop shop for fresh produce, food, handicrafts and souvenirs and a major attraction for tourists as well as the cruise passengers who pull into port. But, it’s recommended to go earlier in the day if you can!

Tjibaou Cultural Centre

If you’re a culture buff, you’ll want to visit the Tjibaou Culture Centre which gives guests a perfect introduction to local Kanak culture. It’s where history, culture, art, knowledge and natural beauty come together to delight and educate both children and adults. The centre is located only minutes from the city, on eight hectares of land between Magenta and Tina bays and includes a museum, art centre, performance spaces, a library, landscaped parks and more. There’s also a great variety of permanent and temporary exhibits to discover! This centre was built to celebrate the history and local culture of the Kanak people and to acknowledge the cultural diversity that exists within the wider region.

Isle of Pines

No visit to New Caledonia is really complete without a visit to the Isle of Pines. It’s considered one of the most spectacular islands in the Pacific, fringed with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and its signature Araucaria pine trees. It’s a short twenty-minute flight or a two and a half ferry ride from Noumea and is one of the best places to truly ‘escape to paradise’. Besides being surrounded by absolute beauty, there’s plenty of things to see and do while there. Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Oro Natural Pool, Visit Queen Hortense’s Cave, explore and relax the day away at Upi Bay or Climb N’Ga Peak (the highest peak on the island) to capture spectacular 360 degree views from the island.
 

If this small handful of things to do in New Caledonia has piqued your interest in finding out more about the destination or if you’re ready to discover it for yourself, call one of our New Caledonia specialists today on 1800 800 722.