By the newcaledoniatravel.com team · Updated 2 October 2026 · Itineraries
Grande Terre is about 400 km long, and a loop up the West Coast and down the East Coast shows you the island's contrasting sides.
The route
- Nouméa → Bourail (~2 h): La Roche Percée, Turtle Bay and Poé beach.
- Bourail → Koné (~2 h): stop at Fort Teremba on the way up, then the Heart of Voh viewpoint or a scenic flight.
- Koné → Hienghène (~2.5 h): cross the central chain via the Koné–Tiwaka road to the Brooding Hen and Lindéralique cliffs.
- Hienghène → Poindimié (~1 h): beaches, waterfalls and tribal stays.
- Poindimié → Nouméa (~4.5 h): back over the mountains via Houaïlou and the Col des Roussettes.
Driving tips
- Drive on the right. Roads are generally good but narrow in the mountains.
- Avoid driving at night outside towns.
- Shops and fuel stations can close early and on Sundays.
Compare car hire prices early, especially for school holidays.
Plan your New Caledonia trip
Hotels, tours and transport in one place.
Header photo: Photo: RECAGUILBOT, CC BY-SA 4.0
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.