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The Brooding Hen rock at Hienghène

East Coast

Green, wet and wildly scenic: the side of Grande Terre where Kanak culture is most visible.

Photo: gérard, CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Key townsPoindimié, Hienghène
  • From Nouméa~5 h by car
  • Best forCulture, hiking, scenery
  • Stay2–3 nights

Crossing the central mountain chain (via the Koné–Tiwaka road or the Col des Roussettes) takes you to the East Coast, where rainforest drops to the sea and small tribal communities line the coast road.

Hienghène

The highlight is Hienghène, home to the Poule Couveuse (Brooding Hen) rock in the bay and the jagged black limestone Lindéralique cliffs. The Goa Ma Bwarhat cultural centre introduces the area's Kanak heritage, and local operators run boat trips, kayaking and tribal walks.

Poindimié and beyond

Poindimié is the main town, with a good beach and diving on the outer reef. North of Hienghène the road passes the Tao waterfall and winds towards Pouébo and the Diahot valley.

Tip: the East Coast gets much more rain than the West. Waterfalls are at their best after rain, but check road conditions in the wet season (roughly December to April).

Stay in East Coast

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Top sights in East Coast

Hienghène & the Brooding Hen
East Coast

Hienghène & the Brooding Hen

Black limestone towers rising from a jade-green bay on the East Coast.

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Header photo: Photo: gérard, CC BY-SA 2.0

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