Best things to do in New Caledonia
Our favourite experiences on land and in the lagoon, from easy half days to adventures.
Snorkel the UNESCO lagoon
Swim with turtles and reef fish at Îlot Canard, Amédée, Jinek Bay and the Oro pool.
Read guide →Sail a pirogue on the Isle of Pines
Glide across Upi Bay on a traditional outrigger, then walk to the natural pool.
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Explore the Tjibaou Cultural Centre
Kanak art and Renzo Piano architecture on the edge of Nouméa.
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Climb Amédée Lighthouse
A day on a coral islet with a 19th-century iron lighthouse.
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Fly over the Heart of Voh
See the famous mangrove heart on a scenic flight.
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Hike Rivière Bleue
Giant kauri trees, red trails and the kagu bird.
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Kayak the drowned forest
Paddle between ghostly trunks on Yaté lake.
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Watch humpback whales
July to September in Prony Bay and the southern lagoon.
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Road-trip to Hienghène
The Brooding Hen and black cliffs of the East Coast.
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Spot turtles at Mouli
Lean over Ouvéa's famous bridge between two lagoons.
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Eat a traditional bougna
Yam, taro and coconut cooked in an earth oven.
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Catch the Bourail fair
Rodeo and country life every August.
Read guide →More ideas
- Walk the seafront from Anse Vata to Baie des Citrons at sunset.
- Browse the Port Moselle market early in the morning.
- Hike Ouen Toro hill in Nouméa for lagoon views.
- Climb Pic N'ga on the Isle of Pines.
- Visit Fort Teremba, a penal-era fort on the West Coast.
- Stay overnight in a tribal gîte on Lifou or Maré.
- Try kitesurfing at Anse Vata, Îlot Maître or Poé.
- Dive Boulari Pass near Amédée.
- See Madeleine Falls and the endemic plants of the Plaine des Lacs.
- Take a scenic flight over the lagoon.
- Learn about vanilla on Lifou.
- Swim at Kuto and Kanumera bays.
- Look for the kagu, New Caledonia's national bird.
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Header photo: Photo: iezalel williams, CC0