New Caledonia

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Quick Facts

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Local name

Nouvelle-Calédonie

Capital

Nouméa

Government

Overseas Territory of France

Nationality

New Caledonian

Population

240,000

Languages

French

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Currency

CFP Franc (XPF)

Calling Code

+687

Time Zone

UTC+11

Contributors

• Utrecht (76%)
  from http://utrecht.travellerspoint.com

as well as Peter (12%), Hien (11%), Lavafalls (1%), dr.pepper (1%)

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Introduction

Church at the top of the Hill in Noumea

© All Rights Reserved naomidavid

New Caledonia is an outstanding destination, due largely to the magnificent barrier reef which surrounds the main island of Grande Terre. It is the second largest in the world and is, unsurprisingly, an underwater maze of natural beauty.

But the islands themselves are more than capable of entertaining the holidayer. Luxurious five star hotels invite the wealthy tourists into their midst, whilst the budget traveller can lodge in the cheaper accomodation. But be they wealthy or on a budget, everyone who comes to New Caledonia is treated to the same cultural vivacity and tropical flavour. Frenchness has made its mark on culture, but the islanders are by no means a collection of French folk donning swimsuits and suntans; their dance and food are unmistakably traditional, though infused with modern influences. Many look forward to the day when they can cut official ties with France and step out into independence.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Provinces

The archipelago is divided into three administrative divisions:

• South Province
• North Province
• Loyalty Islands Province

Cities & Towns

• Nouméa - The capital
• Thio
• Poindimié
• Wé
• Muéo
• Koné
• Canala

Sights and Activities

Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue

Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue is a beautiful park located at the western end of Lac de Yaté, a hydroelectric dam, in the southwestern corner of Grand Terre. It is a protected reserve and is the place to be if you are keen on nature. There is a variety of bird species, including the cagou, New Caledonia's national bird. There is also a strange drowned forest with skeletons of old trees protruding tragically from the water. The park is well maintained and you can pick up information at the entrance gate, with displays about possible walks and flora and fauna you can encouter.

Loyalty Islands

The Loyalty Islands are located east of the main island of New Caledonia. The three main islands are Lifou, Maré en Ouvéa. Although these islands, compared to the main island of New Caledonia, are already a lot wilder and pure, the island of Tiga is even better. Large parts of this atoll are protected and there are no official acommodations to stay on the island. If you ask nicely, the friendly locals will let you put up your tent somewhere.

Île des Pins

The Île des Pins are situated about seventy kilometers south of Grande Terre and it is an easy 15 minute flights to these beautiful island. It has the most fantastic beaches and bays of all islands that comprise New Caledonia. Travellers trying to find some quiet secluded places are in the right place here and the locals are much friendlier here than on the main island.

Grande Terre

The main island of New Caledonia is the biggest island in the Pacific, after New Zealand's North and South Island and New Guinea. And that is exactly what it means: Big Island. Although less of a dream holiday destination compared to the Loyalty Islands or Ile des Pins, it has a lot to offer regarding both nature and culture. It is a good place to rent a car and roads are generally in a good condition, although minor roads can be potholed or not paved at all. The island has a mountainous inland with beautiful views towards the coast. The coral reef around Grand Terre is one of the biggest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize's Reef system. Snorkelling and diving are excellent here.

Other sights and activities

• St. Joseph's Cathedral - Noumeá
• Beaches - Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata
• Caves- Grotte de la Reine Hortense and Lindéralique Rocks

Events and Festivals

Weather

New Caledonia has a very pleasant climate with generally tropical conditions. There are some variations during the year though. April to September is the cooler period of the year, but average maximum temperatures are still around 25 degrees Celcius during these months. From October to March, average daytime temperatures reach almost 30 degrees, sometimes more. Nights are mostly around 20 degrees Celcius, warmer from December to March and somewhat cooler from June to August, with night sometimes below 15 degrees. Most rain falls between February and May, but heavy outbursts of rain are possible in every month. Although most of the above applies to the whole of New Caledonia, seasons are a bit less defined on the eastcoast compared to the westcoast, where Noumea, the capital, is located.

Getting There

By Plane

Tontouta International Airport (NOU), some 45 kilometers from the capital Nouméa, is the gateway to the country. The national carrier, Aircalin, mainly serves destinations throughout the Pacific region (among which Fiji and French Polynesia), Japan and from June 2008, South Korea. Aircalin has flights to Australia (Brisbane and Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland) as well.

Other airlines serving New Caledonia are Air Vanuatu, Qantas and Air New Zealand. All three have connections from several cities in Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand.

By Boat

Cruiseships, cargoships and yachts are the way to go to New Caledonia, as no regular passenger services to and from New Caledonia exist. Noumea has a large harbor.
The MV Havannah runs a monthly service out of Noumea in New Caledonia to Port Vila, Malekula and Santo in Vanuatu.

Getting Around

By Plane

Air Calédonie provides domestic services between Nouméa and Touho, Koné, Koumac and Belep, all on the main island, Grande Terre. Other destinations include outer islands like Ile des Pins and the Loyalty Islands: Maré, Ouvéa, Lifou and Tiga. Air Alize, Air Loyaute and Helicocean and Helitourisme have light aircraft and helicopter services, some of them chartered.

By Car

Grande Terre has an extensive road network and most roads are tarred and in a good condition. You can rent cars in Nouméa or the international airport and some smaller places and major hotels. Rates are competitive. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit. Note that the age limit usually is at least 21 but sometimes 25. Cars are also available on Ile des Pins and all of the Loyalty Islands.

By Bus

Buses travel between Nouméa and almost all major towns at least a few times daily and it's a relatively cheap and comfortable way of getting around.

By Boat

There is an inter-island, high-speed catamaran, ‘Betico’, which runs regularly to Ile des Pins and the Loyalty Islands from Nouméa on Grande Terre.

Red Tape

Requirements are roughly the same as for France, Schengen Visa not being valid of course.

Money

See also Money Matters

The CFP franc is the currency used in New Caledonia. The initials CFP originally stood for Colonies Françaises du Pacifique but now means Change Franc Pacifique. French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna Islands also use the CFP franc and they can be used in all three states.
It is subdivided into 100 centimes. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 franc. Banknotes include the 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 ones.
All banknotes are identical in all three states. The coins on the other hand, have one side which is identical and one side where the inscription of the respective country (New Caledonia also applies to Wallis and Futuna by the way) can be found.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

External Links

• Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie - Official government website (French)