Why should you visit New Caledonia right now?

New Caledonia is perhaps one of the most underrated and under-known holiday destinations close to Australia’s shores. A little over 2 hours from Brisbane and 2.5 hours from Sydney, New Caledonia provides a great opportunity to enjoy a tropical island paradise very close to home. New Caledonia is a unique holiday destination due to its distinct French influence offering a taste of Europe so close to Australia to Australia’s shores. Unlike some of Australia’s other popular overseas holiday destinations, New Caledonia aside from its considerable cost is relatively hassle free and is a particularly safe and reputable place to visit.

Travelling to New Caledonia. What you need to know

Flights

Despite the relatively small and sparse population of New Caledonia which comes in at little under 300,000 people, the main island of Grand Terre is surprisingly well connected to major cities in the Asia Pacific region and also amongst the Pacific Islands. New Caledonia has two major airports which includes La Tontouta Airport which serves as the main international gateway whilst Noumena Magenta Airport services domestic flights including to popular tourist destination such as the Isle of Pines.

International flights are serviced by 4 airlines including the home carrier Air Calin which services Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland (usually on days not serviced by Qantas or Air New Zealand, in addition to Fiji and Vanuatu and as far away as Singapore and Tokyo. Air New Zealand service Auckland and Air Vanuatu serves Port Villa. Meanwhile for Australians it is possible to fly Qantas once weekly from Brisbane and several times weekly from Sydney. On our trip to New Caledonia we flew in from Auckland with Air New Zealand which you can read about there Works Deluxe Economy Class product here whilst we departed on a Qantas Business Class flight to Brisbane which you can see the review here.

Getting to and from La Tontouta International Airport is quite a journey and is around 50km from central Noumea. To avoid paying an astronomical costs for a taxi or private transfer we recommend taking the main shuttle service Arc En Ciel. We’d recommend pre booking via your accommodation provider but it is possible to book on arrival at the airport.

Entry requirements

In great news for travelers, the Government of New Caledonia dropped all remaining Covid related entry conditions and restrictions. Previously travelers had to be vaccinated to be eligible for quarantine free travel and regardless of vaccination status had to attest to a sworn statement to RAT test several days after arrival. Now all restrictions have been moved travelers do not need to worry about providing proof of vaccination and committing to covid testing in order to travel to New Caledonia.

Besides the ditching of all remaining Covid entry requirements, the requirements to enter New Caledonia are particularly stress free– especially for Australian citizens. Citizens of Australia can enter the overseas French territory without the need for any visa for a duration of up to 3 months.

Customs and Language

As New Caledonia is an overseas French Territory it is no surprise that the official language of New Caledonia is French. Whilst you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Queensland purely going by the scenery, the influence of Franch and general European vibe of the island is not hard to understand. Whilst knowing French is not essential to visit the island it pays to learn a few key phrases and have the ability to string a few sentences together in French. English is not widely spoken except for those in the tourism sector who generally have at least some competency.

Culturally, the people of New Caledonia are quite diverse with around 40% being indigenous Kanak and around 25% been European whilst other South Pacific Island and South East Asian people make up notable populations

Currency and costs

Surprisingly, despite been a French overseas Territory New Caledonia has not adopted the Euro and instead use the Pacific Franc which acts as the official currency of French Overseas Collectivities including French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and of course New Caledonia. The Pacific Franc is pegged with the Euro at a rate of 1,000 XPF to $8.38 Euro. At the time of writing 1 Australian dollar will net you around 80 Pacific Franc. Whilst larger supermarkets and retailers will generally take card and may even accept major foreign currencies such as the Euro and AUD, keep some local change for everyday purchases as many smaller shops operate on a cash only basis.

Based on our personal experience of travelling to New Caledonia in August, one perhaps downside of the territory is the cost of living. New Caledonia is very expensive and generally seemed to be at least 1/3 more expensive than Australia and New Zealand with some items and services almost costing similar to that in the Scandinavian countries. The steep costs of living in New Caledonia is in part caused by its small population and relative remoteness where most commodities have to be imported from either neighboring Australia and New Zealand or metropolitan France which is 3/4 of a world away! Allow a minimum of $200 to visit per day using modest but comfortable accommodation and dining at cheaper restaurants or eating from the supermarkets.

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Safety and Health

Despite some uncertainty about the future of New Caledonia’s independence, overall New Caledonia is almost always a safe place to be. Exercise normal safety precautions as you would back home in Australia and you should encounter no issues. Be mindful in more rural areas of the territory to dress and behave respectfully to ensure not to upset local sensitives. Tropical diseases such as dengue fever are possible in New Caledonia so be sure to take precautions against mosquito bites and interactions with animals such as stray dogs. Tap Water is generally safe to drink in Noumea where medical facilities are of a very good standard although in more rural areas it pays to boil tap water first and be mindful of more limited medical coverage.

Top Things to do in 4 Days

Day 1: Exploring downtown Noumena

Noumea Morning Market

Also known as Moselle Market, beside the marina at Port-Moselle, is New Caledonia’s biggest market. Open every morning from 5am to midday this is your one stop shop for everything from fresh produce and seafood to hand-crafted goods, clothing, homewares, jewelry, accessories and more. If you are looking to sample any of the local French or Kanak cuisine or bag yourself a authentic souvenir this is your one stop shop!

Latin Quarter

Perhaps the most historic district of Noumea, The Quartier Latin is one of the oldest parts of Noumea, located near the downtown area. It has numerous historic buildings and colonial architecture

Tijbaou Cultural Center

A short drive from the center of Noumea and situated on eight hectares of land between Magenta and Tina bays, The Tijbaou Cultural Center is a great place to learn about the indigenous Kanak culture. The site encompasses an art centre, a museum, performance spaces, a library, a landscaped park and more.

The Second World War Museum

A great little museum to learn about the history of New Caledonia during WW2 and the strategic role the Island played for US and Allied forces during the war especially in their efforts to limit Japanese expansion in the region at the time. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Adults: 300XPF Students and concession 100XPF

Cathedrale St Joseph De Noumea

Noumena’s most famous cathedral offers some spectacular French architecture and some stunning views across the Noumea city peninsula from the hill it is located on. Perhaps Noumea’s most famous landmark!

Le Musee Martime de nouvelle-Caledonie

A great place to learn about the maritime history of New Caledonia and the crucial strategic role that the territory has played in the Pacific throughout history. Currently open Tuesday to Sunday. Adults: 700XPF Students and concession holders 350 XPF

Day 2: Soak up the sun and tropics

Ansta Vata Bay

Only 10 minutes from the city center Ansta Vata Bay is arguably Noumea’s most popular beach and is a hotspot for much of the city’s luxury hotels, shopping, nightlife, bars, restaurants and cafes. Here there is plenty to do both on and off the water whether your here for watersports or simply relaxation and wining and dining

Baie des Citrons

Another popular and trendy beach side area less than 10 minutes from the city center also offers a plethora of activities both on and off the water. Plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs along the main road will be sure to keep you occupied from dawn to night!

Kuendu Beach

A 15 minute drive from the center of Noumea on the much more remote Nouvelle Peninsula this much quieter beach offers some interesting views and some contrasting landscapes to the other beaches around Noumea.

Day 3: Head Inland to Blue River Provincial Park

Blue River Provincial Park is the largest and most popular of the provincial parks (National Parks) in New Caledonia. Covering an area of over 9,000 hectares and only 50km or approximately a 1 hour drive inland east of Noumea its an absolute must see place if wishing to see the unique and contrasting landscapes of the island of Grand Terre. In this provincial park you’ll quickly swap tropical beach resort scenery of the coast for some extremely unique and varying landscapes. Think red earth intertwined with green forests and crystal blue lakes and of course the Blue River itself. This is also a truly great place to enjoy the great outdoors especially for hiking, biking and kayaking