Lonely PlanetSep 20, 2026
A Guide to New Caledonia
Explore the French territory of New Caledonia in the South Pacific with this visitor
22 things in this story
- Îlot MaîtreSightoverwater bungalows offer views of sea turtles
- Grand TerreNeighborhoodmain island, runs down the length of New Caledonia
- Tribu de KoindéPlaceagreed to host me at the last minute
- Nouméa La Tontouta International AirportSightairport 50km north of Nouméa's city center
- Arc en CeilPlacereputable shared shuttle service operator
- L'Île-des-PinsSightpopular side trip island southeast of Nouméa
- DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre ResortHotel64 overwater bungalows, see green sea turtles
- Château Royal Beach Resort and SpaHoteloceanfront rooms with water-facing balconies
- La PirogueRestaurantupscale restaurant excelling in seafood and French dishes
- Lemon BayNeighborhoodwaterside area with restaurants
- Betico 2Placeferry operator for L'Île-des-Pins
- NC Pocket WifiPlaceportable wi-fi device rental
- Elsewhere
- La Table du BanianRestaurantLa Foa, New Caledoniastayed the night before, meals with on-site grown produce
- Gîte les NautilusHotelLa Foa, New Caledoniaset on a Braham cattle station, insight into broussard culture
- Gîte WankosHotelLa Foa, New Caledoniabasic accommodation with a Kanak family
- Foire de BourailFestivalBourail, New Caledoniaagricultural fair with sheep shearing and whip-cracking
- Far West RanchPlaceBourail, New Caledoniatrotting down the beach on horseback
- Domaine de DevaSightBourail, New Caledonia8000-hectare protected natural area
- Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf ResortHotelBourail, New Caledoniaseaside golf resort
- Office de Tourisme BourailSightBourail, New Caledoniainfo center at domain's entrance near Poé Beach
- Oro BaySightL'Île-des-Pins, New Caledonianatural swimming pool, calm lagoon
- Upi BaySightL'Île-des-Pins, New Caledoniaturquoise water with towering limestone rock formations