Ouégoa
an authentic northern village

The destiny of this small town shifted first in 1863 when prospectors announced the discovery of gold flakes in the region, enough to start a mini gold-rush in New Caledonia.

However, it wasn’t gold that would benefit the region so much in the late 19th century as copper. Large veins were unearthed in 1872, first in Manghine, then on the banks of the river Ouégoa.

Remnants of an exceptionally rich mining past

Of this mining past, Ouégoa has kept an exceptionally rich and diverse heritage, although time has done much to deteriorate it. The Fern Hill mine still has a few exploratory galleries. You can also see a small rail tunnel that used to link the mines of Balade and Murat. Also in the old village of Ouégoa, at the foot of the Balade mine, an old home from this time period has survived, the Matthews House.

Since this bygone era, life has taken on a more leisurely pace, like the Diahot, New Caledonia’s longest river (90km). Sailing down it, you can admire gorgeous natural landscapes.

Mauprat Rock and the Devil’s Claws!

Besides the river, the village boasts a panorama of forests, jagged mountains (including Mount Colnette, topping 1,505m), smaller rivers as well as famous beaches and islands such as Pam and Balabio.

Local curiosities include Mauprat Rock, which takes its name from a George Sand novel. This imposing rocky mass, located at the heart of the Ougne forest, is made up of limestone piles marked with vertical stripes named the “Devil’s Claws”! Far from an evil omen, these “claws” result from the partial dissolution of limestone by trickling water.

The destiny of this small town shifted first in 1863 when prospectors announced the discovery of gold flakes in the region, enough to start a mini gold-rush in New Caledonia.

However, it wasn’t gold that would benefit the region so much in the late 19th century as copper. Large veins were unearthed in 1872, first in Manghine, then on the banks of the river Ouégoa.

Remnants of an exceptionally rich mining past

Of this mining past, Ouégoa has kept an exceptionally rich and diverse heritage, although time has done much to deteriorate it. The Fern Hill mine still has a few exploratory galleries. You can also see a small rail tunnel that used to link the mines of Balade and Murat. Also in the old village of Ouégoa, at the foot of the Balade mine, an old home from this time period has survived, the Matthews House.

Since this bygone era, life has taken on a more leisurely pace, like the Diahot, New Caledonia’s longest river (90km). Sailing down it, you can admire gorgeous natural landscapes.

Mauprat Rock and the Devil’s Claws!

Besides the river, the village boasts a panorama of forests, jagged mountains (including Mount Colnette, topping 1,505m), smaller rivers as well as famous beaches and islands such as Pam and Balabio.

Local curiosities include Mauprat Rock, which takes its name from a George Sand novel. This imposing rocky mass, located at the heart of the Ougne forest, is made up of limestone piles marked with vertical stripes named the “Devil’s Claws”! Far from an evil omen, these “claws” result from the partial dissolution of limestone by trickling water.