2022 Major events in New Caledonia
Culture, sports, leisure...with rich and varied prgram of events, you'll never be bored in New Caledonia!
Find here a selection of events throughout the year that you don't want to miss to meet New Caledonians and sharing their passions.
To discover the real lives of Caledonians there's nothing better than joining them and sharing the great moments they have all year long. Whether you're sporty, a party-goer, a foodie, art lover or a concert-goer, there's something for every taste, age and budget! From small fairs and village festivals to large-scale art events and sports competition, it would be impossible to list them all. Here is a list of suggestions of key events to include next time you visit New Caledonia, but don't hesitate to complete your days with local events by asking for recommendations at the tourism offices.
MARCH 2022
Giant Omelette Festival (Cancelled)
CULTURE l NOUMEA
An event not to be missed in the commune of Dumbéa, approximately 20 km from Nouméa, the giant omelette festival comes from a French tradition in Toulouse and arrived in New Caledonia in 1984. It takes place each year on the riverbanks in Parc Fayard. More than 800 dozen eggs are needed to accomplish this feat cooked in an iron frying-pan over a wood fire.
MAY 2022
Xterra New Caledonia (21 May)
SPORT l NOUMEA
XTerra is an international circuit of off-road trail and triathlon competitions, leading to an annual world championship. The Caledonian stage is an exceptional experience in the heart of the incredible natural landscapes of the commune of Païta, located 20 minutes outside Nouméa. This trail is suitable for both adults and children, nature lovers and athletes. It consists of a 22 km course with climbs and technical sections, two circuits of 5 and 10 km and a 1km course for kids. The XTerra experience is yours!
Avocado Festival (26 - 29 May)
CULTURE l LOYALTY ISLANDS
The best way to discover the Loyalty Islands is to visit during their fairs and festivals. It's an opportunity to meet locals, experience a tribal welcome and discover the richness of the Kanak people. In May, be sure to go to Maré for a three-day avocado harvest festival with the locals. Numerous events, tours and activities will be offered in addition to baskets and tastings around the famous fruit!
JUNE 2022
Omnium de Deva (4 - 5 June)
SPORT l BOURAIL
The "Omnium de Deva", held at the Sheraton Deva's Exclusiv Golf course, is the first event after the Pacific Games in Samoa. This golf competition is one of the most popular events in New Caledonia. It is played over 2 days for all competitors, in individual "strokeplay" or individual "stableford" format depending on the players' indexes.
New Caledonia Ultra Trail (5 June)
SPORT l GREAT SOUTH
Organised by the association" Union des Trailers de Nouvelle Calédonie", the Ultra Trail takes place in Mont-Dore and offers five courses (the most challenging being 133 km), two hikes, one Cani-cross and a 3 km kids race. More than just a running race, this Caledonian trail combines the best of sport and nature. Whether you are a fan or an amateur, you will progress through the heart of a unique preserved biodiversity.
Whale watching season (15 June - 15 September)
EXCURSION l GREAT SOUTH
From mid-June to mid-September each year, the humpback whales leave Antarctica to rest and give birth in the Lagoons of Caledonia, not far from the Great South region. It's an opportunity for you to have a breathtaking experience aboard a catamaran or water taxi. To embark upon this unforgettable cruise and observe these fascinating giants in their natural habitat without disturbing them, contact the "Maison du Lagon" for more information.
Music Festival (18 June)
CULTURE l NOUMEA
New Caledonia is no stranger to the "Fête de la Musique". From north to south, east to west, the country comes alive with the sounds of international classics but also and above all the country's two leading musical styles: country and kaneka, a clever mix of Melanesian rhythms and rock, reggae and soul! The best way to enjoy it is to sit down in one of the many bars, hotels or restaurants in the Noumea.
French Cheese Festival (TBC)
CULTURE l NOUMEA & BOURAIL
This colourful celebration of the French art of cheese-making has been delighting fans with a fabulous selection of fine cheeses guaranteed to make mouths water! The Marriott hotels' feast will showcase 130 varieties of cheese, shipped over from France. Of course, fine wines will be served, chosen to perfectly match each cheese. A delicious way of livening up your stay at Le Méridien Nouméa or Sheraton Deva!
Groupama Race (19 - 24 June)
SPORT l NOUMEA
This famous race goes around New Caledonia, starting and finishing in Nouméa andpassing to the north of the Belep Islands. In single or multihull boats, racing or cruising, experienced sailors will sail 654 miles in the most beautiful lagoon in the world isted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The competition is also broadcast in a private marina within a dedicated events village to offer supporters the highest level of enjoyment.
JULY 2022
New Caledonia Transcal (2 - 3 July)
SPORT l GREAT SOUTH
This event is a true Caledonian tradition. this journey into nature over the course of one or two days with various distances (2 x 25 km, 25 km, 12 km, 5 km and one Trans Kids), is run in unisex and mix teams of three. This large, popular sports event, gathering nearly 1,000 participants each year, aims to give runners an athletic, touristic, cultural and inclusive adventure among the region's most beautiful mountain range.
Bastille Day (14 July)
CELEBRATION l NOUMEA
As a French territory with the art of fireworks in its DNA, New Caledonia never fails to celebrate Bastille Day. With military parades, fireworks, street dances, torchlight retreats with a parade of lanterns, wreath laying ceremonies... It's a must-do for young and old, locals and tourists alike!
French wine and cheese road at Chateau Royal (TBC)
GASTRONOMY l NOUMEA
French cuisine lovers, don't miss the annual event organised by the Château Royal Beach Resort & Spa in Nouméa: the Wine and Cheese Fair. This festival honours the two main products of French culture. Get advice from top sommeliers and cheesemongers for a culinary escape that'll delight your taste buds: a buffet of the best cheeses in France, a menu of more than 100 grands crus, fine charcuterie and salads, special breads, desserts, etc.
AUGUST 2022
Bourail Fair (12 - 14 August)
CULTURE l BOURAIL
Since 1977, around the middle of August, the most famous and the most iconic agricultural exhibition in New Caledonia takes place: the Bourail Fair. A must-do in the area and well-loved by Caledonians, this fair is a true source of pride for the bushmen: equestrian shows (including the famous rodeo), drifting, farm products, handcrafted leather goods and much more will immerse you into this unique rural culture that's specific to the island!
New Caledonia International Marathon (28 August)
SPORT l NOUMEA
It is back this year! In New Caledonia, people tend to be sporty, and the International Marathon, which takes place every year on the bays of Nouméa, is a proof. Held in partnership with Japan since 1983 and integrated with the Japanese leg, it offers a choice of four courses:
- A half-marathon (21.1 km) for participants 18 years and older.
- A 10k race for participants 16 years and older.
Ready, set, go!
Go East Rally (Cancelled)
SPORT l NOUMEA
Organised by Go Down Under Rally, the Go East Rally is a group of forty-some boats which sail together over the course of five to eight days from Australia to New Caledonia. Once in Caledonia, participants stay for three months to discover the lagoon (classified as an UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as the richness of the Caledonian culture.
SEPTEMBER 2022
Shell Pacific Megarando (3 - 4 Sept.)
SPORT l NOUMEA
The Megarando has been one of the biggest mountain bike events in New Caledonia since 2004. Each year, it gathers more than 1,500 cyclists from all over the world, along with 500 international visitors, 150 volunteers and 30 exhibitors. It offers all levels of courses for the enjoyment of all! Since 2017, it's taken place on the 8,000 hectares of the Domaine de Deva in Bourail. It's a biodiversity hotspot and home to 10% dry forest and 13 km of coastline, a domain listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Noumea Carnival (10 Sept.)
CELEBRATION l NOUMEA
Every year, the carnival sets the city centre alight, from the Place Bir Hakeim to the Place des Cocotiers! Festival-goers, associations and local arts schools delight the eyes and ears of more than 20,000 people with their imposing floats, their multicoloured costumes and their frenzied music... The show ends in beauty with a magnificent fireworks display!
Francofolies (16 - 17 Sept.)
MUSIC l NOUMEA
The famous French music festival based in La Rochelle moves to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa every year for two days and offer Caledonians and tourists the best of the French scene in a place that's steeped in history! Relax in the open air on the museum's lawns and let yourself be carried away by the music!
Mobil South Pacific Junior Open (TBC)
SPORT l NOUMEA
Attend the prestigious Pacific golf tournament, the South Pacific Junior Open, which takes place over the course of four days in the stroke play format. A first-rate championship for talented young golfers from all over the Pacific: New Caledonia, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, French Polynesia, China and Japan...
Underground Gourmet at Marriott hotels (TBC)
GASTRONOMY l BOURAIL, NOUMEA & ISLE OF PINES
Visit the Marriott Group's hotel restaurants in Noumea, Bourail and the Île des Pins for an incredible gastronomic journey straight to the heart of Kanak cuisine. On the itinerary: menus with a Melanesian flair, culinary demonstrations, traditional dress parades, arts and crafts workshops and many other surprises await you!
OCTOBER 2022
Blackwoodstock Festival (28 - 31 Oct.)
MUSIC l MOINDOU
Organised by the association of the same name, the Blackwoodstock Festival is a must for rock'n'roll and electro fans. Over three days and in the exceptional and historic setting of Fort Teremba in Moindou, dance to the sound of an eclectic music selection from over 30 groups and artists. Pitch your tent or stay with a local and enjoy the stage!
NOVEMBER 2022
New Caledonia Triathlon (postponed)
SPORT l NOUMEA
The Nouméa International Triathlon is held every year along the bays of the capital (Citrons, Anse-Vata and Sainte-Marie). Three levels (elite, age groups and youth "8-17 years") are open to competitors as individual racers or in teams of three to seven people. The three events include a 1.5 km swim from Anse-Vata, a 3 x 13.3 km bike ride from Anse-Vata to Sainte-Marie, and a 4 x 2.5 km running course from Anse-Vata to the beginning of the Baie des Citrons. It's a competition in a heavenly setting that serves as a reward for the effort!
Bluescope Race (19 - 20 nov.)
SPORT l NOUMEA
Organised by Association Nouméa Glisse (ANG), the Bluescope Race welcomes all water sports enthusiasts over 2 days between the Water Sports Centre and the Amédée Lighthouse. Catamarans, dinghies, eliotts, cruisers, kitesurfing, winsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling or the more traditional va'a... this race is a must in the New Caledonian sporting calendar and the lagoon is the place to be!
Airwaves Nouméa Dream Cup (postponed)
SPORT l NOUMEA
Every year, the Noumea Glisse Association (ANG) hosts the final of the PWA World Tour, windsurfing championship: the Airwaves Noumea Dream Cup. Professionals and amateurs compete during one week in the Caledonian lagoon around different disciplines: slalom, freestyle, speed racing super X, indoor...
Turtle watching season (November - May)
NATURE l BOURAIL
Meet up with the Bwärä Tortues Marines association and the West Coastal Zone Committee (ZCO) on the Roche Percée beach in Bourail to witness a magical moment of pure nature: the egg-laying of the loggerhead sea turtles from November and the hatching of their eggs beginning in January. Guaranteed emotion!
⚠ There will be no supervision of this activity for the 2022-2023 season. It will not be possible to meet the turtles.
DECEMBER 2022
Nouméa Féérie (1 - 31 Dec.)
CELEBRATION l NOUMEA
Celebrate Christmas in the tropics with a postcard setting! Every year, Noumea City Council creates a Wonderland where the magic of Christmas comes to life. From mid-December onwards, the capital's city centre and its bays are decked out in their most beautiful illuminated decorations and come alive with the sounds of Christmas shows (songs, tales, Father Christmas attractions, etc.). The promise of a wonderful family time!