Unique sites in New Caledonia
Unique, authentic, exotic and often deserted, these sites will leave you with a lasting memory of your stay. If you enjoy travelling off the beaten track, add these places to your list of New Caledonia’s must-see sites!
SUMMARY
1. Kiki Beach, The Islands
2. Moara Beach, East Coast
3. Thébaghi Mine, East Coast
4. Ouaième ferry, East Coast
5. Moselle Market, Noumea
6. Koumac Caves, East Coast
7. Jewels of Luengoni, The Islands
8. Cave of Queen Hortense, The Islands
9. Shabadran Terraces, The Islands
10. Peng Beach, The Islands
11. Parc des Grandes Fougères (Giant Fern Park), West Coast
12. Casy island, Great South
13. Trou de Bone (Bone Hole), The Islands
14. Jokin cliffs, The Islands
15. Poingam Beach, West Coast
16. Tibarama island, East Coast
1. KIKI BEACH
THE ISLANDS
Nestled at the foot of the cliffs on the west coast of Lifou, Kiki Beach is a little hidden gem. It will take you about half an hour to walk through the forest to this stunning strip of white sand in the middle of paradise, surrounded by turquoise water!
2. MOARA BEACH
EAST COAST
At the edge of the Forgotten Coast, Moara Beach in Thio is an authentic cove fringed with coconut palms and surrounded by magnificent reefs. When darkness falls, the absence of light pollution gives visitors a clear view of the thousands of stars in the night sky. Luckily, there's a campsite where you can spend the night lulled by the sound of the waves.
3. TIÉBAGHI MINE
WEST COAST
The village of Tiébaghi was home to the world's largest chromium mine between 1902 and 1964. It is now a heritage-listed historical site, and you can visit the mine once a month on a unique guided tour followed by lunch with a tribe!
4. OUAIÈME FERRY
EAST COAST
You’ll find the Ouaième ferry in the north of Hienghène, just before you reach the magnificent Tao Waterfall. It is the last working ferry in New Caledonia taking people across the river. This obligatory ferry ride is a tranquil and memorable way to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
5. MOSELLE MARKET
NOUMEA
Noumea locals come here not only to buy their fresh produce but also to enjoy a catch-up and a chat. A stroll through Moselle Market is a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and try out some Pacific produce!
6. KOUMAC CAVES
WEST COAST
Koumac Caves can be found in the north of New Caledonia, in the middle of a forest of candlenut, helicopter and banyan trees. Carved out by underwater rivers, the caves used to be a burial site for local tribes. Discover the site's mysterious atmosphere for yourself.
7. JEWELS OF LUENGONI
THE ISLANDS
When you're on Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands, a visit to the Luengoni Caves is a must. This unique excursion will take you to the heart of the underground caves, where you can dive among the stalagmites and stalactites with a mask and snorkel.
8. CAVE OF QUEEN HORTENSE
THE ISLANDS
On the Isle of Pines, you can hear the story of the incredible fate of High Chief Kaoua's daughter, whose name lives on in this unique cave buried in the rainforest!
9. SHABADRAN TERRACES
THE ISLANDS
The Shabadran Terraces are made up of sharp rocks from whose summit you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the island of Maré. It's definitely worth the climb! You will need to book an 8-hour guided hike (breaks included) to have the chance to experience the rocky ridges and white sand coves for yourself.
10. PENG BEACH
THE ISLANDS
A unique haven of peace and tranquillity in Lifou, Peng Beach consists of a pretty beach and quiet little creeks. It's never crowded here, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.
11. PARC DES GRANDES FOUGÈRES (GIANT FERN PARK)
WEST COAST
Set in the “Green Station” of Farino, the Parc des Grandes Fougères invites you to escape to the middle of a tropical forest in New Caledonia’s central mountain range. You can even take part in an exciting and unique bird watching tour!
12. CASY ISLAND
GREAT SOUTH
The 40-hectare nature reserve known as Casy Island used to be home to the tribes of Ouen Island and then the Prony prison camp. Located near the Prony Needle, it is an opportunity to spend some quality time in New Caledonia’s Great South, away from city life.
13. TROU DE BONE (BONE HOLE)
THE ISLANDS
This remarkable natural 40-metre-deep hole hidden among the vegetation contains a deep blue body of water. Bone Hole is a unique place to explore during a visit to Maré, the most rugged of the Loyalty Islands!
14. JOKIN CLIFFS
THE ISLANDS
Enjoying the sunset from Jokin Cliffs after plunging into the crystal-clear waters below is, without doubt, a must for anyone visiting Lifou.
15. POINGAM BEACH
WEST COAST
The feeling of being at the ends of the earth is something that travellers to the extreme north of New Caledonia's Grande Terre get to experience. To enjoy this unique opportunity to get away from it all, you need to head to Poingam Beach!
16. TIBARAMA ISLANDS
EAST COAST
This perfectly shaped island is considered one of the most beautiful in New Caledonia. Located just off Poindimié in the East Coast lagoon, it has a magnificent seabed you can explore by snorkelling or scuba diving.
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