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!

1. KIKI BEACH

THE ISLANDS

 

Kiki Beach, Lifou New Caledonia

 

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

 

Plage de la Moara, Thio Nouvelle-Calédonie

 

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

 

Mine in New Caledonia

 

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

 

Ouaième ferry, Hienghène New Caledonia

 

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

 

Moselle Market of Noumea, Nouvelle-Calédonie

 

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, New Caledonia

 

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

 

Jewels of Luengoni, Lifou New Caledonia

 

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

 

Cave of Queen Hortense, Isle of Pines

 

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

 

Shabadran Terraces, Maré Loyalty islands, New Caledonia

 

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

Peng  Beach, Lifou New Caledonia

 

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

 

Giant Fern Park, Farino New Caledonia

 

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

 

Casy Island, Great South New Caledonia

 

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

 

Trou de Bone, Maré New Caledonia

 

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

 

Jokin cliffs, Lifou New Caledonia

 

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

Poingam beach New Caledonia

 

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

Casy island, Great South New Caledonia

 

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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