Is New Caledonia Expensive? Visiting New Caledonia on a Budget

Is New Caledonia expensive to visit?

Much like any destination around the world, visiting New Caledonia can be expensive. Depending on the flights you book, the type of accommodation you choose and the activities that you enjoy during your stay, the cost of visiting the archipelago can add up. Some items, particularly those that are imported from overseas, can be quite costly thanks to New Caledonia’s remote location, but there’s also plenty of great locally grown produce and goods available too. If you are smart about planning your New Caledonia holiday, you can do so without breaking the bank.

Visiting New Caledonia on a budget

If you’re wanting to visit New Caledonia on a budget, you certainly can! Consider these helpful tips and tricks when planning your next New Caledonia budget escape:

Look for a good deal on your flights to New Caledonia

With some careful research, you can save some money on your flights to New Caledonia. Look to book your flights ahead of time and make use of a flight aggregator website to help you compare the best flight deals available. Sometimes choosing to travel mid-week, early in the morning or late at night can allow you to find flights that are more budget-friendly, so try to be flexible with your departure date and time if possible. Some online travel agents and flight aggregators also allow you to sign up for flight sale notifications, alerting you when cheap flights are available. This can be a good idea if you’re in the early stages of planning.

Travel outside the peak travel seasons

Just like any destination, New Caledonia has its own peak travel seasons. At these times of the year, which include January, February and the periods coinciding with Australian school holidays (often April, July and September), flights to New Caledonia and accommodation tend to be in higher demand. As demand increases, so too do the price of each. If you’re wanting to save on accommodation and flights, the best time to visit New Caledonia is outside of its peak travel seasons, including the low seasons from November to mid-December and February to April. Travelling outside the peak travel seasons, not only are airfares and hotels rates typically cheaper, but you’ll also find fewer tourists around, making it easier to reserve your spot on the beach or a table in the archipelago’s most popular restaurants.

Add some free things to do in New Caledonia to your itinerary

While there may be some key experiences that you’re dreaming of enjoying during your time in New Caledonia, there’s no reason that exploring the archipelago should stop you from sticking to your holiday budget. Across New Caledonia, you’ll find a variety of things to see, do and experience that won’t cost you a cent. From some incredible hikes and treks and beautiful beaches to breathtaking lookouts and fascinating monuments scattered across the archipelago, you’ll certainly find no shortage of great ways to spend your holiday.

Save money on your accommodation

Although the idea of unwinding in an overwater bungalow or in a luxurious resort suite is incredibly enticing, it doesn’t necessarily match every traveller’s budget. If you’re planning a New Caledonia budget holiday, you can save a few extra dollars by booking a stay at one of the archipelago’s cheaper accommodation options. Hostels are a good choice in Noumea, while there are plenty of great budget-friendly options available beyond the city’s edge. No matter what type of accommodation you choose, be it a bed and breakfast, a tribal homestay or a hostel, most options position you in a great spot for enjoying New Caledonia’s coastline, natural attractions or unforgettable cultural experiences.

Try not to eat out every night

When you’re on holiday, it can be very tempting to dine out for every meal, enjoying all the delights of the local cuisine. However, doing so isn’t necessarily great for keeping your holiday budget in check. If you choose accommodation with kitchen facilities, whether it be a hostel or a serviced apartment, you can save money by cooking some of your own meals. Stock up on the basics at the supermarket, grab some great bargains from the local markets and prepare your own breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Part of the fun of travelling is exploring the local dining scene, so be sure to treat yourself to a couple of meals here and there if there’s room to spare in your budget.

Want some more inspirations for exploring New Caledonia on a budget? Check out We Are Explorers’ five day New Caledonia adventure on just $1,000.