Meliphage Trail

The Crow honeyeater is one of the most threatened species in New Caledonia. Its privileged habitat is located in the humid forests of Grande Terre. The Blue River Provincial Park is one of its last havens of peace. It is unquestionably difficult to observe but you can sometimes hear its hoarse cry, especially at the beginning and end of the day. D Start: from Pont Germain, walk 450m towards the north-east towards Pont Pérignon, along the main road, to reach the departure point (GR® NC1 route, double markings). 1 Information panel (GPS: 671 445 – 7 555 114; alt. 183m), head due south into the forest. The slope increases gradually. Pass a very marked right turn to then reach the high point of the track (post). The trail descends, then skirts a wooded ridge to the north. It enters a thalweg and reaches a new beacon post (GPS: 670 933 – 7 554 766) before turning north to join the GR® NC1 route. 1 Intersection (GPS: 670 923 – 7 555 020; alt. 176m): go to the right, towards the north-east, to reach Pont Germain (pleasant bivouac area, near the river; faré, toilet, water point. At this place, it is not uncommon to observe not-very-shy kagus. The informed observer can also hope to see the very rare Crow honeyeater. Partial GSM coverage at the bus stop shelter. A call terminal is located beyond Pont Germain, towards the north). (be careful, bathers must be vigilant: flash floods can occur in heavy rains). © Text by Jean Francis Clair FFRandonnée® grading: *Effort (IBP 24) 1 Easy (green) • Technical difficulty: 2 Fairly easy (light blue) • Risk: 2 Fairly low (light blue) • Overall score: Fairly easy (light blue)