Air and Sea Connections

Located 50km (45-50 minutes) from Nouméa,La Tontouta international airport offers regular flights to Paris and the major hubs in the Asia/Pacific region, such as Bangkok, Singapore, Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland, as well as several islands in the South Pacific (Fiji, Polynesia, Vanuatu, Wallis, etc.). There are many options for reaching New Caledonia by air, with direct flights or flights combining one or two international stopovers.

Airlines

In addition to the flights operated by New Caledonia’s international airline Aircalin, several partner airlines offer flights to the archipelago from many cities around the world.

Numerous airline partnerships (agreements or codeshares) have extended services to the region, with other airlines such as Air France-KLM, Singapore Airline, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Thai, Cathay Pacific, British, Iberia, Air Tahiti Nui, Emirates, Etihad, ITA Airways, China Eastern…

Indicative flight times and frequencies to and from Nouméa

Around two days by sea from Australia and New Zealand, and less than a day from neighbouring islands such as Vanuatu and Fiji, New Caledonia is a privileged gateway to the South Pacific. Popular with the major international cruise lines, and awarded the “Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Critic – Pacific”, the destination is also a firm favourite with yachtsmen.

Two cruise ports of call

There are currently two ports of call where cruise passengers can discover New Caledonia: Nouméa, the archipelago’s cosmopolitan capital, and Lifou, the largest of the three Loyalty Islands.

• Nouméa: Spread over more than 1,000 hectares and equipped with modern facilities, the Port of Nouméa can accommodate any type of vessel. Located in the heart of the city, its cruise terminal offers passengers free Wi-Fi and a host of dedicated services, as well as easy access to the capital’s activities, transport, shops and restaurants.
• Lifou: On the island, cruise passengers are welcomed at the Easo Village, where a host of activities and dedicated services await them overlooking the lagoon. Markets, cultural performances, services and tours organised by the locals will enable them to discover the Kanak culture, while respecting nature and the traditions that give rhythm to life on this traditional land.

Marinas and anchorages

Starting with Nouméa, the only compulsory port of entry for all arrivals in the archipelago, several marinas and anchorages are available to yachtsmen around Grande Terre, on Île des Pins and in the Loyalty Islands, subject to certain conditions.

For more information on anchorages in New Caledonia and to prepare for your arrival, see this article on our general public website.

In New Caledonia, domestic flights from the capital to the Loyalty Islands, the Isle of Pines, the north of Grande Terre and Tiga are operated from Magenta aerodrome by the two local airlines: Air Calédonie and Air Océania.

Maritime services between Noumea, the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines, as well as an inter-island service between Maré and Lifou, are provided by the Betico 2 from the Gare maritime des îles, close to Noumea town centre, while the Seabreeze catamarans serve the Belep Islands from Koumac.

Thanks to its high-quality road network, the destination is suitable for both independent travellers and organised tours, with a wide range of car hire and tourist transport services on offer.