One of the joys of travelling as often as we do, is discovering new destinations. Places that we either haven’t seen ourselves or places that the hordes of tourists have yet to ascend onto and ruin. So you can only imagine my joy when I was researching where we should go for the second half of 2019 that there’s a hidden adventure oasis practically in our own Australian back yard. A place where I go can horse riding, snorkelling and drink cocktails all in the same day. And to put the cherry on top we don’t need to spend days in travel to get to this paradise. I’m sure by now you’re asking yourself where in the world is this paradise. Well my friends let me introduce you to the paradise of New Caledonia.
The secret adventure travellers paradise – New Caledonia
New Caledonia is going to be one of the trendiest adventure destinations over the next year or two. So my advice is to book yourself a trip there before this happens. I know we are planning to. But before that happens let’s deep dive into what makes New Caledonia an awesome adventure destination and worth your hard earned money. Being based in the islands of Micronesia and Melanesia people do occasionally assume that New Caledonia will be a super cheap destination, and we’re sad to burst your bubble, but this isn’t quite true. Being an island nation doesn’t mean it’s super cheap like South East Asia. But don’t let that deter you. Any good adventure destination is worth a few quid and I can assure you that you won’t have any regrets on spending your hard earned coin here.
Hot tip – New Caledonia is a LGTBQI friendly destination.
Don’t forget to bring your own Hydro Flask to help you stay hydrated
Where is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is just a skip and jump away from Australia. Surrounded by the vast expanse of the South Pacific, New Caledonia, with a surface area of 18,564 km², this paradise lies to the east of Australia and south of the thousands of islands and archipelagos making up Melanesia and Micronesia.
The easiest way to get to New Caledonia
Is to fly! Air Calin has regular flights from the east coast of Australia. For us, flying from Melbourne, there are three direct flights a week. The best part? The flight is only 3 1/2 hours. And price wise it’s really affordable for us. Like cheaper then flying over west to Perth (and with better beaches too).
There are other flight options with Air Calin from major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Port-Vila, Futuna, Wallis, Nandi and for our Kiwi fans – Auckland! With so many great transition hubs it’s easy to get yourself to Noumea.
If you have more time and are inclined to do so, you can cruise your way to New Caledonia.
Transport around the islands
Now, for me this is rather an embarrassing point. New Caledonia has a much better transport system then Australia! If you don’t want to hire a car you can easily get around Noumea and the island by bus. There’s even a great app that you can download to help you plan your travel. The only pickle in this jar, is that the buses may not be running on Sundays or public holidays, so make sure you plan ahead appropriately.
Hiring a car is also an option, if you’re confident to drive in a foreign country. Which we are, and have done before. It’s a great way to explore the greater regions of a new country, giving us the freedom to explore more. Another great perk of travelling in New Caledonia – petrol prices are set. So no matter where you are, you’ll only ever pay the government set rate. Meaning you won’t get slapped with a petrol price hike if you are in the great outback exploring the island mountains.
Does New Caledonia accept Euros or Dollars?
Sadly, the country is not a lover of the Euro or the mighty Dollar. It’s nothing personal against these currencies, just that this island nation it’s all grown up and rather independent. Some larger stores and hotels will accept Australian or New Zealand dollars. New Caledonia, although currently a French Territory, has its own currency, the Pacific Franc (also used in Tahiti and abbreviated to the currency code CFP or XPF). There is a currency exchange desk at the airport and at the larger banks in Noumea if you need to grab some local currency. There are some ATMS dotted around the island, again mainly in Noumea, so make sure you stock up on cash before leaving the city.
To tip or not to tip?
Tipping is not customary, nor is it expected. The price of your meal/service should include government taxes and any service charge. If you are on a cultural tour and stop by a village just ask your guide if you are expected to tip. Generally speaking it’s a no.
Do you need a visa to visit New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is neither a French overseas region nor an overseas collectivity; it has a sui generis status with broad powers of self-government. It is not part of the Schengen area. Depending on where you are from you may need a visa. The best thing is to check your local foreign departments website. Most travellers won’t need a visa to enjoy the wonders of New Caledonia.
A range of accommodation to suit every budget
New Caledonia has quite a few different accommodation options that will suit just abut everyone’s style and more important everyone’s budget. I’m always a fan of trying several different styles of accomodation in a new country, getting a true feel of the touristic offering available. Here are three basics that you can explore in more detail –
Camping – Camping Port Bouquet, East Coast
A campsite by the sea.
Mid- range/semi budget – Eco-Gîte de la Ouatchoué, West Coast
The Eco-Gîte de la Ouatchoué is in the heart of a 400-hectare property in Boulouparis. A perfect place to relax, recharge and enjoy some down time.
Luxury and luscious – Complexe Château Royal Beach Resort and Spa, Noumea
A luxury four-star resort situated within two hectares of tropical gardens and bordering onto the stunning white sand beach of Anse Vata Bay.
My perfect dream day in New Caledonia
The morning starts off with breakfast and coffee. The coffee is the most important meal of the day.
A morning in the saddle – Horse riding for Jean. I couldn’t possibly go to a country with such stunning saddle views and not make the most of this. At the very least a lazy ride in the morning would be lovely, but if I’m on my own then a full day for my new equine friend would be heavenly.
Mountain biking for James – Personally I’d prefer the four legged exploration of the mountains, but knowing James and his love the mountain biking this is where he’ll find his true happiness on the island.
An late afternoon of snorkelling on one of the many beautiful beaches. With 160km of coral reef it’ll be hard to find a spot on the way home that doesn’t have a beautiful spot to snorkel in.
An evening with dinner on the beach, cocktails and dancing under the stars. Oh and we couldn’t possibly miss dinner. All before retiring for the evening at the Complexe Château Royal Beach Resort and Spa. Because every adventure girl deserves a little bit of luxury after such a tough day.
What would we do for the rest of our time in New Caledonia?
Hiking, biking, drinking wine, eating ourselves to happiness. Seems amazing right? The last thing to decide is when to go and what to pack. The weather in New Caledonia is pretty nifty. Think nice warm weather. Never having to worry that winter is coming. Think more so long flowing skirts, board shirts, tee shirts and summer dresses. Not forgetting to pack the infamous flip flops or Teevas. I can’t go pass a decent adventure shoe.
So when will we see you in the wonderful world of New Caledonia?
Jeanette
Founder, Principal Blogger & Coffee Drinker
Coffee Lover | Travel Blogger | Horse Rider | Adventure Racer | Donut Dame. Generally nice lady-enjoys wine, indie movies & random dance parties in my tent.
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This post was sponsored by New Caledonia & Air Cailin.
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What a tropical paradise! I never knew much about New Caledonia, but as you suggest, it is a place that should be visited sooner rather than later. Thanks for all the great information.
What what a beautiful place! Very scenic. I’ve never heard of New Caledonia but will definitely add it to my bucket list!! Thanks for sharing!
wow this looks like paradise. thanks for sharing. love anywhere where there are few tourists.
My French colleague and her husband holidays every year to New Caledonia and recommends it highly. How difficult is it if your French is not very fluent? I managed a little bit in French Polynesia, but stayed with English-speaking hosts to lower the difficulty threshold. Is the bus system easier to understand than Tahiti’s?
Gosh the Pacific truly offers unlimited paradise. Haven’t read so much about New Caledonia! Thanks for putting out something about this nation. I hope it doesn’t get spoiled like the others that has come to light in the digital world. And yes I’ll be very happy to go there in the future!
What I love about New Caledonia is that there is so much variety in what you can do. Be a lounge lizard or the adventure queen. That 160km of coral reef has my name on it, followed by dinner on the beach of course!
New Caledonia seems far away from Europe where I am now. But, you know, the whole world is only one or two flights away. Who could ever resist not to visit a tropical paradise with stunning white beaches!?!
Hope to explore that part of the World soon!
New Caledonia was always a popular destination growing up (I grew up in NZ)… but we opted for Fiji instead. I would love to go, especially now I live in France and can converse in French! It looks so idyllic – a good combo of hikes / activities and relaxing!
I can’t say I know of New Caledonia but you’ve definitely caught my attention!! Let’s hope it doesn’t become a tourist trap before I manage to get out there. Waterfalls, gorgeous beaches and mountaintops, it looks ideal.
My hubby and I have spent some time in French Polynesia and would love to get over to Noveau Caldonie, since it is still a French dom-tom, I think eventually they will get their independence, if that is what the want. This part of the world is truly beautiful and I would love to see it!
This post really has it all: A fantastic region, captured in beautiful pictures, everything described in an entertaining way. Your detailed information make this post complete – wish more blogpost were like yours.
I don’t know much about this region but it looks quite scenic, rugged and unspoiled, just the kind of off the beaten path that really is hard to find nowadays – would love to explore more and enjoyed your photos
My parents took me to New Caledonia when I was too young to remember. A great reminder to go back and explore as an adult – thank you!
I never thought of New Caledonia as a travel destination. I have now put it on my radar – if not, because it’s only a 3.5 hour flight. Very useful information in your post. Thank you.
New Caledonia looks beautiful. I think I had heard the name before but didn’t know it was near Australia and that it was so beautiful. I want to go!
I really thought they would vote to become independent from France but that did not happen. I still want to visit one day as I’ve heard good things about the diving there.
We are already in love with New Caledonia after reading your post and seeing the pictures. It is actually a hidden gem and this is the first time we are reading about it. Thanks for sharing the interesting facts too along with the accommodation and what to do here.
Wow New Caledonia looks wonderful, I love finding places that are new and unknown. Thanks for this informative article.
My daughter lives in Melbourne! I didn’t be know there is a new paradise/principality I can visit just 3 1/2 hours away!
I will definitely plan a trip there when I visit my daughter next. Trying to reach 80 countries by the time I am 80. Is it part of Micronesia or Melanesia or a different country like Fiji?
Thanks for the tip about visiting New Caledonia before it gets too trendy. Certainly something to think about as a trip away the next time we are in Australia. Good to know that we will need local currency. I would definitely want to check out the scuba diving.
I’m currently in France at the moment and have spoken to people who have visited this unique paradise of New Caledonia. Everything you describe is what I’ve heard, though I was not aware of the French Franc currency. It’s true it can be expensive, but there are ways to go around that. Beautiful pictures and it must be a sign to talk to folks about New Caledonia and then read about it. Hope to get there soon!
How I really want to get to New Caledonia. I been looking at this for a while now but it is so expensive to get too from the UK but the photos and what you have describe here really wants me to just get the credit card out and just go for it! I would love to go hiking here (and do a bit of sleeping on the beach also).
Horse riding, snorkeling and drinking cocktails sounds like my kind of slow adventure holiday! 🙂
And that was my thought before I even saw all those amazing photos of New Caledonia in your post. Beautiful beaches! It’s also good to know that it’s so easy to commute and that there is an app for it as well.
Snorkeling in the coral reef and dinner on the beach… Sounds so romantic. 🙂
I have heard so many great things about New Caledonia, I would love to visit it looks absolutely stunning!
Thanks for the overview and tips on visiting this lovely island, it’s now on my radar of places to visit and looks wonderful. It definitely is starting to be promoted more and I would love to do a road trip exploring the area like you mentioned.
New Caledonia looks stunning! I have always wanted to visit – one of my flatmates, when I was studying abroad, was from there and her stories sounded amazing. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to make this a reality one day!
I have literally never heard of this place! BUT IT LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing!
I’m pretty savvy when it comes to world geography, but I have to admit that I wasn’t very familiar with this one. I knew it was somewhere in the Pacific… but that’s it. It looks gorgeous! Who knew?
I’ve never heard of this place but it looks absolutely amazing. I’ll be adding this to my list of places to do more research on for a trip. Thanks!