Fun and entertainment New Caledonia

Timetable

New Caledonia is not the most festive place to be. Parties start early and most establishments close around midnight/1am. Some discos, especially in Noumea, close at 4am.

Budget & Tips

In general, prices can be higher than in mainland France due to distance and import costs. In particular, alcohol can make the budget very high .

Free outings and events can take place, so don't hesitate to contact the tourist offices for the complete agenda.

Concerning tips, this is not a widespread practice.

Night transport

New Caledonia's nightlife is largely undeveloped, so don't rely too much on nighttime transportation. For the rest, there are two main bus networks, the urban network of Greater Nouméa, Tanéo, and the intercity bus network, RAI. Also available are private shuttles offering a quality service (but more expensive).

Age restrictions

In New Caledonia, you are considered of age from 18 years old, as in Metropolitan France. Thus, drinking establishments do not serve alcohol to anyone under this age. An identity card or passport may be required.

What's very local

To keep up to date with Caledonian artistic news, consult the quarterly Endemix published by the Pôle d'Export de la Musique et des Arts (Poemart), and the booklet Sortir, both of which are free of charge and available in most cultural establishments or at the Nouméa tourist office. It is an indispensable tool for following the musical, cultural and cinematographic program of the island, the discovery weekends, the open days in the associations, etc.

The website www.noumeabynight.com lists all the outings and good places to party.

The typical activity is bingo. It is an institution in Noumea. You show your ID at the entrance, then you sit at a table and make crosses on cards. When the card is full, you shout "bingo! A game lasts 5 minutes.

Kava and nakamal. A must in New Caledonia: kava. If the famous local drink imported from neighboring Vanuatu has nothing tasty about it, the atmosphere around its consumption and the effects of the beverage alone justify trying it. Don't panic, the nakamals are not the den of drug addicts and you won't sink into addiction. They are simply places of socialization and relaxation in the Oceania version. Unofficially, there are about 150 nakamals with more than 5,000 daily users.

So let's set the scene. The afternoon is ending, the sun is slowly declining, rest is approaching... Installed most often away from the noise, the nakamals are indicated by a small red or yellow bulb. Once inside the nakamal, one goes to the counter to buy a shell of kava served in a half coconut called a shell, before sitting down with friends. The kava is drunk in one gulp, without wincing. The last drop is thrown to the spirits. Finally, the mouth is rinsed to get rid of the earthy taste. Under the faré, often on benches, each one chooses his fire and its occupants, the discussion in low voice stretches in the middle of murmurs and silences covered by the crackling of the fire. The limbs relax, the jaw and the lips are progressively anesthetized. It is an opportunity to make beautiful encounters and to open up to the other side of New Caledonia. We leave, appeased, smiling... Several nakamals, often difficult to find, exist in Nouméa. Ask the locals, they will not fail to recommend their favorite.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in some public places in the territory, including cafes, restaurants and children's playgrounds. Smoking areas are available.