A land of adventure nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, New Caledonia has everything to offer lovers of authentic travel in symbiosis with nature. Get ready for an extraordinary experience in a wild and unspoilt setting.
Imagine cycling along picturesque paths, admiring breathtaking scenery on foot, horseback riding across the lagoon or exploring the deep sea on a colorful scuba dive. All in a natural paradise, far from the crowds.
New Caledonia is home to incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity, with 18,575 km² of natural areas and almost 16,000 km² of lagoon listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you're dreaming of total immersion in a destination where nature reigns supreme, New Caledonia is ready to offer you unforgettable memories. So what are you waiting for? Come and explore this earthly paradise and experience the adventure of a lifetime!
Escape to the heart of exceptional nature
New Caledonia, affectionately known as "le Caillou", is more than just a destination - it's a treasure trove of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
The archipelago's varied landscapes, from verdant valleys to golden savannahs, lush forests to imposing rock formations, and idyllic beaches, offer unique experiences.
The archipelago is home to almost 3,500 plant species, no less than 76% of which are endemic. From the majestic tree ferns of the Parc des Grandes Fougères to the columnar pines of Ile des Pins, you'll discover a breathtaking botanical diversity that ranks New Caledonia third in the world in terms of endemism. But that's not all: the archipelago is home to many endemic bird species, including the cagou, an animal emblematic of the Caillou that can easily be spotted in the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue.
Strolling along the trails of New Caledonia's many nature parks offers an exceptional opportunity to plunge into the heart of fascinating ecosystems, where you'll observe flora and fauna that are unique in the world. You'll have the chance to explore exceptional, unspoilt and untamed places, such as the mysterious"Forgotten Coast", a mountain range still untouched by human hands.
Get ready to lose yourself in these spectacular landscapes and enjoy unforgettable experiences in the midst of unspoilt nature like nowhere else.
Explore the archipelago's most beautiful trails
New Caledonia's trails take you close to the natural elements that have forged the reputation of this Pacific destination, whether in nature parks, provincial areas or on long-distance hikes, while allowing you to admire its most beautiful landscapes.
Here are 5 ideas for exceptional hikes once you're here:
- Explore the GR® Sud, at the heart of the mining and forestry history of the Grand Sud: in the south of Grande Terre, this long-distance hiking trail offers an extraordinary experience. As you hike it, you'll enter the heart of a wilderness inhabited by flora and fauna unique in the world, between prehistoric forest and red earth landscapes marked by the region's mining history.
- Explore the trails of the GR® Nord and discover the Kanak culture: located on the East Coast, the GR® Nord reveals another facet of New Caledonia. Throughout this 5-stage hike, you'll explore magnificent forest landscapes, between virgin forests and ridges inhabited by Caledonian wildlife. At the end of each day, the warm welcome of a Kanak tribe will make your experience authentic and unique.
- Admire magnificent views on the Sentier des 3 Baies : Bourail's Sentier des 3 Baies takes you to several picturesque bays on the West Coast. From Baie de la Roche Percée, the trail's starting point, to Baie des Amoureux, via Baie des Tortues, dense forests and cliffs punctuate your path to heavenly white sand beaches. This 4 km hike, ideal for an adventure for two or the whole family, will take you to the belvedere overlooking Tortues Bay and Bonhomme Rock.
- Explore the tropical rainforest at Parc des Grandes Fougères : Farino's Parc des Grandes Fougères is home to a wealth of plant and animal biodiversity, and offers hikes for beginners and more experienced walkers alike. The easy Fougères trail (approx. 1h15) plunges you into the heart of the tropical rainforest, in the shade of tree ferns that often reach heights of over 20 metres! The park is also a prime location for observing endemic birds such as the cagou, the notou and the green pigeon.
- Enjoy a 360° view of Nouméa from the Ouen Toro park: if you're visiting Nouméa, don't miss the famous Ouen Toro trail. This short hike, accessible to all, offers breathtaking views of the city, the lagoon and the mountain range. The Ouen Toro hill lends itself to pleasant family or sporting walks among the endemic species of the dry forest. It's definitely one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Dive into the heart of the world's largest lagoon
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the Caledonian lagoon is an invitation to travel. With a total surface area of 24,000 km², it is one of the largest in the world, but above all one of the best preserved. Surrounded by 1,600 km of coral reef, it's the perfect playground for experienced divers and beginners alike. Thanks to its exceptional geographical location, New Caledonia offers ideal conditions all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 22 to 30°C.
Imagine yourself diving in this exceptional underwater sanctuary, where the biodiversity reserves unforgettable encounters at every turn. You'll also be spoilt for choice with over a hundred sites, each offering a unique spectacle of atypical relief, mysterious faults, bewitching caves, coral reefs teeming with life and dizzying drop-offs.
More than 20,000 marine and plant species in brilliant colors and 350 species of coral with astonishing shapes populate New Caledonian waters. You'll come across manta rays, turtles, humpback whales and dugongs. Each excursion to discover this aquatic life will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The lagoon is not just an underwater Eden. It's also dotted with heavenly islands and islets. Whether developed, wild or isolated, you're bound to find your own little corner of paradise. Just a few minutes by boat from Nouméa, the islet of Amédée offers breathtaking views over the lagoon, and is home to France's last remaining metal lighthouse. Off the coast of the magnificent Baie de Kuto on Île des Pins, îlot Brosse is an unspoilt haven of peace and the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway among the columnar pines that give it its name. Finally, the Casy islet, in the Grand Sud region, offers exceptional biodiversity, with an 80% plant endemism rate!
5 diving spots to explore in New Caledonia
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, New Caledonia ranks among the world's most exceptional scuba diving destinations. The archipelago abounds with sites that will amaze all sea lovers.
Discover a selection of 5 dive spots not to be missed in New Caledonia:
- Passes de Boulari and Dumbéa: just a few kilometers from Nouméa, these passes are renowned for their marine fauna. You'll discover an impressive concentration of life, from manta rays to sharks and large pelagics. It's a breathtaking spectacle.
- Hienghène Cathedral: on the east coast of the archipelago, this underwater rock formation resembling a sunken cathedral is a unique natural curiosity. This spot is perfect for divers looking for an extraordinary experience.
- Aiguille de Prony: in the south of Grande Terre, this impressive geothermal chimney, whose base lies at a depth of 38 meters, is home to a wide variety of fish, including loaches and bivalves.
- Gorgone Reef : north of Santal Bay, on the island of Lifou, Gorgone Reef is a world-renowned diving spot. Here you'll discover coral formations linked by arches covered in giant gorgonians, as well as a multitude of colorful tropical fish. Encounters with sea turtles, dogtooth tuna, scorpion fish and manta rays are frequent in this spellbinding setting.
- The Dieppoise wreck . Located between the Boulari pass and the Amédée islet, this wreck is the most famous in New Caledonia. Resting at a depth of nearly 26 meters, it is the heart of a rich ecosystem that delights underwater history buffs with every dive. It's a treasure trove just waiting to be explored.
Every dive in New Caledonia will leave you with unforgettable memories!
The Caledonian archipelago is a real invitation to adventure off the beaten track. Whether you're hiking or scuba diving, the flora and fauna of New Caledonia will provide you with unforgettable moments, between wide open spaces and varied landscapes of striking beauty.
Get ready for a unique experience in the heart of a paradise where nature reigns supreme!
