Cricket, a Caledonian institution
To attend a cricket match in the Tir Valley on the weekend is to immerse yourself in one of the territory's institutions. It is also the sport most practiced by Kanak women, always dressed in mission dresses (usually called "popinées") in the colors of the team... After its introduction in the 19th century in the Pacific by the Anglo-Saxon missionaries, the local populations (men and women) have largely appropriated the practice.
If the rules vary according to the regions of the island, the logic remains identical. The essential differences are related to the material and the regulation of the throw. A match pits two teams of thirteen players against each other around two targets made of poles, 19 m apart for the women and 21 m for the men. The game begins with a duel between a thrower and a batsman. The thrower(bola) can eliminate the marker by hitting the stakes with the ball. The scorer tries to accumulate points by hitting the ball with his bat and running from one pole to the other before the ball returns. He can be replaced in this task by a player of his team, or rhama. If the return of the ball surprises the rhama between two targets, the player who beats is eliminated. In case of a successful kick-off, a race starts between the defenders who bring the ball back and the rhama who score. The territorial finals are held at the Magenta Stadium in Noumea. It is not only a sporting competition, but also a real show on the field (especially during the women's matches with the women in mission dresses), as well as in the stands.
Numerous nautical activities
Yachting and water sports. Between its lagoons and exceptional bays for unique anchorages, but also several well-equipped marinas, the archipelago offers dream conditions for pleasure cruises. You can easily rent a boat, whether a monohull or a catamaran, mainly in Noumea. The most popular spots are the east coast, the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines. Otherwise, like any self-respecting idle destination, you can practice a lot of water sports all over the archipelago. Whether without motor (sea kayak, paddle, canoe...) or with (jet-ski, water-ski, wakeboard, flyboard, parasailing and other towed buoys), everything is possible between two sunbathing sessions.
Surfing. New Caledonia is also a very popular destination for surfers. However, a boat and experience are essential if you want to surf on the waves of the coral reef, located several kilometers from the coast. Be careful, some places are only accessible to experienced surfers. Indeed, the reef is sometimes covered by a low water level and the board can get stuck and cause painful falls on the coral. It is therefore forbidden to miss!
Two sites on the west coast particularly attract surfers: the Dumbéa pass and the Ténia pass. Otherwise, the Roche Percée beach in Bourail is also a good place to go with a departure from the beach. The place is open to novices and experienced surfers. However, the mouth of the river has been blocked by a sandbank for a few years. The pros will tell you that the waves exist but that they are less beautiful than before! The main problem encountered for surfing is the distance from the passes. Bourail is one of the few places in New Caledonia where the barrier is relatively close to the shore (1 km). You can reach it from Poé beach in five minutes by paddle. The waves of Water World and Twister await you. The first site takes its name from the carcass of the boat stranded on the right side of the pass, which resembled the boat in the movie played by Kevin Costner. The second one comes from the three mini-tornadoes that once crossed the pass to its center but avoided the surfers at the last moment.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing. New Caledonia has seen the birth of a windsurfing legend: the former world champion, Robert Teriitehau. The runner-up of the world speed champion, Laurent Gaüzère, was also born in the archipelago. And, like all Caledonians, it is atAnse Vata that the two riders have made their mark. Exposed to the prevailing trade winds, this very popular spot is frequented all year round by windsurfers. You can also enjoy yourself in Bourail, in the huge lagoon of Poé beach, and around the Isle of Pines. Finally, it is possible to join the islets located in front of Noumea by windsurfing for a nice ride and a lazy session in the sun. And of course, on all these spots, kitesurfing enthusiasts can also enjoy great sessions.
Canoeing and kayaking. Back on land. With the number of rivers on Grande Terre, canoeing enthusiasts should be happy. The descent of the Blue River, in the Blue River Provincial Park, in 3 hours and the night passage in the Drowned Forest offer a wild escape that you will remember for a long time. The descent of the Dumbéa river also promises a beautiful ride not far from Noumea: you will paddle for 7 km in the middle of a valley, for a little less than 2 hours. Small rapids will allow beginners to enjoy the pleasures of white water without danger. For less classic rides, the Hienghène (east coast) and the Lindéralique rocks ride are strongly recommended. The bay of Prony in the South is also worth a visit... Finally, the Forgotten Coast, an area of wild and preserved nature between Yaté and Thio, is one of the most beautiful kayak excursions in the country.
A scuba diving destination
Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the New Caledonian lagoon, protected by a 1,600 km long coral reef, is one of the largest in the world and one of the most beautiful diving sites on the planet. New Caledonia is therefore an exceptional destination for snorkeling and diving. The water temperature, which varies from 21 to 28°C, contributes to create ideal conditions for the development of corals, shells and fish. The position of the archipelago in the immense space that separates the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates makes it an inexhaustible research field. Nearly 2,000 varieties of fish have been identified in the region. Once you cross the coral reef, you will explore the dizzying drop offs, caves and wrecks and you may come across large pelagics (sharks, rays, barracudas). The connoisseurs will not forget to bring their equipment. Today, diving centers are spread throughout the archipelago, from north to south, and on the islands. And, with such a large playground, there is little chance to meet many other divers in immersion! So let yourself be tempted... You won't regret it!
On land, beautiful walks in the middle of nature
Hiking. Hikers will find plenty to enjoy on the rock! You can choose the GR® Sud trail (Grande Randonnée approved by the FFRP) which allows you to walk freely on marked trails through the Blue River Provincial Park. You can also hike on the trails of the Koghis Mountains, on the Mont Mou, in the Chutes de la Madeleine reserve or in the Grandes Fougères park. These spots offer superb walks without too much difficulty. Also on the program, trails on Mount Panié in the north of the island and the GR® North trail which offers superb natural landscapes in the heart of the mountains and primary forests in the middle of Kanak land (between Napoepa and Ouanache). And don't forget to inform the tribes of your arrival! Indeed, most of the trails belong to clans and the customary land is private land. So ask for permission before you go and it will usually be granted.
In the Loyalty Islands, hikes are also always (well) supervised by local guides. In addition, having a cell phone (and battery) for multi-day hikes through the chain is particularly recommended. As for equipment, don't forget to bring a warm sweater and a windbreaker, a good pair of sneakers and socks. The lodges usually only provide mats or mattresses, and blankets if necessary. You can bring a synthetic sleeping bag: no need to burden yourself with goose feathers! It must be light and dry quickly, because of the nightly condensation.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. You can go on a mountain bike tour of Caledonia. It is not always exciting, especially in the west, but it is possible. There are mountain bike circuits in the South: the Boucles de Netcha, near the Chutes de la Madeleine, or the Blue River Provincial Park. Note that bicycles can be transported in local buses. The Isle of Pines is also a great place for cycling enthusiasts.
Horseback riding. New Caledonia is a country of breeders and, like Texas and Australia, this small piece of land worships the horse. To be convinced of this, you just have to go to a rodeo during one of the fairs organized all year long in the bush(Bourail Fair, organized every year around August 15th). Atmosphere guaranteed! The west coast is the second home of the cowboy (called stockman in New Caledonia), after the Far West! Naturally, riders of all levels can ride during their stay. From a simple ride on a ranch to a gallop on the beach, through one or several days rides in the mountains (crossing the range in particular), everyone will find the right stirrup for them!
Golf. Golf enthusiasts will find several golf courses to work on their swing: the Golf de Tina in Noumea, the Garden Golf in Dumbéa, the Exclusiv Golf Deva in Bourail and the Golf de la Ouenghi in Boulouparis.
The Caledonian archipelago seen from the sky
The earth seen from the sky always has a unique flavor. New Caledonia is obviously no exception to the rule. It's already beautiful down there, so imagine it up there... From the Magenta aerodrome in Noumea, a flight over the lagoon, the islets, the coral reef and the different bays is a unique experience. The Grande Terre is also accessible, just to see what the central chain looks like. The means of transportation are legion: helicopter flights, tourist planes, seaplanes, microlights, paragliding and skydiving. So many unforgettable moments in perspective! Especially if you have the chance to fly over the famous Heart of Voh like the photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand!
