Travel Guide Noumea
Capital of New Caledonia located on the largest island of the archipelago, Grande Terre, Nouméa, despite the perpendicular and unimaginative streets that shape it, is made of green, the one of the seven hills that surround it, and blue, the one of the seven bays that border it. No matter how much you are in the city, nature is so present, so strong, that the tropical atmosphere that emerges is very pleasant. It must be said that the ethnic mosaic that makes up its population of not far from 100,000 inhabitants (180,000 for the urban area) contributes greatly to the end of the world charm specific to Nouméa: Kanaks, Europeans, Wallisians, Indonesians, Vietnamese and West Indians live together quietly in this postcard setting made of beaches, turquoise lagoons, mountains with lush vegetation and more exceptional sunsets each day. The Nouméa tourist guide provides some orientation for the traveller, whether in terms of sporting activities - the underwater hike on the Duck Island trail is unmissable - or relaxation, on the paradisiacal beaches of Lemon Bay bathed in the fresh waters of the Pacific, for example. To learn more about Melanesian culture, we will visit the famous Tjibaou Cultural Centre, before taking a ferry to the surrounding islets, Signal, Master and Amédée in the lead. Finally, at nightfall, head for Lemon Bay to enjoy the nightlife of the capital and its many trendy bars.
What to visit Noumea?
Suggested addresses Noumea
When to go to Noumea?
When to go to Noumea? It is well known that New Caledonia's temperate tropical climate offers spring all year round. The period to avoid, because of the rains, is between January and March, with a particularly rainy February. But don't worry, even during the "cold" season, temperatures don't drop below 20°C during the day! The vacation period for New Caledonians is from mid-December to mid-February, which corresponds to summer in the southern hemisphere. The tourist seasons are not very marked here, as there are not many tourists (about 100 000 per year). The best time to go to Noumea is certainly between October and December (it is better to buy your plane ticket in advance) because the climate is very pleasant during this period, which is preferable to the months of July and August, when the number of tourists is at its highest. When to go to Noumea? All year round, but avoid the first three months of the year if possible!
Weather at the moment
The average annual temperature in Noumea is 22.5°C, with 18°C in July and 25°C in February. In general, New Caledonia operates with two seasons, to which Noumea's weather is subject: the austral summer or hot season runs from December to March (temperatures between 25 and 27 °C accompanied by short tropical rainfalls) and the cool season or austral winter extends from April to November with average temperatures of 20 to 23 °C.
In Nouméa, as in the French Pacific communities, the peaceful franc prevails. The cost of living in New Caledonia is high (prices are 1.5 times higher than in the metropolitan area) and to carry out activities, it will be necessary to reduce expenses in housing, Nouméa having only a pair of youth hostels (prefer accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen to a hotel), and in food: takeaway trays or sandwiches are good options for not going broke.
No visa is required for Noumea. New Caledonia is part of the French Republic and has a special status, called sui generis. Your identity card is sufficient on site, but you need a valid passport for transit stops. No visa is required for stays of less than 3 months for European Union citizens. But beyond three months, they must apply for a residence permit from the competent authorities. They can then settle and work freely as self-employed, or apply for a work permit as employees. In the latter case, it is the Department of Labor and Employment that will examine the file, and then the Government of New Caledonia that will be competent to decide whether or not to grant the document.
If no vaccine is needed to get to Nouméa, New Caledonia regularly experiences major epidemics of dengue fever, including several fatal cases, so be careful to avoid bites ñ thanks to proper clothing coverage and an anti-mosquito solution. Scars are easily infected in tropical environments, so it is important to disinfect and monitor the wound. Water sports enthusiasts will often rub up against the sharp coral. Make sure that there is never any coral left in the cut if you are injured, and disinfect with lemon to kill the coral, which is a living organism. Running water is safe to drink in Nouméa. Nevertheless, avoid consuming it after strong pluies : it then takes on an unattractive yellow colour. Local mineral water is available everywhere in grocery stores.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Noumea? Our advice & tips
Because of the number of islands and the various possible combinations, tour operators will propose you many tours from Noumea, often combining a tour of the Grande Terre by car and a stay on Lifou and the Isle of Pines. You can also opt for a diving or hiking trip from the capital. Ask the specialists to find the formula that suits you best.
Average price of a return flight Europe-Nouméa: 1 600€. Count at least 24 hours, up to 35 hours depending on the connections. Note that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, as for accommodation, it is essential to do so in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure! A good alternative may also be to book separate tickets and travel through Australia.
Nouméa has three bus companies that serve respectively: the urban network, the suburban network, and the bush. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation on the islands. The cab (green and white) is a good solution to get around the capital. After 7pm, they are the only way to get around, as bus services stop at that time. For more autonomy, you can also rent a car.
