New Caledonia how to get there. New Caledonia, Noumea. Geography and climate of New Caledonia
New Caledonia is the first island that we visited on the cruise, namely its capital, the city of Noumea.
You need a visa to visit the islands, but if you come here on a cruise, no visa is required!
The island of New Caledonia is one of the largest islands in Pacific Ocean, is an overseas territory of France. France actively sent its overly active revolutionaries into exile in New Caledonia.
Flag and coat of arms
The island was discovered by James Cook in 1774, named after the ancient name of his ancestral homeland of Scotland - Caledonia. At that time, only Kanakas lived there - Polynesian tribes whose men wore colorful skirts. The Kanakas are the indigenous people of Melanesia, living in New Caledonia, where they make up 40% of the population. The name comes from the Hawaiian phrase "kanaka maoli", often used in the past by European explorers, merchants and missionaries as a derogatory name for many non-European Pacific islanders. Before the arrival of Europeans, there was no unified state in New Caledonia, nor a common name for its inhabitants. Many Kanaks within their tribes continue to speak their own languages and follow their own customs. The Kanaks have long been seeking independence, although even now the indigenous population has the opportunity to receive education and develop their culture. By the way, until the sixties of the 19th century, Kanaks were cannibals. They ate the brains of the dead.
The northwestern coast of the island is washed by the Coral Sea; the sea received this name because of the 1,600-kilometer-long coral barrier reef located along the coast (the second largest in the world after Australia). The New Caledonian Barrier Reef forms an outer lagoon, the largest on the planet.
The island produces many minerals: nickel, cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, gold and lead. This is a high figure for the island! The mild climate and fertile soils make it possible to grow a good harvest of various crops.
On the ship you could buy a full-day excursion to the island of Amedi, where there is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world, 56 meters, and the first metal lighthouse built in France. But we decided to see the capital of New Caledonia at least a little.
The cruise ship arrives at the port at 8 a.m. and departs further along the route at 5 p.m.
Let's swim up.
It arrives exactly at the working port, so when leaving the ship, shuttle buses will be waiting for you, which will take you from the dock to the city, and also back. Buses take you to the building, like shopping center, where on the 1st floor you can buy excursions, and on the second floor souvenirs and clothes. We came across a Russian-speaking woman, she lives and works there selling excursions. But her tours were only for 2 hours, and that didn’t suit us. Therefore, we rented a minivan with a driver for 4 hours, agreed to take us somewhere, say, to see the sights, and at the end leave us on the beach. 1 hour is not cheap, 120 euros, but for 4 hours we negotiated down to 350.
Our machine.
First we went to Tjibau Center.
On a small peninsula 10 km from the city center, there is a new building of the Tjibaou Cultural Center, opened in 1998, created to preserve the cultural traditions of the Kanaks and other peoples of Oceania. The entire complex consists of ten buildings - huge cone-shaped structures with a height of 9 to 24 meters, capable of withstanding the strongest gusts of wind from the Pacific Ocean. They are connected by 250 meters of glass and wood passages. A garden of native plants grows around the structures. All pavilions are divided into 3 functional groups: the first - cafes and exhibition areas, the second - temporary projects and exhibitions, multimedia exhibitions, the third - classrooms with special equipment for studying the history of New Caledonia.
Site plan and layout.
My favorite Tahitian Gardenia is Tiare. I met her in Bora Bora, we saw her in the Cook Islands, and now in New Caledonia. She smells amazing!
We walked around the city center.
The 12-meter Kanak totem pole stands in the very center of Nouméa, on the Green Square. It was built in 2005, in memory of the mourning day of September 24, 1853, when New Caledonia was captured by the French.
The Madeleine and Ouadiana waterfalls are located within the city. We drove to Madeleine Falls, but when we arrived and got out of the car, a thunderstorm began. We tried to climb to the waterfall, but we couldn’t, because the stones were very slippery and the rain was pouring. People came down from there at the fifth point, barefoot, all dirty. We were also soaked to the skin, but we dried out in the car. The driver said, well, since it’s not your destiny to see the waterfall, I’ll take you now to try a delicious milkshake made from real cow’s milk. He took us to a small shop and said that everyone who knows comes here all the time to taste this delicacy. And indeed, quite a lot of cars stopped in front of us, and people left the store with cocktails in their hands. The cocktail is really delicious! It is a well-whipped thick milkshake, with different flavors as desired, and costs 5 euros. There were 2 types: vanilla and strawberry, both were good! By the way, everywhere in stores, in addition to francs and euros, they also accept Australian dollars, so you don’t have to change them on the ship.
We walked up the hill in Ouen Toro Park for panoramic views of the Anse Vata Lagoon. The height of the hill is 132 meters. Anse Vata Beach - white sand beach two kilometers long, lying south of the city, is considered the most beautiful beach capital, and one of the most famous places in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There really were waves there, and it was simply not suitable for swimming during windy times.
There are still cannons here, remnants from World War II.
After 4 hours of driving and walking around Noumea, the driver left us at Bai de Citron, or Lemon Beach. The name of the beach translates as “Lemon Beach”, due to its golden yellow sand, illuminated by the rays of the sun. The water was 28 degrees! We had to lie on beach towels, since there were no sun loungers offered here. There are showers and toilets on the beach, and bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops across the road. I can point out that this is not best beach, which we saw, but for a couple of hours of stay and comfortable swimming it is perfect. We got back to the shuttle bus parking lot by city bus. To travel 2 stops you need to pay 30 euros.
New Caledonia ( New Caledonia) - overseas possession of France ( France) in the South Pacific ( South Pacific). A territorial entity is large island with the same name and several small islands. Borders with Vanuatu ( Vanuatu), Fiji ( Fiji) and Australia ( Australia). The capital of New Caledonia is Noumea ( Noumea).
The official language is French. Among local population Melanesian dialects, English and Japanese are common.
The population consists of Aboriginal Melanesians (Kanaks), representatives of the white community (Caldoches) and French military personnel serving in New Caledonia. The overwhelming majority of the population is Christian.
The climate of New Caledonia is tropical trade wind. Summer, translated into European months, lasts from November to March, and winter - from April to October. The rainy season with hurricanes lasts from December to March. We recommend planning your trip to New Caledonia during the trade wind season (September to December).
Best beach holiday visitors to New Caledonia will find in the capital city of Noumea on beautiful beaches Bahia des Citron ( Bahia des Citron Beach), Ens Vata ( Anse Vata Beach) and in the bays of Oro Bay ( Oro Bay) and Kuto Bay ( Couteau Bay). Tiny Nokanmue Atoll ( Nokanmue atoll), located south of the island of Ile des Pins ( Ile des Pins Island) is considered one of the best places in the world for ecological tourism, honeymoon trips and relaxation tours.
For fans of country leisure, New Caledonia offers excursions to the luxurious aquarium, Forestier Park ( Forest Park ) And hunting grounds in the village of Burai ( Bourail village).
Urban entertainment in Noumea includes visiting historical and cultural monuments such as the Tjibau Cultural Center ( Cultural Center Tjibaou), in which tourists can get acquainted with the history and modern life peoples of Oceania.
The northern part of the country is a paradise for those who prefer active species sports Resort town Poindimier ( Puandime) on east coast- the center of island diving and windsurfing. And Kendu Bay ( Kendu Bay) near Nouméa counts best zone for snorkeling. On day-long walking or cycling tours, visitors to New Caledonia can explore the beauty of the spectacular cliffs and lagoon, go rafting or relax in the thermal hot springs of Cruen ( Crowen therm hot springs).
How to get there
Airplane
We advise tourists from the EU and CIS countries to choose a flight route with transfers to Tokyo for their trip to New Caledonia ( Tokyo) and Osaka ( Osaka), Sydney ( Sydney) or Seoul ( Seoul). This flight option involves only one transfer at hub airports in Asia and Oceania ( Oceania).
From the international airport La Tontouta Noumea airline Aircalin operates flights to Auckland ( Auckland), Brisbane ( Brisbane), Melbourne ( Melbourne), Sydney, Tokyo and Osaka. From Australia, New Zealand ( New Zealand) and Oceania flights are organized by the airline Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu And Quantas.
Visa
Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa to visit the overseas possessions of the French Republic. Travelers from the CIS countries to travel to New Caledonia should obtain a visa to visit the French overseas territories, which can be issued at visa centers and consulates of the French Republic.
In some cases you can do without a special visa:
- if vacationers have a long-term visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries;
- if travelers planning a holiday in New Caledonia have a French Schengen visa (from 1 year).
The period for reviewing the package of documents is at least 10 days.
Customs
For tourists from the EU, the import and export of any currencies is not limited customs regulations. Travelers from CIS countries planning to bring amounts of money over 10,000 euros (any currency equivalent) across the border of New Caledonia must indicate this in the declaration.
Vacationers can take with them on vacation goods and items for personal use worth 30,000 francs for an adult tourist and up to 15,000 francs for their minor travel companions.
It is prohibited to import into the territory of New Caledonia:
- absinthe and anise tincture;
- meat and meat products;
- endangered species of plants and animals;
- any poultry;
- dogs of fighting breeds;
- items of any historical or cultural value (without appropriate design).
When importing medications, visitors to New Caledonia will be required to present a prescription issued by a doctor and certified by a notary.
When importing animals, tourists will be required to present a certificate of vaccinations and a blood test done no earlier than three months before the trip.
Kitchen
Tourists who come to New Caledonia on vacation will be offered dishes of French, Italian, Indonesian, African, Japanese and Chinese cuisines. If you wish, you can also try a local dish.
If you want to get an idea of the cuisine of the Kanak Indians, you should try "Buna" - roast chicken with yams and other vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves. Buna is cooked only on coals or hot stones.
During a trip to New Caledonia, vacationers will have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the taste of meat from animals that are found only in this part of the world. For example, baked meat of sea turtles, flying foxes and the most delicate stew of giant bat fillet will not leave gourmets indifferent.
The basis of New Caledonian cuisine is seafood. Pacific shrimp, lobster, oysters and lobster are well represented on the menu local restaurants. We recommend that tourists order a series of Melanesian salads with raw or marinated fish.
Yams, cereals, root vegetables and juicy tropical fruits form the daily diet of the Kanaks.
In a relationship alcoholic drinks Guests of the islands will not find any special differences from the French metropolis. In restaurants and hotels along the coast, tourists and adult traveling companions can enjoy the excellent wine list of sunny France and hot Australia.
Money
The official currency of this part of France's overseas possessions is the French Pacific franc ( XPF).
The local franc is firmly pegged to the euro. Along with the national currency of New Caledonia, New Zealand and Australian dollars will be accepted from tourists in shops, hotels, and restaurants.
You and your traveling companions can exchange currency at the airport or any bank branch. Plastic cards are used in Noumea, but outside the capital there may be problems with their use. In the capital of New Caledonia, banking institutions cash out cards Visa, American Express, Master Card And Diners Club.
If vacationers take travel checks on a trip, it is better to issue them in euros. Tourists can cash traveler's checks in Noumea only at a bank.
What you need to know
Sights of New Caledonia
Barrier Reef ( Barrier Reef) New Caledonia and the lagoons it protects are subject to World Heritage UNESCO. This is the third longest barrier reef in the world - 1,500 km encircles the largest island of the archipelago and several small islands. In the lagoons with an average depth of 25 m, visitors to the islands and their fellow travelers will be able to observe amazing biological diversity and endemic species of plants and animals. The barrier reef is for divers, where you can meet the critically endangered dugong or equally rare green turtles.
The crystal clear waters of Oro Bay and Maurice Bay are ideal for novice divers. This area of the sea is a nature reserve.
Professionals who enjoy diving and snorkeling tend to prefer the calm waters of Gadji Pass ( Haji Pass), located in the northern part of Ile des Pins. In this resort area Vacationers will find a sheer wall going into the water to a depth of 35 m, the Devil's Grotto or Satan's Cave ( Cave of Satan), which can be accessed through a narrow passage.
Sailing fans can enjoy sailing from Nouméa to Ile des Pins on a chartered yacht. We recommend anchoring in Kuto Bay. You can go to boat trip along the shores of the islands or on a canoe excursion to the southern tip of New Caledonia's Nakanmue Atoll. Tourists will be able to see sun-bleached coral beaches strewn with nautilus and cowrie shells.
On Pin Island guests will be offered hiking and cycling trips you can go on foot to the picturesque village of Vao ( Vao village), where the statue of Saint Maurice is located ( Statue of St Maurice) on the shore of the bay of the same name.
In the village of Burai, which is located in the center big island, tourists will be able to hunt deer, brought in the past from Europe. Spearfishing and fishing in New Caledonia attract many holidaymakers.
On the "magical" Brosse Islands ( Bross Island), Lifu ( Lifou Island) or Uvea ( OuveaIsland) tourists will be greeted by wonderful beaches strewn with fine white sand, limestone grottoes and picturesque lagoons.
Souvenirs from New Caledonia
Traditional souvenirs that tourists bring from their holidays in New Caledonia are jade jewelry and amulets made by the Kanak Indians.
In the souvenir shops, tourists can expect beautiful bone carvings and compositions of corals and shells. The islanders make wind musical instruments from the largest shells of the species Charonia Triton.
Popular resorts
Noumea 09:35 25°C
partly cloudy
The population of the country is 216,494 people. The territory of New Caledonia is 19,060 sq. km Located on the continent of Oceania The capital of New Caledonia Nouméa Money in New Caledonia Franc (XPF) Domain zone.nc Telephone code countries 687
New Caledonia Hotels
There are 38 hotels in the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea. Basically, these are middle-class hotels, such as: “Le Promenade Numea”, “La Nouvat”, “La Pacifiqu”, “Chate Royal Bech Resort & Spa”, “Hotel Le Lago”. You can also find more status apartments, for example: “RAMADA PLAZA” or “La Meridien Numea”. Since the resort has a small territory, you can settle in any corner of New Caledonia, choosing an island and a hotel to your taste: “TIETI TERA” (4*), “KONIAMBO” (3*), “EVASION” (3*), “ NENGONE VILAGE" (3*), "Fairbridge In and Suite Caledonia" (2*), "RELAIS DE POINGA" (1*), "PAILOTES DE LA OUENGI" (1*).
Climate of New Caledonia: Tropical. Changes to the southeast, hot, humid.
Attractions
Despite the small area of the New Caledonia colony, there are a lot of attractions there. Only in the vicinity of the capital are there amazingly beautiful waterfalls - Ouadiana and Madeleine, the Perin cave, the Rus deer farm, the Le Bonome monolith, and the Pierced Rock cliff.
The main attraction of New Caledonia has been and remains the amazingly beautiful islands: Mare, Lifou, Tiga, etc. You can choose any one and enjoy the pristine nature.
Also popular among tourists are the Paserell de Marguerite Bridge and Fort Teremba in the town of La Foa, the Arab cemetery, and Baia dem Tortus Bay in Buraya.
Landscape of New Caledonia: Coastal plains with inland mountains
Leisure
The main leisure activity in New Caledonia is enjoying the picturesque landscape. You can appreciate the flora of the colony in Forestier Park, where in addition to the botanical garden, there is a large zoo. The Aquarium of Noumea deserves special attention. Fans of boat trips and beaches will enjoy the coast of Cuban, and fans of extreme recreation will enjoy the Baia des Citron beach, where there are excellent conditions for wind surfing and diving. Ideal for cultural pastime: Bernheim Library and Cultural Center Tjibau. The latter houses a café, various exhibition spaces and classrooms.
New Caledonia has resources like: Nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper.
Museums
There are only 5 museums in the colony. They all have different directions, so guests of the islands will have plenty to choose from. Four museums are located in the city of Noumea, one of which is the Territorial Museum, the oldest in the city. By studying its exhibits you can get acquainted with the history of this small country. The Geological Museum has soil samples, fossilized volcanic lava and minerals found in the depths of the colony. Nautical Historical Museum boasts a huge collection of nautical items and is housed in a charming colonial style space. The Noumea City Museum is dedicated to the history of the capital. You can learn all about the French colonization of New Caledonia at the Pite Museum, which is the namesake of the city in which it is located.
Money of New Caledonia: Monetary unit The New Caledonian franc is the CFP franc. Australian and New Zealand dollars are also accepted for payment. Large banknotes are issued in banknotes up to 10,000 francs, and small banknotes up to one hundred are issued in coins not only of common metal, but also of precious metals.
Resorts
The climate in New Caledonia is extremely favorable. Excellent ratio of air temperatures (+23-+25оС) and water (+26оС). The shores of the islands are washed by the Pacific Ocean and the Coral Sea. The island of Ile des Pins is known as fashionable resort. It is famous for its underwater grottoes, snow-white beaches and the pine trees that gave it its name. Tiga Island is known as a luxurious SPA resort. There are preserved craters with cool mineral liquid, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Mare Island has preserved its nature almost in its original form. Its landscape is distinguished by bright contrasts: high cliffs, basalt massifs with flat tops, dark forests and vast wastelands, as well as lagoons and small bays. New Caledonia has everything for health improvement and simply aesthetic pleasure.
Transport
A country as small as New Caledonia gets by with one international airport La Tontuta, located 50 km. from the capital. All routes are served by two airlines - Air Caledonie and Aircalin. There is very little information about transport in the country. It can be assumed that there is no railway connection there at all as it is unnecessary. But, of course, even on these small islands you cannot do without motor transport. Tourists who want to rent a car will be glad to know that traffic there, as in most countries, is on the right (hand drive on the left). But waiting for the bus can simply waste time - there is no clear schedule in New Caledonia.
Standard of living
A small country, New Caledonia is surprisingly rich in minerals. There are deposits of nickel, chrome, and iron ore. Nickel deposits rank second in the world after Canada. Against this background, non-ferrous metallurgy is also developing. Also local residents engaged in soap making, woodworking, and canned food production. Many of these industries operate to meet domestic needs. Also, most Aboriginal people prefer agricultural activities. They grow coffee, bananas, and raise horses, goats, and sheep. Only nickel and coffee are exported. The standard of living of the population in the country is at an average level.
Cities
The New Caledonia archipelago is French colony in the Pacific Ocean. It was discovered by James Cook more than two hundred years ago. The capital and, in fact, the only city is Noumea. Only about 70 thousand inhabitants live there.
Around the capital city there are picturesque surroundings: the Neuville region, Yengen, the town of La Foa, Tio, Kuaua, Kumak, Burai.
The colony also includes the islands: Chesterfield, Pen, Loyalty, Lifou, Mare, Uvea, Tiga.
The territory of New Caledonia is divided into many islets and atolls that form the Belém and Avon archipelagos. total area countries does not exceed 20,000 km2.
Population
Coordinates
Province Court 22.27631 x 166.4572 22.28333 x 166.58333 Province Court Province Court 22.13333 x 166.36667 Province of Ile Loyaute 20.91687 x 167.26461 21.55 x 167.88333 Poindimie Northern Province 20.93333 x 165.33333 Province Court 21.56667 x 165.48333 Northern Province
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