noumea tour guide

Top Tours in Noumea, New Caledonia

Noumea tours.

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• Sightseeing Tours
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• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Helicopter Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers

2. Amedee Lighthouse

3. Local Green Train Noumea

4. Guided City Orientation Tour of Noumea

5. Country Tour included Tjibaou Cultural Center and La Conception Church

6. Airport Transfer: La Tontouta International Airport to Noumea

7. Private One Day Tour through The Deep South

8. Anse Vata Tchou Tchou Train

9. Hop On Hop Off - HOHO

10. Airport Transfer: Noumea to La Tontouta International Airport

11. Shared City Tour in New Caledonia

12. Transfer Nouméa to Tontouta Airport by Premium Sedan

13. The "French Touch" Tour

14. Transfer to the Magenta domestic Airport

15. Amedee Island and Outer Reef Half-Day Private Water Taxi Tour from Noumea

16. Helicopter Dream Ride in Southern Lagoon

17. North: Bourail

18. Aquarium Package in Nouméa's Aquarium with Admission and Transfer

19. Blissful Getaway: Treat Yourself to a Spa Massage in Nouméa

20. Transfer to Tontouta International Airport

21. Private Noumea Turtle Tour

22. Melanesian Landscape Tour

23. Tontouta Airport Transfer Roundtrip Tontouta-Noumea-Tontouta

24. Airport transfer from Tontouta to Nouméa by Premium Sedan

25. Tontouta Airport Transfers One-way Tontouta-Noumea / Noumea-Tontouta

26. The Unmissable Tour

27. Private Sightseeing Tours

28. Breathtaking Noumea Self-Guided Audio Tour

29. Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour’ in The Heart of Voh

30. The Great South in 4x4 Adventure mode - Mountain/River

What travellers are saying.

• Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers
• Local Green Train Noumea
• Amedee Lighthouse
• Guided City Orientation Tour of Noumea
• Country Tour included Tjibaou Cultural Center and La Conception Church
• Dal'Ocean Charter
• Abaca Croisieres
• Aito Charter
• Mary D Private Day Cruise
• Offrods Charter
• Fernando Tourisme
• Gateaway Tours Noumea
• I Love Noumea Tours
• New Cal Outdoors
• Mobilboard Segway Noumea
• Iatok Diving Paradise
• Abyss Plongee
• Amédée Diving Club

• Your Quotelist    Professional Access
• Isle of Pines
• Loyalty Islands
• Airport Transfer Package
• Private Vehicles
• Tourist Train
• Air Calédonie
• Air Loyaute
• Terms and Conditions
• General Visitor Information

Tours in Noumea

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Noumea Discovery

The Noumea Discovery travel company has been operating in Noumea, New Caledonia since 1984. We are an inbound travel agent specializing in the cruise ship industry. We are also a licensed tour operator and cater to over 120,000 tourists annually.

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, 1 500kms from the Australian coastline and 1 700km from New Zealand, New Caledonia is a large archipelago over 500kms in length, composed principally of the main island, the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands.

The temperate climate, diverse landscapes and numerous infrastructures in New Caledonia provide a vast choice of activities whether it be for leisure, sport, or pure relaxation on the magnificent beaches. Experience the unforgettable…

Getty Images/Flickr Open

With its cheerful multi-ethnic community, New Caledonia’s cosmopolitan capital is both sophisticated and uncomplicated, classy and casual. The relaxed city sits on a large peninsula, surrounded by picturesque bays, and offers visitors a variety of experiences. Diners can eat out at sassy French restaurants hidden in Quartier Latin, dine at bold water-fronting bistros or grab a bargain meal from a nocturnal van in a car park. Meanwhile, shopaholics can blow their savings on the latest Parisian fashions or go bargain hunting for imported Asian textiles.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Place des Cocotiers

This is the heart of the city. The square slopes gently from east to west and at the top is a band rotunda, a famous landmark dating back to the late…

Orientated east–west, this popular beach is a hotspot for visitors to Noumea, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Only 10 minutes…

Baie des Citrons

Orientated north–south and less than 10 minutes from the city centre, trendy Baie des Citrons attracts locals and visitors alike. The beach is great for…

Aquarium des Lagons

This aquarium is stunning. Species found in New Caledonian waters – including nautilus, sea snakes, stone fish, turtles, sharks and stingrays – have…

This colourful multi-hexagonal-shaped market is beside the marina at Port Moselle. Fishermen unload their catch; trucks offload fruit, vegetables and…

Musée de la Ville de Noumea

The beautiful colonial-style Musée de la Ville de Noumea, which overlooks Place des Cocotiers, is dwarfed by towering palm trees. It features fascinating…

Tjibaou Cultural Centre

The cultural centre is a tribute to a pro-independence Kanak leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou, who was assassinated in 1989. It sits in a peaceful woodland and…

Mwâ Ka is erected in a landscaped square opposite Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie. The 12m totem pole is topped by a grande case (chief’s hut), complete with…

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Guided City Orientation Tour of Noumea

• Professional driver/guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Departure Point: Your Noumea accommodation, All hotel in Noumea, the ship terminal Dates: Daily Return point: Your Noumea accommodation, All hotel in Noumea, the ship terminal
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Hill Ouen Toro

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Hill Ouen Toro Stop: 10 minutes Ouen-Toro hill rises up opposite this rocky point. A road runs the length of the municipal park and leads to the 128 metre-high summit overlooking the lagoon. It is topped with two superb cannons, installed by the Australian army in 1940. From up there you can take in an unparalleled view of Noumea and its surrounding region. Coming back down, the road around the hill frequently offers many very interesting views over the various sides of the city. To the South, you will see just below you the Méridien and Château Royal hotels, bordered by Château Royal beach, as well as Anse Vata beach and, further in the distance, the islands, Île aux Canards and Îlot Maître. Continuing westwards, the two bays, Baie des Citrons and Baie de l’Orphelinat stretch out. To the North can be seen the residential districts, such as Val Plaisance, Motor Pool, Receiving and N’Géa. Lastly, to the East lie Sainte-Marie bay and its little islands. The mountains of Mont-Dore and the hills of New Caledonia's Great South, the Grand Sud, can be seen rising in the distance. Read more Pass by Anse Vata Beach Orphelinat Bay Place des Cocotiers
• You'll return to the starting point

• BACE10 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent service We used this company for our transfer to the hotel in noumea they were wonderful easy to book online wonderful ground staff efficient service we would use them again!!! Read more Written 1 April 2024
• Jenz2302 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles April fools Purchase on Viator as I had difficulty on wifi at my hotel to directly book on their website. It kept glitching for two hours. So, looking thru TripAdvisor, it took me to viator for some reason, and I purchased a ticket. The ticket had no indication of pick-up time from the bus. I message the tour operator a day before my flight. But, I never got an email or reply from Viator. Then this morning I went to reception around 5:50am and he told me that the bus left at 5:20am. At 7:06am, I got an email reply from Arc en cien. They claim that they sent me an email. I was so irate because I had to book a private taxi for AUD$139. So, to sum it all. There was no email sent as I checked my primary inbox, spam/junk. Arc and Viator up your game because not all customers have a local sim and we rely on hotel. Please have a whatsapp for us to contact Arc en ciel Rep. This will save headaches for customers. This was my April fools day being sent an email a bit too late by Arc to say that they sent me confirmation by email. Well, it's too late for that mate. I never received any email on my inbox. Read more Written 31 March 2024
• garytZ8408BX 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Appalling Disgraceful and appalling . TripAdvisor take the money 3 months out and the transfer does not show and am informed it shut months ago. Now stranded at airport as there are NO TAXIS, no cars to hire AND NO OTHER TRANSFERS . Absolute rubbish service. Read more Written 28 March 2024
• 879cathyo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Efficient service We used this service twice - from the airport to Noumea and back again. Excellent service. They have a lounge at the airport with WiFi and aircon. They were easy to find on arrival. Would book again. Thank you Read more Written 2 February 2024
• U1484IZjuliep 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great service This is a fantastic service. We used Arc en Ciel to get us to our hotel and for a transfer from our hotel back to the airport. The drivers are very professional and the seats in the mini bus are comfortable. They have English and French speakers at the company, fantastic for me as my spoken French is not perfect. Read more Written 27 January 2024
• vanessamM384FO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Timely & Efficient Service Great service, on time collection & prompt. Had booked the service pick up and return to airport (from Hotel) excellent. Pricing was good also. vanessa Read more Written 12 January 2024
• Samantha M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy airport transfer Driver picked us up at the arranged time. The mini van was clean and the driver was very professional. Arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare before departure. Read more Written 1 December 2023
• Andrealia 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles This tour company Our cruise was diverted from NC to Cairns because of a cyclone. I cancelled our tour in time, but they still took the money out of my account, after telling me they had paid it back. So far no refund! Read more Written 21 November 2023
• jimw3172 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great service The driver was early and parked round the corner sowe did not see the bus arriving, we were at the pick up point 5 mins before the pi kup time. it then left without us. However we contacted the company and they pulled out all the stops and picked us up in a car and got us to the airport on time thanks. Read more Written 5 November 2023
• Companion57816353606 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great service! Friendly staff, quick and easy booking process and great communication. The lounge was quite basic, but was an alright space to rest our legs and get wifi. Read more Written 1 October 2023
• Companion57816353606 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great communication & timing! We were picked up from our hotel exactly on time and delivered to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Excellent communication from the operators when there was a mix-up with our booking, which was quickly resolved. Read more Written 1 October 2023
• nerolig261 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy Airport Transfer to Lemon Bay Trouble free transfer to our accommodation in Lemon Bay. Comfy air conditioned coach with plenty of room. Easy to find check in area. Took about an hour to get to our drop off point after dropping off others on the way. Read more Written 30 September 2023
• 381leonief 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Valued service Terrific service. Coaches very comfortable. Polite operators too who do their best to help out as much as is possible. Read more Written 25 September 2023
• N7942HMkevinc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Paradise holiday. Bus had to wait as we were an hour late. Staff were very pleasant and helpful. Bus driver gave us a very smooth ride. Top notch. Read more Written 23 September 2023
• 987lynnet 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Efficient and on time Our plane was a little late and our transport was waiting for us. Easy to find and efficient service to our hotel. Read more Written 18 September 2023

More to explore in Grand Terre

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Guided City Orientation Tour of Noumea provided by Arc en Ciel Service

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.4 By boat
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Nouméa is the largest city in and capital of New Caledonia , lying on the main island of Grande Terre . One of the most westernised cities in the Pacific Islands, it features beautiful beaches and colonial mansions and is not yet a heavily touristed destination.

Understand [ edit ]

Where metropolitan French will hear a bad French accent, wince and say that they speak English, the Francophones of New Caledonia are either less willing or less able to accommodate Anglophones. It is probably a matter of capability, since they are marvellously willing to persevere in determining what it is that a foreigner needs. Without tourist-level French, you may find yourself lost — but it's a lovely place to be lost! The French spoken by Caledonians is much harder to understand than the French of people in Paris: on a par with Quebec French (or think of the challenge offered by broad Scots or Yorkshire for a Londoner). But English rates in New Caledonia are becoming higher, with more of the younger generations learning English.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Due to the long distance between the airport and the city centre, connecting transport can be very expensive. The cheapest option by far is a public bus, run by Carsud . Ligne C runs 9-11 times a day each way Monday to Saturday, however only twice a day on Sundays. The journey time is about an hour 20 minutes costing 280 F one-way (as of 2018), departing to the city from just outside the airport terminal on the right, and to the airport from the Desmazures interchange near the bingo centre. A pre-booked shuttle service to your hotel will cost about 3000 F per person; there are a variety of options, but the largest company is Arc en Ciel ( ☏ +687 271980 ). A taxi could cost up to 10,000 F.

By car [ edit ]

From La Tontouta , it's a half an hour drive via the RT1 east towards Noumea. From Le Mont-Dore , it's a 10 minute drive south west via the expressway.

By bus [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

Noumea is a popular port of call for people sailing around the Pacific, though most dare not sail during cyclone season.

Get around [ edit ]

The Little Train (Le Petit Train) is a motorised tour on normal roads, that runs several times a day. It is an area tour, but you can also hop off one train, and catch the following service. Check the timetable, though, because it may be cancelled or only offer two services on a given day.

The city is also serviced by several bus routes that costs 210 F if you buy your ticket on board ( as of June 2014 ), or 190 F if you buy them ahead of time. Others have recommended this only if you feel your French is up to scratch, as the bus drivers very rarely understand anything but French. However, it is sufficient to know that the bus goes to "Centre Ville", then hand over the money and state the number of tickets required (une personne, deux personnes, trois personnes, etc.). The big catch is working out where the buses start, as different lines leave from different places. The majority of buses go from near the ticket office in Place de la Marne, where Rue d'Austerlitz passes through the Place des Cocotiers. Other lines depart from a rough piece of ground near the corner of rue Clemenceau and rue de la Somme, within sight of the Municipal Markets and the cinema and a couple of blocks south of Place des Cocotiers. See the official map for more details.

You can buy a number of tickets in advance at the office on rue d'Austerlitz (it's more of a booth, actually) but you need to validate the appropriate number of tickets for the trip when you board the bus (that includes the ones you buy from the driver) by inserting them in a machine that will stamp them with a time and a date, but this is nowhere explained. There are rumours of ticket-selling machines in shops. There may be an all-day ticket. The city bus line is called Karuiabus .

The first trick is to recognise a bus stop when you see one. These are white-ish pillars, usually with a name on them, sometimes with a shelter from sun or rain, but usually with no indication of the lines that stop there.

Also available for tourists is a "Noumea Explorer" service that runs an hourly loop pass the major tourist sites (Museums, Parc Forestier and Zoo, Tjibaou and hotels) hourly. That for 1500 F a day (2010 price), is a great idea to be used to explore each of the sites for an hour before catching the bus onto the next location when it comes past again. The service takes a little over an hour, the stops are hard to locate at the start, and you need both a map that shows the stops, and also a leaflet from your hotel or a tourist office that gives the timetable.

Tanéo also run bus services and run within Greater Nouméa. More information on Tanéo can be found here .

See [ edit ]

Most of the tourist attractions in Noumea are closed on Mondays and open all other days, with the exception of Museum of New Caledonia, which is closed on Tuesdays. Each venue has its own entry costs, but in 2014 for 1700 F a "Pass' Nature and Culture" could still be purchased that provided admittance to the Tjibaou, New Caledonia, Noumea and Maritime History Museums, Zoo and Aquarium that could be used over 6 months.

Another good idea, is to grab the free English publication The New Caledonia Weekly and check in it for local events and ideas. The best map was the "New Caledonia Visitor map" found in many places. This is an A1 sheet that can be a challenge in high winds, but at least it shows you where the "Noumea Explorer" stops are.

• -22.275693 166.443548 1 Museum of New Caledonia ( Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie ), 43, Avenue du Maréchal Foch, Quartier Latin , ☏ +687 272342 , fax : +687 284143 , [email protected] . W-M 09:00-11:30, 12:15-16:30 . The former territorial museum displays a large variety of tribal art and cultural items, such as weapons, spears, traditional clothing, decorations and full-size boat and hut structures. The ground floor focusses on Kanak items from New Caledonia, while upstairs there is cultural heritage from across the region, including countries like Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Some English information available. 200 F adults, 50 F students/12-18 years/seniors, under-12s free . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• -22.270567 166.441441 2 City of Nouméa Museum ( Musée de la Ville de Nouméa ), 39, rue Jean Jaurès, Centre-Ville ( Opposite Place des Cocotiers ), ☏ +687 262805 , fax : +687 276062 , [email protected] . M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00 . The museum is in the city's first bank, constructed in 1874, a few years later which would become the town hall for nearly a century following the bank's failure. Documents the history of the city and the surrounding region, including the convict era, municipal projects under Governor Feuillet, the nickel trade, the city's role in World War II and since then. A lot of the info is in English, and a free audio guide is available to explain most of the exhibits. 200 F adults, 100 F students/seniors, 50 F 12-18 years, under-12s free . ( updated Jul 2015 )

• -22.256338 166.481685 3 Tjibaou Cultural Centre ( Centre Culturel Tjibaou ), Rue des Accords de Matignon , ☏ +687 41 45 45 . 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays) . the iconic large modern wooden round houses, that you see on most postcards of New Caledonia, are located a little way out of Noumea (but accessible by buses--Noumea Explorer or Ligne 40 (   40   ) public bus) past the Magenta Domestic Airport. It houses a lot of contemporary Melanesian and other Oceanic cultures art work, as well as some traditional pieces. Also if you visit at the right time, there are regular performances of traditional dances and music here, as well as the resource libraries focusing on Oceanic cultures. There is a cafeteria manned by a character with severely limited skills of addition, so make sure you know what you should be paying. The shop has some exquisitely designed souvenirs which aren't cheap, but which are still worth it. Make sure you leave some time to walk around outside the building. The architect was Renzo Piano, and you need to look closely at the way he has captured the spirit of the Auracaria pines. The centre commemorates a leader of the Kanak independence movement, Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a former priest who significantly was a student in Paris in 1968. Tjibaou was murdered by another Kanak who regarded Tjibaou's signing of the Matignon Accords as a betrayal. 500 F . ( updated Sep 2021 )
• Maritime History Museum on the Baie de la Moselle water front ( 11 avenue James Cook ), this little museum is packed with maritime artifacts, like a humongous rudder, light house lamp, and models of New Caledonian ships. It also regularly hosts temporary exhibits like one on the first convict ship to arrive in New Caledonia. 500 F per person (June 2014).
• Aquarium des Lagons between Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons ( 61 Promenade Roger Laroque ), the Aquarium has a great collection of Nautilus, as well as lots of information about the local marine life of the island. 1000 F (as of June 2014). Tu-Su 10:00 to 17:00. Last admissions at 16:00.

Do [ edit ]

New Caledonia is home of one of the largest lagoons in the world. So naturally water sports are very popular.

• Wind surfing Anse Vata during the afternoons is very popular with Kite and Wind Surfers. There are a few hire companies on the beach that are very friendly and have a wide range of equipment.
• Snorkeling it is highly suggested to snorkel while in Noumea. The water off Rocher a la Voile around and into Baie des Citrons has coral literally meters from the shore line, making it very easy to see the coral and fish that inhabit there.

Baie des Citrons is also very protected from wind, making it even more enjoyable for the novice. But also if you are prepared to pay for a water taxi ride, Ile aux Canards just off Anse Vata (maybe half a kilometer away ) has a snorkeling track in a marine park that has even better coral to see. The visibility can be poor after rough weather, and the charges for almost everything are appallingly heavy (600 F for a chair, the same for an umbrella, and the service is surely the surliest found anywhere in Nouméa, aside from the Tjibaou cafeteria). You get there by water taxi from the lower level of the faré ("native hut") half-way along the Plage Loisirs or Anse Vata beach . The price in June 2014 was 1200 F for a return trip, which was good value.

Seeing sea snakes is not uncommon in Nouméan waters, but they are very unlikely to bite a snorkeler. Sharks are very rarely seen though. You can rent a mask, fins and snorkel for 600 F, so you may think it worthwhile taking your own.

• Island hopping/visiting there are also many tourist operators who will take you to an island to sunbathe, swim and explore — like the Light House tours available from most tourist operators on Anse Vata, or via the hotels.
• Scuba diving There are a few dive companies who offer dive courses, and day dives on the reef. Abyss Plongée have a couple of boats and are based in Marina Port du Sud, and offer a morning of 2 dives on the reef for around 10,000 F. A whole day including 2 dives, lunch, and transfer from/to Port Moselle is about 16,500 F.
• Walking The climb up Ouen Toro Park at the South of Noumea (the hill near most of the big hotels) is a great way to spend a few hours. There are many paths through the hill that are signed (though sometimes poorly due to vandalism) and many places to stop, rest and take in the views. At the top of the 128-m summit is a military base (that can not be visited) and an old battery that has BBQ facilities.

The quickest way up from the area near Anse Vata is to walk along rue g. Laroque, but if you reach the pharmacy and the Hippodrome, you have gone too far. Go past the first couple of cross streets, then look for rue Paul Baumier on your right: there is a Gascon restaurant on one corner, and the Val Plaisance Charcuterie on the other. Walk up the street warily (the drivers are a bit wild) then pick up the track at the top end of the street. This leads up to the road that comes from somewhere past the Meridien hotel. The track is a bit of a scrabble, with a number of 5 cm stumps. Once you are on the road, you can either go west to look out over the sea or just look for the walking tracks that start immediately opposite. There is a painted map-sign there, so take some notes, especially of the distances, because these are repeated on the track signage.

The main thing is to be aware that there are many other tracks than the ones shown, and the red tracks (on the signboard map) are indeed "difficult". In the late afternoon, there are other walkers and runners so the place is safe enough. Take some water, and watch where you put your feet, as twisted ankles are always possible on the loose stones and rocks. Keep an eye on where you are going so that you can retrace your steps, because the internal signs are poor. The views, however, are superb.

Most of Nouméa is also very close together, and safe to walk day and night between most of the suburbs (anyway avoid the surroundings of the "place des cocotiers" at night, were many drunken people are roaming. Neighbourhoods of Montravel, Vallee du tir, and Riviere Salee can be also be unsafe place at night). By day, the walk from Anse Vata along to and around the Baie des Citrons is pleasant. Assume that coffee and tea along the way will leave you little change from 500 F (each).

Buy [ edit ]

• Local markets just off rue Clemenceau, south of the CBD every morning of the week is local markets from approx 05:00 till 10:00, where cheap food, arts and crafts can be purchased. Expect to pay list price; bargaining is not common practice in New Caledonia.

Food is not cheap in New Caledonia, but you can do well shopping at the non-tourist shops. Learn to detect the boulangerie and patisserie for bread and pastries, the charcuterie for meat and pâté and so on, but don't pass by the slightly seedy-looking general stores, where you can probably get tinned pâté, packaged cheese (wedges of brie, for example) and more.

Plan your alcohol purchases carefully because many supermarkets will not sell you alcohol on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Eat [ edit ]

• Waterfront Market , Rue Georges Clemenceau . Open every morning, providing a good option for budget breakfasts. Croissants and Pain au Chocolat (180 F) and multitude of fresh fruit are available from various merchants. La Buvette du Marché, located inside the building adjacent to the main fruit market, prepares a variety of food including Croque Monsieur (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and coffee.  

At night, locals who eat out seem to wait until vingt heures ( 20:00 ) before they eat, though most places are open from 18:30 .

• L'Entrecote Au 360 ( 360 Restaurant ), ☏ +687 23 90 90 . A revolving restaurant on top of one of the Ramada towers. At one point, you are looking straight into the apartments of the other tower, but the food is truly superb, and the lunch views are great. Try the sirloin steak in secret sauce. ( updated Mar 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

The main local beer is 'Number One', it is not a complex beer, but pleasant and refreshing. The other local beer is called "Manta".

There are many French wines to be had, but the New Zealand and Australian wines might travel better. The local tap water is perfectly safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to find if you are fearful.

For Australians, the idea of 'flat white' coffee is familiar. A short black is 'espresso', cappuccino comes heaped high with cream (not froth), and tea is served without milk. The hot chocolate is up to Belgian standards. Fruit juices are pricey but excellent.

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• -22.272078 166.445221 1 Noumea City Hostel ( L'Auberge de Jeunesse ), 51 Rue Pasteur Marcel Ariège ( from Place des Cocotiers, head inland, and up a huge set of steps, turn right and down a driveway adjacent to FOL ), ☏ +687 275879 , fax : +687 254817 , [email protected] . 05:30-11:45, 16:00-20:00 daily . Noumea's only youth hostel sits perched on the side of a hill behind the cathedral, with a magnificent view over Centre-Ville and the bay. A number of 4- and 6-bed dormitories with balconies, with some double rooms also available. Clean shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, baggage lockers and a recreational room with table tennis and films each night. Wi-Fi costs 200 F/hr, while there is also a reasonable fee for laundry services. 2000 F/dorm bed . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• -22.29524 166.43891 2 Marina Beach Hotel ( Residence Marina Beach ), 4 Rue Auguste Page Baie Des Citrons , ☏ +687 28 76 33 , [email protected] . Basic accommodation, but a great location including cookie facilities.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

Le Surf (www.grands-hotels.nc) Le Parc

Splurge [ edit ]

Ramada Plaza, rue Louis Blériot, Anse Vata

Royal Tera: Excellent accommodation on Anse Vata Bay - self-contained (kitchen incredible), short walk to bus to City. Close to restaurants.

• Hilton Noumea La Promenade , 109 Promenade Roger Laroque , ☏ +687-2-44600 , fax : +687-2-44700 .  
• Le Meridien Noumea Resort & Spa , Pointe Magni , ☏ +687 26 50 00 , fax : +687 26 50 03 , [email protected] .  

Go next [ edit ]

• Explore the Grand South and visit Le Mont-Dore

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Itineraries

New Caledonia is extremely diverse, offering a wide variety of different stay types. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, rugged adventures, an authentic experience or total relaxation, there’s a tour to suit you. Check out our themed itinerary ideas for your stay in New Caledonia. Each description has a detailed daily programme for a one-to-three-week stay. It includes restaurant and accommodation recommendations for every budget. Follow the itineraries given or combine them to create a bespoke stay. You’ll also find special “diving” and “hiking” tours: two of New Caledonia’s most popular activities. Making the most of your stay has never been easier! 

Cultural explorers' trip in New Caledonia

For you, travel is about discovering new things. When you're on holiday, you want to enjoy unique and authentic experiences. Your curiosity leads you to immerse yourself in the local culture, the people and the places you visit. As a destination off the beaten track, with exceptional cultural diversity and rare landscapes, New Caledonia has everything to charm you! What's on the menu? A stay in a Kanak tribe, a barbecue with the Broussards (French cowboys), a visit to what remains of the convict era of New Caledonia, many encounters with the local fauna and flora, market tastings and much more...

Excitement seekers' itinerary

Relaxers/Escapers' itinerary

Fun & Sun Seekers' itinerary