New Caledonia Adventure

Welcome to the laidback shores of Noumea, New Caledonia. There are no activities planned for today except for an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, so make sure you arrive at your accommodation before then. If you have some spare time, good for you! You can go exploring in New Caledonia’s main city – perhaps visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Museum of World War II or the St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. If you do happen to be here this morning, the market at Port Moselle is a great place to go people-watching, as well as see all the tropical produce, seafood and souvenirs on offer.

After breakfast, join your small group on a 1.5-hour drive into the secluded Blue River National Park. This spectacular slice of nature in New Caledonia’s centre is a sanctuary of local flora, wildlife and biodiversity. Deep red earth contrasts with striking green mountainscapes and shimmering lakes in this provincial park, which is approximately 9,000 hectares of untouched national park. Head deep in the park on foot and in a 4WD, stopping by the panoramic Guepyville and Drowned Forest lookouts, across the wooden Perignon Bridge and along the Cagou Birds Trail, hopefully spotting iconic Caledonian birdlife. Find a scenic spot by the riverside and enjoy an included French-style picnic provided by your guides. Continue into a section of the rainforest to admire the unique Giant Kaori trees dotted through the canopies. There may well even be some cagou birds high above, too! Return back to Noumea for a free evening.

Today, leave Noumea behind and drive to a Kanak Village (approximately 2 hours) for a memorable day and night spent with local villagers. Nestled deep in the foothills of New Caledonia’s main mountain range, these villages are a haven for nature lovers. You will be welcomed into tribal culture, discovering the customs and traditional Kanak culture. Kanak communities across New Caledonia make up around 44% of the island population, all of which share significant connections to spirituality and the land. Learn about daily life here, and perhaps embark on one of a number of bushwalks to check out the local area. Tonight, you will stay in simple dormitory-style accommodation in a faré, or village house. You may even be treated to a traditional Kanak dish, bougna, prepared by your welcoming hosts.

Bid your gracious village hosts farewell as you and your group depart for Bourail on the island’s west coast. Head to the picturesque Poe Beach, UNESCO World Heritage site, and spend part of the day exploring the lagoon by glass-bottom boat. Golden sands, turquoise blue waters and shallow reefs – this is New Caledonia in all its sun-kissed glory. There may also be the chance to take a short hike along a section of the Three-Bay Trail – a nature walk connecting the sands of La Roche Percée with the column pines of Turtle Bay and the pandan trees of Lovers’ Bay. If you’ve got time, stop for a quick swim at one of the coves, and keep your eye out for turtles frolicking in the waters! For lunch, visit a nearby farm with your small group – known locally as a ‘property’. Experience a simple and delicious meal provided by your host of typical bush cuisine such as bougna, venison stew and homemade preserves. A lot of the practices adopted by the so-called ‘bushmen’ come from American ranchers, including the Stetson hats they wear! This evening, spend the night in a simple bungalow in Bourail.

This morning, drive to Farino (approximately 1 hour). Here, you’ll visit the Parc des Grandes Fougères, or Giant Fern Park, for a two-hour guided walk deep in the lush rainforests. Your local guide will take you through parts of this World Heritage-listed site, featuring currently around 13,000 species of fern, 70% of which are endemic. Continue to a local restaurant and stop for lunch, before heading to Boulouparis to visit a boutique where locally produced organic soaps and cosmetic products, including essential oils made from naiouli leaves and other New Caledonian plants are sold. After exploring the shop and perhaps purchasing a memento for home, return to Noumea for the night.

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the group after breakfast this morning. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Noumea, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).