What cultural experiences are available in New Caledonia?

Travellers can immerse themselves in French music at the annual Francofolies music festival or connect to the Kanak people with a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea.

What are the diverse regions of New Caledonia known for?

In the diverse regions of New Caledonia, travelers can enjoy French cuisine, freshly caught fish, and traditional bougna. They can also indulge in adrenaline activities like skydiving and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed lagoon for snorkeling and deep water adventure.

What are the accommodation options in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Travelers can choose from serviced apartments or luxurious resorts like Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa, which provides beachfront access to Anse Vata Bay.

What family-friendly activities and accommodations are available in New Caledonia?

Families can find abundant accommodation choices, such as the Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, which offers two-bedroom suites. There are also activities for kids, like visiting the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and enjoying a rose-shaped ice cream at Amorino in Nouméa.

What festivals and events can travelers enjoy in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some notable ones include the New Caledonia International Marathon, South Pacific Golf Championship, Francofolies music festival, and Blackwoodstock Rock & Arts Festival.

French Island New Caledonia in Pacific, Seasons in the sun

Go France2 years ago

French Island New Caledonia in Pacific, Seasons in the sun

Whether you’re into lazing around in lagoons, feasting on culture and cuisine, or hiking lush landscapes, new caledonia is set to delight. From the west coast’s outback to vast southern deserts, to the tropical mountains of the east, dazzling beaches in the Loyalty Islands and buzzing Nouméa, New Caledonia is a heady mix of inspiring culture and geography. From intrepid travellers, to lovers of a restorative sojourn, New Caledonia is a cherished treasure.

Credit: au.france.fr

Cultural connection

East of Australia is New Caledonia, a cultural melting pot of French, Kanaks, Caledonians and more, where cultural and culinary experiences are readily available. Travellers can immerse themselves in French music at the annual Francofolies music festival (September), or connect to the Kanak people with a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in the capital Noumea. Prefer a glimpse into cowboy life? It’s worth heading to the west. Fancy French cuisine one day, freshly caught fish the next, and finally perhaps a traditional bougna? It’s all possible in the diverse regions of New Caledonia – within hours of some of Australia’s major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. New Caledonia boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Listed lagoon spanning a staggering 15,700 square metres that is a one-of-a-kind destination for snorkelling and deep water adventure and surfing. It’s also the ideal place for adrenaline junkies (skydiving, anyone?).

Noumea - Food at MV Lounge (photo © Sicil Sicilia-NCTPS)

MV Lounge

22 Rue Jules Garnier, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia

Go big, or go budget

Turtles on Mare Island (photo © Pauline Masse - NCTPS)

Mare

Mare, New Caledonia

Whether travelling on a beer or champagne budget, New Caledonia caters for all tastes. Keep it simple with a serviced apartment or relax in fivestar luxury at Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa, where there’s absolute beachfront access to Anse Vata Bay (plus gourmet meals and spa treatments). In New Caledonia, stumbling upon a pristine stretch of white sand is so easy - particularly in the picture-postcard perfect Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands… turn up, sit back, and embrace the feeling of solitude. A FAMILY AFFAIR Accommodation choices for families are in abundance, for toddlers through to tweens. There’s Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, offering two-bedroom suites for all-ages – even crystal-blue waters in which the littlies can safely loll about. Afterwards, relish in a rose-shaped ice cream at Nouméa’s Amorino.

Tjibaou Cultural Centre (photo © Elena Bianco- Lumix GH5-NCTPS)

Tjibaou Cultural Centre

PFVJ+GQC, Rue des Accords de Matignon, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia

Festival and events

There’s never a dull moment on this oneof- a-kind archipelago, which promises festivals, culinary delights, sporting events and more.

August New Caledonia International Marathon

Sample New Caledonian produce, meet the country’s cattle farmers and watch a rollicking rodeo. Mégarando

A weekend-long trail riding event in the superb Deva Domain offering varied trails for kids, adults, keen amateurs and competitive riders alike.

September

South Pacific Golf Championship : One of 13 tournaments of the PGA Tour, it is played on the Tina Golf Course, Nouméa, and Golf Deva, Bourail.

Francofolies :This two-day festival celebrates local and international artists, to be enjoyed under the New Caledonian sun.

Blackwoodstock Rock & Arts Festival:Three days of open air concerts at the picturesque Fort Téremba on the west coast? Yes please. Camp on-site or stay in nearby La Foa and Bourail.