New Caledonia Travel Information

New Caledonia is a French territory located in the Pacific Ocean, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Visitors to New Caledonia can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, explore its vibrant culture, and relax on its beautiful beaches. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting New Caledonia.

1. Explore the Isle of Pines

The Isle of Pines is a beautiful island located off the coast of New Caledonia, known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water sports in the island's lagoon, or simply relax on its beautiful beaches.

2. Visit the Blue River Park

The Blue River Park is a stunning natural park located in the highlands of New Caledonia, known for its unique vegetation and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, and fishing, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the park's surroundings.

3. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Center

The Tjibaou Cultural Center is a modern cultural center located in Noumea, New Caledonia's capital city, dedicated to preserving and promoting the Kanak culture. Visitors can learn about Kanak history and culture through exhibits and interactive displays, or attend a performance or concert in the center's auditorium.

4. Take a boat trip to the Loyalty Islands

The Loyalty Islands are a group of beautiful islands located off the coast of New Caledonia, known for their stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Visitors can take a boat trip to the islands to enjoy snorkeling, diving, or simply relax on their beautiful beaches.

5. Visit the Noumea Cathedral

The Noumea Cathedral is a stunning cathedral located in the heart of Noumea, known for its unique architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Visitors can attend a service or simply admire the cathedral's beauty from the outside.

6. Explore the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Market

The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Market is a vibrant market located in Noumea, where visitors can purchase a range of products, including local crafts, produce, and souvenirs.

7. Visit the Musée de la Ville de Noumea

The Musée de la Ville de Noumea is a museum located in Noumea, showcasing the history and culture of New Caledonia. Visitors can learn about the island's colonial history and its unique indigenous culture through exhibits and interactive displays.

8. Explore the Amédée Island Lighthouse

The Amédée Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on a small island off the coast of New Caledonia, known for its stunning views and unique architecture. Visitors can take a boat trip to the island to visit the lighthouse and enjoy its stunning surroundings.

9. Visit the New Caledonia Aquarium

The New Caledonia Aquarium is a modern aquarium located in Noumea, showcasing the diverse marine life of New Caledonia's lagoon. Visitors can learn about the island's marine ecosystems and see a variety of fish, reptiles, and other creatures up close.

10. Relax on the Plage de l'Anse Vata

The Plage de l'Anse Vata is a beautiful beach located in Noumea, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, enjoy the sun, and swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Climate

New Caledonia has a tropical maritime climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island's weather is influenced by its location in the South Pacific and its proximity to the equator.

Average Temperatures

The average temperature in New Caledonia ranges from 26°C to 29°C, with occasional spikes during the summer months. The coolest months are from June to August, when temperatures can drop to around 20°C.

Rainfall

New Caledonia experiences high levels of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being from December to March. During this time, visitors can expect frequent rain showers, although the rain is usually short-lived and followed by sunny skies.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New Caledonia depends on the type of activities you want to enjoy. If you prefer outdoor activities and beach visits, the best time to visit is from June to August, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is at its lowest. If you prefer to experience the island's cultural events and festivals, the best time to visit is from December to March, when the island's cultural calendar is at its busiest.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

New Caledonia offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, including:

Hotels

New Caledonia has a number of hotels and resorts, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star establishments. Many of these are located near the island's beaches, offering easy access to the sea and sun.

Self-Catering Apartments

For those who prefer a more independent travel experience, self-catering apartments are a popular choice in New Caledonia. These offer the convenience of having your own kitchen, as well as the privacy of your own space.

Guesthouses and B&Bs

Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are another option for visitors to New Caledonia. These offer a more personal touch, with hosts who are knowledgeable about the local area and can provide recommendations for things to see and do.

Campsites

For those who prefer a more outdoor and adventurous experience, camping is a popular option in New Caledonia. There are several campsites located throughout the island, with facilities such as showers, toilets, and electricity.

Getting around New Caledonia is relatively easy, with a range of transportation options available to visitors.

Car Rental

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to New Caledonia, as it offers the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. There are several car rental companies located at the airport and in major towns.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in New Caledonia and are a convenient way to get around the island. Taxis are metered, and fares are reasonable.

Buses

Buses are a budget-friendly option for getting around New Caledonia. The bus system is reliable, with regular services between major towns.

Bikes and Scooters

For those who prefer to explore the island at a slower pace, bikes and scooters are available for rent. These offer a fun and eco-friendly way to get around the island and see the sights.

Domestic Flights

For those who want to see as much of the island as possible, domestic flights are available between the main islands of New Caledonia. These flights are operated by local airlines and offer a quick and convenient way to travel between destinations.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.