Nouméa, New Caledonia
New Caledonia: turquoise lagoons in a corner of France in the South Pacific
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Crystal-clear water, tropical skies and, sometimes, a little rain. New Caledonia is a French territory in the South Pacific, and its lagoons are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They're among the largest in the world.
Island hopping
- Nouméa: the capital, with the beaches of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons, cafés and fresh baguettes
- Île des Pins: the postcard island, with natural pools, pine-lined bays and white sand
- Lifou and the Loyalty Islands: cliffs, caves and Kanak culture
Getting there
International flights land at La Tontouta (NOU), about 45 minutes from Nouméa. The main connections are through Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Tokyo.
Good to know
- The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), and French is the main language.
- Prices are closer to France than to Southeast Asia, so budget accordingly.
- Check your government's current travel advice before booking.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Nouméa (Anse Vata) for restaurants and easy day trips, then add a couple of nights on Île des Pins to slow down.