Es Mode #LiveItGiveIt Holiday Travel Guide

Are you tired of going to the same places and doing the same activities year after year? We suggest that you consider a new, more adventurous destination this upcoming Christmas-New Years holiday season.

New Caledonia

If you are seeking new adventure this holiday season, New Caledonia is the perfect destination. Located in the South Pacific, this French territory is renowned for its palm-lined, white sand beaches, spectacular lagoon (listed on UNESCO World Heritage site) and the second largest barrier reef in the world. New Caledonia is ethnically and culturally diverse, having the Kanak who settled there over 3,000 years ago, European inhabitants, Asian inhabitants from Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna, Reunion Island.

New Caledonia has five regions, each with its own distinctive features.

Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and vistas. Nouméa has a strong French influence and is the artistic center of the country. There are many restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos along with chic boutiques in this picturesque city.

The Islands

Ouvéa

Ouvéa is considered akin to a beautiful jewel and is located in the crystal waters of the ocean and surrounded by white sand beaches. Ouvéa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ouvéa atoll and its spectacular landscapes are protected from development.

l'Île des Pins

The Island is located in southern New Caledonia and is considered “the closest island to paradise,” a description often attributed to its northern counterpart, Ouvéa. l'Île des Pins was named by James Cook who landed on the island in 1774 and is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Lifou

Lifou has white sandy beaches and a varied landscape. It has spectacular diving spots and hiking paths, which are perfect for adventurers.

Maré

Maré has steep cliffs, dense forests, and rocky headlands, including Warrior’s Leap. The island's stunning white sand beach, Pede, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

West Coast

Poum

Poum sits at the northernmost tip of the Grande Terre. It is the perfect location for an exotic and tranquil trip. A registered UNESCO World Heritage site, the Poum lagoon and its reef form a real natural wonder.

East Coast

Hienghène

Situated on the East Coast, Hienghène is the ideal destination for nature lovers. It has coral forests and black-stone cliffs in the middle of the lagoon. Hienghène has an impressive array of waterfalls and lush vegetation.

Poindimié

Poindimié is a divers paradise. It is said to have the most beautiful and picturesque diving spots in Grande Terre. Dwarf seahorses and orangutan sea spiders and a variety of anemones can be found on the sea floor.

Great South

The Great South is thought to be the most symbolic of the three main colors of New Caledonia: blue, green and red. There are myriad shades of green, a dazzling palette of ocean blues and a distinctive red soil.

How To Get There

If you are flying commercial, you may fly Aircalin, Air France, Qantas or Air New Zealand.

Where To Stay In New Caledonia

There are many luxurious accommodations in New Caledonia. A few are:

Le Meridien Noumea Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Ile des pins

Sheraton Deva Spa and Golf Resort

GLP Hotel

If you are interested in visiting New Caledonia please go to

www.newcaledonia.travel or contact the Tourism Offices.