New Caledonia is the third largest island in the Pacific Region after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. It is located in southern Melanesia, at a latitude of 19° - 23° South and at a longitude of 158° - 172° East.
The island is situated about 1,500 km from Australia, 1,700 km from New Zealand, 5,000 km from Tahiti, 7,000 km from Japan, 10,000 km from the West Coast of the USA and 20,000 km from France.
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (XFP) with1/ 2/ 5/ 10/ 20/ 50 and 100 francs coins and 500/1,000/5,000/10,000 francs notes.
1 Euro: 119.33 FCFP
French but most of the hotels and tourism agency have staff who speak english.
Known as the "land of eternal spring", New Caledonia is blessed with a pleasant semi-tropical climate all year round. There are two main seasons:
New Caledonia enjoys a pleasant and temperate climate making light clothing appropriate.
For the cooler nights (in the winter months), we recommend a couple of sweatshirts or similar and casually elegant dress wear if you are planning to go out to some of the wonderful restaurants, night-spots or casinos in Nouma.
If you plan a trip to the islands, take a pair of old sport-shoes or rubber shoes to walk on tracks.
New Caledonia has a modern medical infrastructure, with severa hospitals and numerous dispensaries. No vaccinations are required however it is strongly recommended that visitors are up-to-date with the more common vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanos and polio.
The Territory doesn't have Paludism and the main health differences from European countries are four infections:
For entry into New Caledonia, French citizens must present a valid passport. In all cases, a return or onward travel ticket is necessary.
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to enter New Caledonia for a period not exceeding three months: Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Portugal, St Marin, St Siege (Vatican), Sweden, Switzerland.
No extension can be granted beyond the three months maximum stay in New Caledonia.
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to enter New Caledonia for a period not exceeding one month: Bermuda, Brunei (Bandar), Canada, Chili, South Korea, Croatia, United States, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Uruguay.
No extension can be granted beyond the one month maximum stay in New Caledonia.
Nationals of the European Economic Community do not require any visa entry.
Citizens of other nationalities must request a short stay visa from the French Consulate or Embassy, or the "Prefecture" (in French Administrations) in their country of residence.
There are plenty of Automatic Teller Machines in Noumea, however there aren't as many in the bush and the islands. Please note that on weekends and public holidays it may sometimes be difficult to draw out cash.
Unfortunately the answer is no, due to the fact that the Bougna is cooked in a Kanak underground oven with hot stones placed over the top.This takes several hours to prepare, however, if you book in advance, many gites and restaurants throughout New Caledonia will serve Bougna.For a bougna with a difference, try the one with quail, served at Kwatea Camping in Yate.
Tap water is drinkable and is of excellent quality. Bottled mineral water is available in shops, hotels and restaurants. 220 volt electricity (2 pin French plug) is available throughout the mainland and islands. In some more remote areas, some tribal villages may use a generator.
