Noumea
Noumea is the economic capital and the main city in New Caledonia. It offers a wide choice of activities for all visitors – whether you have a taste for beaches, shopping, boat trips or cultural visits…
With its 100,000 inhabitants, Noumea has the largest population in New Caledonia. The city centre offers many cultural highlights such as the Town Museum, Coconut Tree Square or the Birakheim Library. The southern part of the town is the hotel hub of the city, offering a variety of hotels ranging from 2 to 5 stars.
Noumea is a green city with many open spaces and shady avenues. Whether you just go for a stroll or for a more energetic jog, the Ouen Toro hilltop offers a magnificent 360° panoramic view over the town and the lagoon. Alternatively the Promenade Vernier is a another great place for a leisurely walk or a sporty run along the coastline starting from Anse Vata.
Must do:
Coconut Tree Square
Coconut Tree Square is the real heart of the city where many locals gather for their lunch break or for events organised by the town, for example, local thematic markets and information stands every Thursday, concerts, garage sales and other events. The city centre is home to a lively Chinatown with its many shops and duty free outlets.There are also many restaurants and snack bars to taste the various delicious local dishes.
Town Museum
This is the ideal place to discover the fascinating history of the town and its prisoner camp past.
Maritime History Museum
Discover the islands’ maritime history and in particular the arrival of the first navigators in New Caledonia.
City Market
(Open every day except Mondays, 6-11am)
You will find many fruit and vegetable stands as well as many local specialities, such as ’achards’ (a kind of vegetable pickle), honey and of course fresh vanilla pods. The fish market has a wide selection of delicious tropical fish. The market is also an ideal place to buy local souvenirs such as sarongs, jewelry and other handicrafts.
Lemon Bay
This is one of the liveliest places in town, renowned for its family beach in the day and its trendy nightlife, which takes over as dusk falls, with its many restaurants and bars.
Anse Vata Bay
The Anse Vata Bay has something for everyone: water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddling…), which will delight sports and leisure enthusiasts alike, ‘petanque’ grounds where locals meet and chat while playing this French version of bowls, or you can simply indulge and pamper yourself at the many hotels, restaurants, food, clothes and souvenir shops, wellness centres and of course at the beautiful Anse Vata beach.
Aquarium
(Open every day except Mondays, 10am- 5pm)
Without getting wet you can meet all the main species of rich marine life of the New Caledonian lagoon, in particular, sea turtles, at the interesting and child-friendly Aquarium.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre
This amazing architectural structure was designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. It houses local and Pacific Ocean works of art. You will also be able to learn all about the Kanak history and culture.
Zoo and Forest Park
(Open every day except Mondays, 10.15 am – 5pm)
The zoo is home to local flora and fauna, including the native bird the ‘Cagou’, which is the emblem of New Caledonia.
Duck Island
Duck island is so near to Noumea that you can easily get there by kayak, stand up paddle or even by swimming for the sporty! Of course you can also go by taxi boat. Once there, you can discover the underwater marine trail with your snorkelling gear. Sun loungers are also available for hire. It is an ideal place to relax just a stone’s throw away from Noumea.
Master Island
You can get to Master Island on the Coral Palms boat or by taxi boat. There is a hotel with bungalows in the garden or on stilts in the sea and a restaurant, l’Escapade. You can also take advantage of the water sports facilities there. Alternatively you can use the island’s barbecue and enjoy a relaxing day on the beach with a picnic.
Amedee Island and Lighthouse
A tropical paradise island awaits you a 30-40 minute boat ride away from Noumea. The Mary D company organises daytrips to the island where you can visit the famous Amedee lighthouse built in 1865. Everything you need is provided – restaurant, shop, watersports and various activities organised by the friendly and versatile Mary D team. Pacific island dancing and music shows and other fun activities will enable you to spend an unforgettable day on Amedee Island.
Other Islands
Signal, Laregnere… are accessible by taxi boat. It is possible to camp on the islands.
Ouen Toro
This oasis of greenery in the heart of the city offers various walking paths up to the top of the hill to admire the spectacular panoramic views overlooking the city. There are also a couple of old canons dating back to the Second World War.
Promenade Vernier
This palm-lined path winds along the sea edge and is a delight for walkers, joggers and cyclists alike. Different fitness workout structures are available along the path for everyone.
We Recommend:
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Quick ViewDouble Tree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre***
Located on an island, 20 minutes by boat from Noumea, Escapade Island Resort is surrounded by a 200 hectare marine reserve and promises a unique island experience very near Noumea. The hotel offers 44 garden/beach bungalows and 25 luxurious overwater bungalows.
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Quick ViewNouvata ***
Ideally located opposite the beach on Anse Vata Bay, which is the main tourist area of Noumea, the Nouvata Parc Hotel is very near numerous restaurants, cafés, boutiques and water activities. The hotel has over 300 rooms which surround a large swimming pool and tropical gardens. The hotel is the perfect base for exploring all that Noumea has to offer as it is near all the main attractions.
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Quick ViewRamada ***
From studios to 3 bedroom apartments, the Ramada rooms & suites are modern, spacious, fully furnished and equipped with kitchens.
Relax on a sun lounger by the pool in the tropical garden, pamper yourself at the Harnn Spa, get active in the fitness room, take your breakfast or follow your favourite sport at the Sports Bar “Le Rendez-Vous” and enjoy a meal at the restaurant “L'entrecôte au 360” with breath-taking views over the bays of Noumea!
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Quick ViewTchou Tchou Train
Fr1,500.00 – Fr3,500.00Adult: 3500 XPF
Child 2-12 years: 1500 XPFDuration: 2 hours
Level: Easy
Board the Tchou Tchou Train for a guided tour of Noumea centre and admire the city highlights* Rates available for a stay of minimum 3 nights in New Caledonia
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Quick ViewTjibaou Cultural Center
Duration: 2 hours
Level: Easy
Departures : Tuesdays – Other days on requestDeparture point – outside the Amedee Island (Mary D) agency, Palm Beach Galery, Anse Vata.
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Quick ViewAmedee Island
Duration: Daytrip (approx. from 8:30am to 5pm)
Level: EasyAmedee Island is a tiny coral atoll located just 30-40 minutes from Noumea. After enjoying a scenic transfer by luxury vessel, step ashore and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise water.
