TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR NEW CALEDONIA

VISAS FOR NEW CALEDONIA

Kiwis with a return ticket can enter New Caledonia without a visa in most circumstances. However, conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of France for up-to-date information before you depart. Also, your passport must have at least six months of validity.

ON ARRIVAL
La Tontouta International Airport is New Caledonia’s main airport. Located about 50km from Noumea, La Tontouta is a small and modern airport with a single terminal. There are several ways from the airport to your holiday accommodation. Jump aboard one of the many shuttle buses or mini bus services that are available, or hire a car from one of the many rental companies. You’ll find desks at the airport for Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and more. For a thriftier option, take a left as you leave the terminal and ride the Carsud public bus. Taxis are available, but a journey into Noumea be very expensive. Your hotel may also offer an airport pick-up service; speak to them directly before you leave home.

GETTING AROUND

Renting a car is the easiest way to see the main island of beautiful New Caledonia. If driving doesn’t take your fancy, opt for a coach instead. New Caledonia’s comprehensive bus network is a comfortable and affordable way to see the country. The network comprises 25 routes and 360 stops across the entire main island. If you’re going to visit the breathtaking Loyalty Islands (we highly recommend it!), you’ll need to board a domestic flight, or take the Ferry Betico, a high-speed catamaran. Note: the boat ride can get bumpy!!

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

There’s not really a bad time to visit New Caledonia. A semi-tropical haven of balmy bliss, the temperatures generally sit between 20°C and 30°C depending on the season, and the sun is almost always showing its face. So, forget your scarves and woolly socks. The most you’ll need is a light jacket to protect yourself from a cool evening breeze. The only exception to this rule is if you head to the spectacular central mountains during the cooler months of June to September for some amazing hiking. While uncommon, there is the threat of cyclones and tropical storms between February and April.

WHERE TO GO

A picture of island perfection, New Caledonia boasts some of the most amazing landscapes and marine wildlife in the world, along with a fascinating Indigenous Kanak heritage, and cosmopolitan European flair inspired by its French colonial roots. Highlights include:
 
Grande Terra: Grande Terre is New Caledonia’s main island and a place of breathtaking rugged mountains, incredible beaches and bays, and unmissable natural scenery both on land and offshore. The island is encircled by the world’s largest coral lagoon, which is UNESCO World Heritage Listed, and is populated by Kanak villages, cosmopolitan cities, historical sites, and more.
 
Noumea: The diverse and multicultural capital city takes all the best bits of France and serves them up in one beautiful island setting. High-end shopping, decadent European fare, laidback days in the sun, local cultural experiences. There’s something for everyone.

Isle of Pines: Turquoise waters, long stretches of empty beaches with sand as white as snow. It’s often called the Jewel of the Pacific and it’s easy to see why. Swim, snorkel, sail, relax, explore. The Isle of Pines is not to be missed.
 
Loyalty Islands: This archipelago wonderland comprises a scattering of island and inlets, all of them unique and all of them beautiful. Spend your days exploring this spectacular part of the South Pacific while meeting with the friendly Kanak people who make up much of the population. It’s located less than an hour from Noumea by plane.

MUST KNOW TIPS

New Caledonia can be expensive. Make sure you budget properly and do your research before you arrive to ensure you’ve got enough in your holiday kitty. Many shops and popular attractions are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Do not walk on corals as they are fragile. Do not go topless no matter how empty you think the beach looks. Be sure to use tropical strength repellent. Scuba diving and snorkelling is a must-do when in New Caledonia but do take care and avoid contact with such harmful species as stonefish and lionfish. Speak to a local tour operator or dive instructor to get more information. It is part of tribal life to greet passers-by, so expect to do a lot of waving. Be respectful of Kanak customs. Always ask permission of locals before exploring waterholes, tribal areas, or forests, or taking photos.

ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?

Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your holidays? Whether you're planning a Fijian foray, some Balinese bliss or fancy some of sassy Singapore, we've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!