Activities in New Caledonia - Top Things To Do From A Local!

It’s impossible to get bored on this tropical island, New Caledonia has many activities and things to do!

A wide range of activities is possible in New Caledonia. You can go jet-skiing all day from island to island, hiking in lush green forests and spotting a Cagou (emblematic bird), sipping a local Number One beer in front of a gorgeous sunset, or even walking around the Nouméa city centre and getting a feel of the local culture.

New Caledonia is worth the trip!

Growing up there was never boring for me, enjoy the many activities and festivities this tropical paradise has to offer. Make your trip easier and hassle-free, rent a car in advance!

If you’re heading to New Caledonia on a budget, many free activities are available, and they’re a lot of fun, here is a full list of things to do:

FREE ACTIVITIES IN NEW CALEDONIA

Visit the local market

The local market in Nouméa, New Caledonia, will give you a great first-taste of the local Caledonian/Kanak culture, very present all over the archipelago. A must-do activity! Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 5am to 11am. I recommend going there on the week-ends if you can, to be sure all the stands are open.

Hike/trek the Ouen Toro

Still located in Nouméa, this outdoor activity is a great way to get some exercise in the middle of nature, offering spectacular views and many trails.

Fun fact: in middle school, I was taken here as an orienteering exercise, left with only a map, a compass and a whistle; the goal was to go from point A or B and find our way back to a designated area. This is one of my favorite memories/activities in New Caledonia.

The Ouen Toro is an activity accessible by bus, bicycle, and car. Check out my New Caledonia transportation guide here.

Walk, run, ride a bike, skate or roller blade down La Promenade Pierre Vernier

La Promenade Pierre Vernier is a very popular thing to do among locals in New Caledonia, it’s a 5km walk one way, aligned by beautiful palm trees, along the Ocean. Several parking spots are set along it so you can enjoy whichever part you prefer. La Promenade Pierre Vernier has recently been extended all the way to Sainte Marie, with workout spots and even a tasty ice-cream stop, Amorino. This activity trail gets very busy on weekends, especially on Sundays. Click here to see where to rent a bicycle, roller blades…

Go to the beach and get a tan (or sunburn) in minutes

Beaches in New Caledonia are beautiful and peaceful. My favourite beaches in the Nouméa area are:

Anse Vata,
Baie des Citrons,
Plage du Méridien,
Plage de la Côte Blanche,
Plage de Magenta,
Ilot Canard,
Ilot Maitre,
Phare Amédée…

Bring a book and chill on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bring a volley ball and play on the beach!

Warning: the sun is very strong in New Caledonia, please be sure you put sunscreen on very often, and find a shadey spot. Insolation and skin cancers are common in New Caledonia.

Roam around the cosmopolitan Nouméa City Centre

The capital of New Caledonia, Nouméa, deserves the hype! Filled with shops for everyone’s taste such as local, Parisian-style, or even surfer-style… spending a full day shopping in Nouméa is an activity you won’t want to miss. You can also chill or participate in activities on the Place des Cocotiers (Coconut tree square), visit the St Joseph Cathedral and learn interesting facts in the WWII Museum, buy local souvenirs for yourself or loved ones, absorb the culture while starting a chat with some locals (free Wi-Fi is available on the Place des Cocotiers if you need Google Translate)!

Hike the many trails available in New Caledonia

Nature lovers will be served in New Caledonia, many trails are available. Get into the outdoor activity mood! Remember to bring your sunscreen, plenty of water and some snacks/a picnic.

Here are my top picks:

Ga Wivaek, Hienghene: impressive views on the “Poule de Hienghene”, +/- 3h00, 5.10km, easy level
Kuendu Beach: family friendly hike offering majestic views of the water, +/- 30min, 1.85km, easy level
Coeur de Voh: Beautiful view on the famous natural-shaped heart, +/- 3h15 of hike, 7.45km, intermediate level
Mont-Dore: Beautiful scenery at the top with turquoise blue waters and lush green forest on your way to the top, +/- 4h00, 6.90km, intermediate level
Sentier des Cohons and Blue River Waterfall: Great hike to do in the magnificent Blue River Park, +/- 6h20, 13.40km, hard level

If you had to only do 2 hikes while in New Caledonia, I would definitely recommend the “Mont-Dore” and the “Pic Malaoui”, they’re both intermediate level and family friendly activities (not advised for kids under the age of 6), and a great outdoor adventure. The Pic Malaoui requires a fee payment of 500XPF/€4.10, is about 3h15 long, 6.80km, intermediate level. Enjoy and soak up the peaceful nature!

All of these hikes are only accessible by car.

Lagoon New Caledonia — source photo: Jean ReRêve

Snorkel in New Caledonia

Where better to snorkel than in one of the most beautiful lagoons and the 2nd largest in the world? New Caledonia is best known for its snorkeling, of course, because of its beauty and unicity, many sites are very well preserved. If you do not wish to travel with your snorkeling gear, you can choose to rent your equipment on the island or buy some and donate it to a donation centre after. Loose track of time with this unique activity!

Here is a list of the best snorkeling spots in New Caledonia:

Ile aux Canards, Nouméa
Ilot Signal/Ilot Laregnere, from Nouméa
Deva, Bourail
Le Ponton/Méridien beach, Nouméa
Ilot Ténia, Boulouparis
Oro Bay, Isle of Pines
Along the Barrier Reef, on the way to Amédée island

Make sure you put reef-safe sunscreen on to preserve this beautiful lagoon, and do not disturb the underwater life. I highly recommend you book a hotel in some of these locations,I’ve written a full article on accommodation options in New Caledonia here.

Go for a picnic!

Enjoy the interesting and mouth-watering mixture between French Gourmet cuisine and pastries and go to one of the popular local picnic spots in New Caledonia.

Going for a picnic is one of the most popular activities in New Caledonia; many bakeries, Chinois’ (local and mainly Vietnamese small convenient stores), supermarkets or food trucks will be your go-to options for the perfect picnic break. Whether it’s a quick sandwich with a delicious French pastry, or a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a fresh baguette… just add an amazing view to it and you’ve got the perfect combo! Using a bicycle is a great way to go for a picnic.

Here are a few of the best picnic spots in New Caledonia:

Baie des Citrons, Nouméa
Anse Vata, Nouméa (tables available)
Canons du Ouen Toro, Nouméa (tables available)
Parc Georges Brunelet (tables available)
Parc Fayard, Dumbéa (tables available)
Kuendu Beach, Nouville

Along the road (in Nouméa or in more rural areas), you will see many picnic tables, chill parks or beaches where you can put to use the beautiful sarong you bought at the Moselle morning market!

Go waterfall chasing in New Caledonia

Something New Caledonia isn’t lacking is the waterfalls. Thanks to its mountainous coast and multiple rivers, planning a fun activity day around visiting waterfalls can be a lot of fun, so bring your swimsuit and admire these beauties!

For these activities, you will definitely need a car.

Les Chutes de la Madeleine, Yaté
Cascade de la Kubini, Yaté
Rivière des Kaoris, Yaté
Cascade de Tao, Hienghene
Cascade de Ciu, Canala
Cascade de Ba, Houailou
Cascade de Colnett, Hienghene

This is a very short list of the many waterfalls you can visit, but they are my favorites! If you’re into hiking a lot, I recommend you check out a website that specialises in trekking waterfalls.

Watch a beautiful tropical sunrise/sunset

And last but not least, sunsets and sunrises. There is no doubt when it comes down to the beauty of sunsets and sunrises in New Caledonia. It’s a very chill and popular activity among locals and tourists, it all comes down to finding the best spots!

Here are the best sunset spots around Nouméa:

Mont Vénus,
Ouen-Toro (all the way at the top or on the first parking lot)
Anse Vata
Baie des Citrons (+ MV Lounge for an aperitif)
Notre Dame du Pacifique
Tour Mobilis de Montravel
Météo France
Le Ponton, end of Anse Vata beach

In the Nouméan area, watching the sunrise on the Magenta beach is the best spot. You must know that you can’t see it rising from the water though, you see it rising behind a mountain.

Enjoy your sunset and don’t forget the snacks and bottle of wine!

Now that you’ve seen the free activities available in New Caledonia, let’s explore the activities you can do with a smaller backpacker budget, and with a higher luxurious holiday budget.

Psst! Checkout my article on 5* hotels in New Caledonia!

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN NEW CALEDONIA AND THE APPROXIMATE PRICES TO EXPECT

Top Things To Do in Nouméa:

– Visit the Centre Culturel Tjibaou and learn everything there is to know about the Kanak culture and history, as well as the Caldoches. 1000XPF/€8.25 entrance fee/adult.

– Have fun in the two famous Water Slides at Kuendu Beach. 1600XPF/€13.40 for 2 hours/adult.

– Take a day trip to the nearby islands Ilôt Maître and Ilôt Canard, sunbathe, snorkel, read a book… 3000XPF/€25.00 round trip/adult for Ilôt Maître, 1500XPF/€12.50 round trip/adult for Ilôt Canard. Check out my full island guide here!

– Take a break from the sun and the heat and go to the movies, CinéCity or the newer MK2. English movies are available! Prices starting at 1300XPF/€10.80/adult. Great indoor activity!

– The #1 activity in New Caledonia is going the Amédée Lighthouse Island! Book with the MaryD, and have a great 1-day experience on a paradisiac island for about 15 500XPF/€130.00/day/adult. Price includes all-you-can-eat buffet, boat trip from and to Nouméa, glass bottom boat tour, dance show…

– Rent a catamaran for the weekend and explore the lagoon in your own way! Prices starting at 130 000XPF/€1080.00/day/20 people, skipper and gas included.

– Try yourself out at windsurfing on the Anse Vata beach for as low as 1500XPF/€12.50 for a 1-hour rental/adult. Course available for 2000XPF/€16.50/hour. Adrenaline activity ahead!

– Go for a swim in a public swimming pool: Ouen Toro, 450XPF/€3.75/adult/entry.

– Put to test your fast driving skills while karting the night away! 8000XPF/€67.00 for 3x10min.

– One of the newer activities in Nouméa is spending a day on “Le Ponton”. Book a taxi boat from the Cote Blanche beach, head towards l’Ilot Sainte Marie, and spend a full day – or just a quick lunch, on the floating restaurant/bar in the middle of the ocean. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear! 1500XPF/€12.50 taxi boat fare/adult, main dishes start at 3300XPF/€27.50. Reservation is mandatory, visit their website here.

From Cultural Activities to Water Sports in Nouméa

– Visit the Museums, both are situated in the Nouméa city center; you’ve got the choice between the classic one (under renovation until 2024), and the WWII one, 300XPF/€2.50 for adults, free for -18.

– Follow a Wood Carving class for 5000XPF/€42.00 and take a unique souvenir home you will have made yourself, Scultpeurs Tiaou are great. An activity fun and worth it!

– Rent a kayak for the day and explore the Dumbéa River for 3500XPF/€30.00/adult.

– Horse Riding is a very popular and cool activity to do in New Caledonia! So put on your cowboy hat and a pair of boots and ride away in the Caledonian nature. Follow the link to find the best trail for you. (Please make sure the horses aren’t mistreated before booking!)

– SCUBA DIVING! Yes! New Caledonia is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving, the seabed is breathtaking. I will release a full article about Scuba Diving in New Caledonia soon.

– In need of an adrenaline rush? What do you think of jumping out of a plane over the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world? This activity really is a must-do if this is the type of thing you’re into! Visit their website here, prices start at 42,000XPF/€350.00/person/jump. If you need help translating their French-only website, feel free to contact me!

Poé New Caledonia — source photo: JeanReRêve

– Go golfing! Yep, you read that right, golfing in New Caledonia is possible, it’s quite a popular activity. The three main spots are: Golf du Sheraton Deva Resort & Spa, Golf de Tina and Golf de la Ouenghi. Prices start at 2500XPF/€20.80/person/18-holes.

– Realize your paragliding dreams! The views are amazing, many hours and days are available, based on the weather. You can reserve your activity here with prices starting at 20,000XPF/€166.00.

– Kitesurf the day away! New Caledonia is a perfect spot to either take some classes or if you’re familiar with this watersport, you can just rent out some equipment. Follow this link.

Go Whale Watching in New Caledonia

Whale watching season is from July to September in New Caledonia. It is a very popular activity and just breathtaking!

Every year, from mid-July to mid-September, the humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic freezing waters to the warmer Caledonian lagoon, to chill, reproduce and give birth. Whale watching season is a great activity to do in New Caledonia, and make unforgettable memories. If you’re lucky enough, they’ll even put on a show for you!

For your one-day catamaran trip, be sure you bring a picnic, sunglasses, binoculars, sunscreen, a sweater, water and… your camera! Listen carefully to your captain’s instructions in order to respect these magnificent creatures the best way possible.

There is one main point where you can reserve your activity, located on the Port Moselle, click here.

Whale Watching New Caledonia — `source photo: www.newcaledonia.travel`

CELEBRATIONS AND SEASONAL ACTIVITIES IN NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonians are always up for adventure and out of the ordinary, authentic activities. Throughout the year, different unique experiences will be available for your greatest pleasure.

Check out this full list of activities and festivities you can expect yearly in New Caledonia:

Swimming crossing race from Anse Vata beach to Ilot Canard – in February.
Earth Hour in March
Triathlon in April
Avocado Festival on Maré island in May
Boulouparis Festival – shrimp and deer festival with many activities such as rodeo
Underwater picture festival in May
Lagoon Festival on Ouvéa island – cultural exchange and fun activities with locals in June
Groupama Race – sailing ship race over several days in Nouméa, in June
Music Festival around June 21st in Nouméa
Transcal – huge running trek over 1 or 2 days, local institution, in July
Waleï Festival on Ouvéa island – celebration of their local products, games, fun activities in July
National Holiday – 14th of July in Nouméa

Lantern Festival Noumea — source photo: Radio Cocotier

Bourail Fair – one of the biggest events of the year; artisanal products, rodeo, markets, good food, animals… around August 15th
International Marathon in Nouméa, in August
Coffee Festival in Sarraméa in August
Loyalty islands fair – on one of the 3 Loyalties, big faire to discover the Kanak’s culture, food, dances… in September.
Agriculture and artisanal fair in Koumac – the most authentic fair you’ll see in New Caledonia, in September
Nouméa Carnival in September
Vanilla Festival in Lifou in October
Blackwoodstock festival in Mouindou – Rock and Arts Festival in October
Wajuyu Festival on Maré island in November

NIGHTLIFE & BARS IN NEW CALEDONIA

Nouméa has a great nightlife scene! Most of the clubs and bars are along the beach, or even ON some beaches. Going out after work for a drink or two, watching the sunset while drinking a Number One (local beer) or dancing all night in bars & clubs, is a great way to enjoy New Caledonia’s nightlife.

One thing is for sure: New Caledonians love to party! Most of the events happen on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. This is when the clubs & bars will be the most crowded. Remember to have a Designated Driver or book a taxi/group transportation, read my full article about it here.

The best bars & clubs in Nouméa are: