Choosing the right mode of transportation for your picture-perfect holiday can be tricky, especially on a lost Pacific Island. In this article, you can expect to read all about moving around / transportation in New Caledonia, all from a local!
The transportation options in New Caledonia are countless: renting a car, using public transportation, getting to the Loyalty islands, hiring a bike or a scooter, hopping on taxi boats or privatising catamarans, and even riding jet-skis. Yes, you read that right, jet-skis are a mode of a transportation in New Caledonia, you are headed to a tropical island after all!
This isn’t the most fun article to read, I know, but please bear with me while I try to make this subject the least boring possible and fill you up with everything you need to know about transportation in New Caledonia.
[One of the best websites is RESA.NC, regrouping a lot of local companies in one website.]
Side note: Don’t be afraid if you don’t find much information about New Caledonia on the internet. Keep in mind that the islands are still a bit “old fashioned”, many things are still booked face-to-face or by phone call. They’ve just recently started getting great websites up and running.
Make sure you read my full guide on New Caledonia here!
CAR RENTAL IN NEW CALEDONIA
Renting a car is the best way to discover the outstanding treasures New Caledonia has to offer.
I get that in some touristy cities/countries you can conveniently get around thanks to public transportation, taxis…, but New Caledonia just isn’t one of them. Discovering its marvelous lands is inevitable, and you will want to make the most out of your holiday, so just rent that car!
However, renting a car won’t be necessary if you are planning on only staying in the Nouméa area; going to the beach, taking it easy, discovering the city center and the close-by islands… Save your money and the planet by using your legs, a bicycle or public transportation. But as soon as you’ve decided on going outside Nouméa, renting a car will become necessary.
Fun fact: be prepared to share the road with drivers as young as 14 years-old, it’s very popular among teenagers to drive scooters and mini-cars, which we call “voiturettes”.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR RENTAL COMPANY
The two main car hire companies are Hertz and Europcar, let’s take a closer look and compare the best value for money. I created a simple table so you can have a clear idea on which car rental company is best for you:
Your choice must be pretty obvious by now; these two transportation companies have a very clear gap in prices. This is just an example, is subject to availability and depends on your dates. If you are used to going through Hertz and trust this company, go for it. Their offices in New Caledonia have great reviews. If your main concern is your budget, Europcar has to be your go-to transportation option. And yes, car rental is also available on the Loyalty islands + Isle of Pines.
Here is the full car hire company list available at La Tontouta International Airport.
To avoid disappointment, remember to reserve your mode of transportation in advance, whether it’s on the mainland or the islands. The only cars available are all on the territory so the options can be limited, there is no fallback option.
5 things to know before renting a car in New Caledonia:
– The roads in New Caledonia are modern, wide and safe. Stay prudent, tiny and windy roads are also part of the journey,
– You must be 21 years or older and possess your driver’s license since at least 2 years (sometimes 3), to be able to rent a car in New Caledonia,
– In New Caledonia, we drive on the right side of the road,
– Petrol stations are commonly found across the archipelago, I still recommend filling up your tank if heading to remote places, you never know. The prices are regulated, which means that it doesn’t matter if you’re in the city centre, or up North in a remote city, the fuel prices in New Caledonia won’t change,
– To drive in New Caledonia, your driver’s license must be either from the EU, translated in French, or international.
Hiring a car in a foreign country can be frightening, but please don’t let that fear stop you, just be sure you’re responsible and careful, you won’t regret it!
Everything you need to know before going to New Caledonia article is here!
IS THERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN NEW CALEDONIA?
Yes! Using public transportation is widely available in New Caledonia and is getting more and more popular. The government is investing a lot of money into bigger buses (I’ve noticed a huge difference since I’d last used them in high school). You can find the price details here.
There are two main bus companies in New Caledonia, Tanéo and Rai. Tanéo is only for the biggest cities such as Nouméa, Dumbéa, Païta and Mont-Dore, while Rai covers all of the cities on the mainland (all the way up to Poum!) such as Bourail, Poindimié, Koumac, Yaté…
Both of these websites have all the information you need (days, hours, prices…) but unfortunately they don’t have English versions. I’d be happy to help you translate them, please feel free to ask.
TAXIS AND UBER IN NEW CALEDONIA
Taxis are a popular transportation mode among tourists in New Caledonia, prices are fairly cheap, with an average of 127XPF/€1.06/$1.15 per KM, and a 555XPF/€4.65/$5.06 minimum fare fee. Cheaper than Paris, hey even cheaper than New York! Not bad for a small island, huh? 😉
Uber is not available in New Caledonia. The closest thing you can find is a taxi, or JB Transport:
JB TRANSPORT +687 94 44 70
JB Transport accompanied me a lot during my late-night clubbing days (sorry mom & dad) when I was in high school, and I’m happy to say; he is still in business! He’s a “designated driver” that will pick you up from the party or club you’re at as soon as he can, and bring you home safe and sound, for pretty cheap.
Be prepared to laugh a lot with him and all the other happy people you’ll be sharing the car-ride with!
HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN ISLANDS IN NEW CALEDONIA
TAXI BOAT AS TRANSPORTATION IN NEW CALEDONIA
Coconut Taxi Boat is a very reliable website. (I know, I love their name, too!)
Taxi boats are a common mode of transportation in New Caledonia to access the nearby smaller islands. Exploring them is a must! The most popular are Ile aux Canards, Ilot Maitre, Ilot Amédée and Ilot Signal, which are easily accessed by taxi boat. Only a short ride from the Port Moselle or the Anse Vata beach, prices range from 1,500CFP/€12.57/$13.71, to 6,000CFP/€50.00/$54.00.
This is a great day-trip idea, only 10 min to 1-hour away from the mainland. You can even camp out on Ilot Signal!
Pssst, check out my full article on islands in New Caledonia here.
RESERVATION AND ISLAND ACCESSIBILITY IN NEW CALEDONIA
No need to reserve a taxi boat for Ile aux canards, it’s recommended for Ilot Maitre, and mandatory for Ilot Signal + Ilot Amédée. The further they are, the more organized taxi boats need to be.
For instance, Ile aux Canards and Ilot Maitre, which you can see from the Anse Vata Beach, trips are scheduled every 15/20min. However, Ilot Signal (the island of turtles) only has a couple departure hours in the morning, same for the late afternoon/evening.
Ilot Amédée, which you have to visit, is accessible by taxi boat for 6,000CFP/€50.00/$53.00/person. Or, with the whole package (comfortable ship + local all-you-can-eat buffet and wine/beer + 30min glass bottom boat + beach beds, and much more). That package costs 14,950CFP/€125.00/$136.00/adult. You can book directly on their website, or in their office on the Anse Vata Beach.
Wondering how to access the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia? Here is everything you need to know:
TRANSPORTATION BY FERRY IN NEW CALEDONIA – BETICO
When heading to the Loyalty islands or the Isle of Pines, catching a Betico ferry is a great way to travel.
Reservation is mandatory for the Betico and is made through their website, or directly in their offices.
This mode of transportation’s prices depend on the island you’re heading to, and if you’re going during the high or low season. I created a simple table to sum up the prices and duration the best way for you. There aren’t many daily-scheduled fares.
If you’d like to enjoy the clear waters from close-by, taking the BETICO is definitely for you… except if you get seasick. This company has the unfortunate reputation of being quite bad for people’s stomachs. If you’re sensitive to this, please remember to bring your medicine, or just take the plane. AirCalédonie will be your new BFF!
Here is why you should book a plane to travel to the islands in New Caledonia.
MOVING AROUND IN NEW CALEDONIA BY PLANE
The only other transportation option you’ve got is heading to the paradisiac islands by plane. They’re comfy, quick and reliable.
AirCalédonie and AirCalin are the two local airlines. One is domestic while the other is international. You will notice that both are very good airlines; the planes are clean, the service is impeccable, the seats are fairly big and the food is quite good!
From Magenta Airport (near the Nouméa city centre), you can reach 5 different “cities” using this mode of transportation: Koné up North on the mainland, and the islands Maré, Lifou, Ouvéa and Isle of Pines.
Let’s take a closer look at domestic flights in New Caledonia.
Here is another table that will give you a direct idea of the prices when taking a plane from Nouméa, New Caledonia. I’m pretty sure it will make you re-consider taking the ferry; the prices are cheaper. And, depending on the islands you’ve got more options AND the time difference is huge! The Isle of Pines trip is pretty much the same price when you compare both modes of transportation.
In the end, when it comes to taking the BETICO or AirCalédonie, it really only is up to you. Both options are great and have different things to offer. They will keep you on your toes with breathtaking views, and in the end, bring you to the same destination.
Read here what you can do in New Caledonia!
USING A BICYCLE AS TRANSPORTATION IN NEW CALEDONIA
Riding a bicycle is common in New Caledonia. Quite a few places are actually made up for people wishing to cycle, roller-blade, walk, run… Read more about New Caledonia’s activities here. In the center of Nouméa or even in the North/South, you must be aware of the mountainous land.
Here you can find La Maison du Vélo’s website in Nouméa. Expect price ranges from 3,500CFP/€29.00/$32.00 for ½ a day, to 4,500CFP/€37.00/$41.00 for a full day, to 6,500CFP/€54.00/$59.00 for a full week-end. Bike delivery to your accommodation available for 2,500CFP/€21.00/$23.00.
Hiring a bike is a great fitness-friendly mode of transportation to get around if you’ve decided not to rent a car while exploring the Nouméa city centre. Or, even if you want to take a car-break and explore the island’s wonders in a more authentic way.
Be sure and put sun screen on every 2 hours and bring a big bottle of water + snacks in your backpack!
If you’re not used to cycling or physically fit, it might become difficult, especially under the heat. The recommended time is early in the morning, between 5AM and 7AM, or in the late evening/night, starting at 6PM.
WATER ACTIVITIES AS TRANSPORTATION? FOR REAL??
RENTING A JET SKI IN NEW CALEDONIA
Jet skis are commonly used as a mode of transportation in Nouméa and in the islands, or even to just have fun for a few hours.
Jet skis can be rented for the one hour classic up to a full exciting day of island hopping along the World’s Longest Barrier Reef! Discover the many wonders of the ocean, hop off and go snorkeling for a bit, cruise along the clear waters and ride full speed crashing into the waves.
The option I HIGHLY recommend, is the full day jet-ski island hopping tour to the Amédée Lighthouse. It roughly costs 32,160CFP/€268.00/jet ski/1pax and 43,440CFP/€362,00/jet ski/2pax. I’ve written more details here on what to fully expect from this experience. I’ve done this one several times and loved it!
If you think about it, this 7-hour package is way more advantageous than renting a jet-ski for 1 hour. (13,800CFP/€115.00/jet ski/1 or 2pax (without gas price).)
Another breathtaking option to take into consideration, with only a slight difference in price, is the full day Helicopter + Jet Ski island hopping tour. It costs 35,160CFP/€293.00/jet ski/1pax and 45,240CFP/€377.00/jet ski/2pax. I talk about this option in my activities article in New Caledonia here.
RENTING A PRIVATE BOAT IN NEW CALEDONIA AS TRANSPORTATION
Renting a private boat to explore New Caledonia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site in depth for a week-end or a full week is a great idea! These beautiful luxurious Catamaran’s can sleep 12 to 14 people, and cost 95,880CFP/€799.00 to 168,000CFP/€1,400.00 for a 2 nights’ trip.
I highly recommend this luxurious transportation option in New Caledonia!
Picture this: you’re in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, laughing with your best friends, drinking wine and admiring marine life in front of the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen. You will love every single bit of it.
The deposit is pretty consequent so take that into consideration + the petrol isn’t included.
Smaller and cheaper motorboats are available for daily rental with prices averaging 34,765 CFP/€289.71 for 8 people. Price includes a skipper for one full day. I know for a fact that hiring a motorboat without a skipper (and for cheaper) is possible. You’ll just need to check the offices directly in Nouméa. Here is another great boat rental website.
Make sure you book in advance to secure your spot!
RENTING A SCOOTER/MOTORCYCLE IN NEW CALEDONIA
If you’ve got your scooter and/or motorcycle license, using a 2-wheeler as transportation is very possible in New Caledonia, and a great way to move around.
This is the most complete website there is when it comes to renting your scooter/motorcycle in advance. For a 1-day rental (from 8am to 5pm) of a 125cc scooter, prices start as low as 4,500 CFP/€37.00/1pax. For a Benelli BN 302 (motorcycle), daily prices start at 10,000CFP/€83.80/1pax. Every motorbike rental includes a helmet, full insurance and a lock.
There are several other places, as I said in the boat rental part above, that still don’t have a website up and running. So, keep an eye out when you arrive, or ask your hotel where the nearest motorbike rental service is located.
Unless you’re a local and the cousin of the friend of that guy you went to high school with, you can forget about negotiating.
This all-you-need-to-know transportation guide is coming to an end. As you can see now, many transportation options are available and there is something for everyone (budget and taste-wise). Now that you’ve got all the information you need, it’s all up to you to pick what best suits you.
You can sit back, relax, and discover the marvellous lands of New Caledonia, knowing everything there is to know! You’re going to enjoy so much, please feel free to let me know if you still have questions.