Day 1: Arrive Noumea
Welcome to Noumea, a culturally diverse cosmopolitan capital city that offers a range of different attractions for everyone to enjoy. Collect your rental car and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore. Visit Port Moselle Bay and the local municipal markets to try fresh fruits and delicious seafood or admire the local crafts, all the colours and flavours of New Caledonia await you here. This evening walk along the beautiful promenade in Anse Vata Bay and find a place to sit back, enjoy an aperitif and soak in the live music or taste authentic local delicacies at one of the world-class restaurants.
Day 2: Noumea – Paita – Moindou
This morning you will start your self-drive heading north. Your first stop will be in the town of Paita, known for its two mountains that feature staggered plateaus and hills. For avid hikers, make this an overnight stop to reach the summit of either the magnificent Mount Mou or the legendary Mount Humbolt. Be sure to check out the exact Christ de Redeemer replica or the mysterious rock carvings. Visit a local boulangerie to pick up some picnic items and continue north along the west coast. Take a scenic boat ride along Nera River through the mangroves and for an amazing view of the lagoon. After lunch take a drive to the town of Moindou, famous for the hundreds of tall royal palm trees and home to Fort Teremba, the restored former military base which will transport you to another era. End the day with a short drive to Bourail, a diverse colonial town, for your overnight accommodation.
Day 3: Bourail – Koné
Spend the morning taking in the impressive rock formations that Bourail is famous for. Admire the Roche Percée, the Pierced Rock and the Bonhomme de Bourail, an upright piece shaped by the wind and the sea, representing the guardian of the ‘gates of the dead’ for the local Kanaks. Continue your scenic discovery with a beautiful 3.5km walk along the Three Bays Path and admire the breathtaking coastline with white sand beaches and majestic pine trees stretching for miles along the cliff face. Along the way check out the Baie des Tortues where you might see some turtles frolicking below or dugongs somersaulting in the bays. Surrounded by pandan trees and secluded from public view, visit the romantic Baie des Amoureux, otherwise known as Lover’s Bay. If time permits go for a swim at the beautiful Poe Beach, New Caledonia’s most sought-after locations or go snorkelling along the splendid double-barrier reef that makes up Green Island, a short taxi-boat ride away from the mainland. In the afternoon you will drive to the small town of Koné for your overnight accommodation.
Day 4: Koné – Poum
Experience a highlight of New Caledonia by taking a scenic flight over the top of Mount Katépei. Take in the spectacular views of the lagoon, reef and surrounding mountain range and when up in the air, as well as the famous Heart of Voh, a practically-perfect heart shape formed amongst the mangroves. Alternatively, you can hike through the track up to a viewing point for similar views.
Afterwards, continue your driving journey towards the northern-most point of the Grande Terre. Along the way there are many beautiful viewpoints and places to stop, including the wild plains of western New Caledonia and pristine beaches such as Nehoue Bay. As you drive north you will pass the municipality of Koumac which will set you on the road to Poum for your overnight accommodation.
Day 5: Northern Grande Terre
A day of relaxation today as you explore this remote region. The Poum lagoon and its surrounding islands form a real natural wonder. Enjoy one of the day trips by boat to try out some fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving. If time permits, take a drive to Poingam and then Boat Pass for some spectacular views. Visit the newly restored salt flats, discover same of the natural plants, observe the interesting birdlife or magnificent scenery. There is a lot to enjoy in this area. Return back to Poum for your overnight accommodation.
Day 6: Poum – Hienghène
Today you will begin your drive back south along the beautiful East Coast. The drive unfolds along a narrow coastal strip set between the central mountain range and the ocean, a spectacular panorama. Make sure to stop along the way at the Col de Creve-Coeur and the Col d’Amos, both offering scenic vista views of the water. Continue through the historic site of Balade and past the Colnett and Tao waterfalls before crossing the picturesque Ouaième River by barge. A short yet exotic ferry ride will bring you to Hienghène for your overnight accommodation.
Day 7: Hienghène – Poindimié
This morning you will have the opportunity to explore Hienghène, one of New Caledonia's most emblematic tourist attractions. Head up to the Belvedere, for a great vantage point and to learn about the cultural significance of the lagoon and the huge black-stone cliffs that emerge from the water. Some of these black rocks reach a height of sixty meters, however the jewel in this area is the limestone rock formation, the Brooding Hen, known as ‘Puxa’ in in the local dialect, a powerful religious symbol. Not far away, you can see another rocky formation depicting the Egyptian Sphinx said to be an eternal guardian watching over, as well as take in the contrasting colours of the lagoon against the Mount Painé, the highest peak in the country. This afternoon you will drive to the cultural town of Poindimié which will be your overnight accommodation and a place to discover the traditional Kanak way of life.
Day 8: The East Coast
Another relaxing day to enjoy the beautiful coast. Take a leisurely stroll along one of the pristine beaches, find a hammock under a palm tree and get stuck into a good book, or choose something more active such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, trekking or with 20 tribes in the area you can even visit a local village. Make sure you are taken by a reputable guide, who will show you the mysterious petroglyphs which adorn the rock walls and introduce to the traditional bougna dish, prepared the authentic way. This region is known for its retained authenticity and wild beauty. For somewhere a little more special, visit Tibarama Islet, covered with century-old trees it is one of the most breathtaking underwater marvels of the eastern coast. One can see the rare ribbon eels in open water and many beautifully preserved corals. Return to Poindimié for your overnight accommodation.
Day 9: Poindimié – Sarraméa
Today you will continue your road trip down the picturesque Houailou-Bourail traverse road. As you drive along the coast you will pass through several unique villages, across majestic rivers and over the incredible New Caledonian mountain range. Ensure to take the coastal road through the Kouaoua Mountains to witness The Serpentine, the world’s longest curved conveyor belt stretching over 11km in length. Also add a to visit the Parc des Grandes Fougères, a tropical rainforest home to many endemic bird species as well as serveral marked trails for leisurely hikes. Continue onto Sarraméa for your overnight accommodation.
Day 10: Sarraméa – Mont-Dore
This morning you will have the chance to explore this mountainous village originally reputed for its coffee plantations in the times of the first colonists and now well known for its green and floral tourism. If time permits, the walk towards the Dogny Plateau and the paths that cross it are among some of the most beautiful in New Caledonia, otherwise take a trip to the famous Feuillet swimming hole, a beautiful natural cavity at the edge of the forest. This afternoon drive towards the gateway of the South and the second largest town, Mont-Dore for your overnight accommodation.
Day 11: The Great South
Today you will see a completely contrasting side to the country in region referred to as the Great South, symbolic for the country’s three main colours: green, blue and red. Here you will see rainforests painted a thousand shades of green, the ocean offering a dazzling palette of blues and most memorable is the uniquely contrasting deep red soil of the land. Begin the morning with a cultural visit to the deserted Village of Prony to learn about the historical phases Grande Terre is known for: penal colony, the wood industry and the early stages of mining on the Caillou. Spend the rest of the day exploring the incredible natural reserves concentrated in this area. Starting with popular Blue River Park, an extraordinary place of beauty offering mountain bike rides, hikes, walks, wildlife and swimming spots. Later visit the Madeleine Waterfalls, one of the most stunning botanic trails in the area offering a lovely and relaxed environmental walk. After a full day of exploration return to Noumea for your final evening. Make sure to indulge in a local fine dining meal to remember your beautiful time on this island.
Day 12: Depart Noumea
Your adventure comes to an end this morning as you enjoy your final gourmet breakfast in this fantastic place. Transfer to the airport and catch your flight back home.
