New Caledonia's 15 must-see sites! (2024)

Standing proudly on Amédée Island in the heart of a protected marine reserve, Amédée Lighthouse attracts visitors seeking escape, beauty and relaxation. There are multiple activities on offer to ensure an exciting and memorable visit. Travel here from Nouméa and prepare for a thrill!

Upi Bay is often compared to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam because of the rocks that appear to magically float on the water. With its outrigger canoes, turquoise water and coral rocks, it is one of the most iconic places in New Caledonia. Cruising along on a traditional boat, it is not unusual to spot turtles, rays and dolphins!

This 7,800-hectare nature playground between sea and mountains is popular with outdoor leisure enthusiasts who enjoy mountain biking, horse riding or walking. The 360° view from the ridges is unforgettable!

Lemon Bay and Anse Vata Bay are two of Nouméa’s unmissable coastal spots. Lively by day and by night, the bays offer plenty to see and do, including beaches, shopping, water sports, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, taxi boats to the islands and walks. All in a magnificent natural setting!

Located on the island of Ouvéa, Mouli Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Caledonia. A picture-postcard setting with its white sand and crystal-clear water, it embodies the Loyalty Islands’ gentler pace of life. Before kicking back and relaxing there, make sure you don’t miss Mouli Bridge: the only link between the north and south of the island.

Hienghène's “brooding hen” and other limestone rock formations are icons of New Caledonia's East Coast. A taboo place for the local inhabitants, these amazing formations can easily be seen from the road or from a kayak or boat on the water.

The Heart of Voh is an unusually shaped mangrove swamp that enjoyed world renown after being photographed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The best way to see it is to fly over it in a gyrocopter or microlight aircraft.

The Blue River Provincial Park (PPRB) is situated in New Caledonia's Great South. This biodiversity hotspot is the ideal place to see native flora and fauna and enjoy different outdoor activities. You can explore it on foot, by mountain bike or in a kayak, and even set up camp there and spend an incredible night surrounded by nature!

The jewel in the Isle of Pines’ crown—the Natural Pool in Oro Bay—is a dream setting. This open-air aquarium fringed with columnar pines is home to a myriad of multicoloured fish. All you need is a snorkel, mask and fins to get close and personal with them!

Designed by the architect Renzo Piano, this cultural centre in Noumea is a spectacular setting for Kanak and Pacific arts and culture. A creative cultural space, museum, concert hall and multimedia library, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre is a must for anyone interested in Kanak history and traditions.

Of all the waterfalls on the East Coast of New Caledonia, Tao is undoubtedly the most beautiful. In fine weather, you can walk to the waterfall in half an hour through lush vegetation. Once there, a refreshing swim in a natural pool with stunning scenery awaits.

Located in Noumea, the Museum of New Caledonia is treasure trove for anyone interested in Melanesian culture, tradition and art, especially Kanak culture. Here you’ll find a remarkable collection of Pacific objects from places ranging from West Papua to Polynesia.

This historic site in Moindou offers visitors an unforgettable insight into New Caledonian colonial history. A place where history and memories are artfully conveyed, Fort Téremba has been listed as a historic monument since 1989. Get ready for a visit where you will learn a lot... and feel moved by it all!

These imposing limestone formations dotted with caves can be seen on a guided walking tour. And there's something important you have to do when you visit Lékiny Cliffs: go snorkelling in the crystal-clear water at the foot of the rocks!

Right next to the cliffs and the famous “Bonhomme”, La Roche Percée Beach is very popular with surfers and photography enthusiasts. Surrounded by columnar pines and lulled by the sound of the waves, Turtle Bay is a beach of unparalleled beauty and tranquillity.