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Territory of France

Melanesia

New CaledoniaTravel guide

Explore New Caledonia visa rules

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the western Pacific, east of Australia. It includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands and many smaller islands. Nouméa is the capital.

Why go

  1. Beaches and walks along Nouméa’s waterfront.

  2. Snorkelling and diving in the lagoon and barrier reef.

  3. Kanak culture at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre.

  4. French food, local seafood and mountain chalet fondue.

Best time to go: April to August offers daytime temperatures around 22°C, though swimming may feel cool. January and February are often hot and humid, and cyclones are most frequent from November to March.

Getting there

By air

  • Nouméa-La Tontouta Airport (NOU) is in Païta, 52 km northwest of Nouméa.
  • Aircalin serves the airport, along with Air New Zealand and Qantas. Flights connect with Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific nations.
  • Aircalin has a Paris flight through Bangkok and a Singapore flight timed to connect with Air France from Paris.

By sea

  • Nouméa is a popular stop for people sailing around the Pacific. Most avoid sailing during cyclone season.

Customs

  • Some items are restricted by customs and rules that protect local plants and animals. Check the official French-language information before bringing items into the territory.
  • New Caledonia controls its own borders. Travel from mainland France includes border inspections.

Getting around

  • Maps

    Use OpenStreetMap for navigation. Google Maps is often incomplete or wrong in New Caledonia.

  • Domestic flights

    Air Calédonie and Air Oceania link Nouméa with outlying islands and the northern part of Grande Terre. As of October 2026, Air Calédonie uses La Tontouta Airport. Air Oceania is the only airline still using Nouméa-Magenta Airport, 4 km from the city centre.

  • Bus

    CarSud runs regional buses in Province Sud. Route C connects La Tontouta Airport with central Nouméa. Karuiabus runs city buses in Nouméa. Routes 10 and 11 connect the centre with Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata. The fares listed for June 2014 were 400 F for the airport route and 210 F for the city routes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis must be ordered by phone on 28 35 12; they do not drive around looking for passengers. Ask your accommodation to call a taxi. Shops may also call one after you make a purchase.

What to see and do

  • Tjibaou Cultural Centre

    This centre near Nouméa celebrates Kanak culture. It was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.

  • Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata

    These waterfront areas in Nouméa are places to wander beside the sea.

  • New Caledonia Barrier Reef

    The reef surrounds Grande Terre and Île des Pins. It is a World Heritage site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

  • Blue River Provincial Park

    Visit for its lakes and hills.

  • Snorkelling and diving

    Explore New Caledonia’s lagoon and reef. Avoid touching coral and sea animals.

  • Camping

    Camping is one of the outdoor experiences available in New Caledonia.

Food and drink

  • French food

    French cooking is widely available and generally of a high standard. Restaurants in tourist areas can be expensive.

  • Snacks

    These small budget restaurants serve hot sandwiches and filling meals. Options include croque madame, toast with ham, cheese and egg, and porc au sucre, pork in a sweet soy-based sauce.

  • Bakeries and crêperies

    Boulangeries are bakeries, and crêperies serve crêpes. Both are options for cheaper food on the go.

  • Self-catering

    Preparing your own meals is the cheapest option. Supermarkets have many French cheeses and meats, but imported food is costly.

  • Local seafood

    Markets sell fresh tuna, shrimp and crab, along with local produce.

  • Kava

    Kava bars have a red light outside and dim lighting inside. The local routine is to drink the kava immediately after buying it, then sit on a dark bench to relax.

Money

CFP franc (XPF), written locally as F. CFP stands for Collectivités françaises du Pacifique, meaning French Communities of the Pacific.

  • The currency is fixed to the euro at 119.33 francs per euro.
  • Euros generally offer the best exchange rates. Australian and US dollars are also easy to exchange.
  • Exchange leftover francs before leaving.
  • New Caledonia is expensive because much of its food is imported.

Typical costs

  • A full dinner for two at a tourist restaurant with beach views or a hotel restaurant can cost 10,000 F.
  • Meals at small budget restaurants called snacks are usually under 1,000 F.
  • The listed drink prices are about 100 F for kava and 500 F for beer.

Language

  • French is the official language.
  • Many locals speak New Caledonian patois, a local form of speech.
  • English and Japanese are widely spoken in Nouméa’s hotels, restaurants and shops.
  • English speakers can be difficult to find outside Nouméa.
  • Some indigenous Melanesian people speak Austronesian languages.
Bonjour
A greeting used during the day.
Bonsoir
A greeting used at night.
Marché
Market.
Boulangerie
Bakery.

Staying safe

  • New Caledonia is fairly safe, but take care in the sea and on rural roads.
  • Avoid touching sea urchins and coral while snorkelling. Urchins may be poisonous, and coral cuts can swell and heal slowly.
  • Leave striped sea kraits alone. These sea snakes have potentially deadly venom, but bites are rare when they are not threatened.
  • Do not carry caught or bleeding fish while in the water, as sharks are present.

Local customs

Do

  • Begin conversations with bonjour during the day or bonsoir at night. Return greetings from people in the street.
  • Keep about a handshake’s distance when speaking with someone.
  • Dress conservatively away from tourist beaches.
  • Follow la coutume, the local custom, when visiting tribal land: introduce yourself to the chief and bring a small gift.
  • Bring a small gift for the host family if invited to a tribal home.
  • Plan around Sunday closures, when most shops and businesses shut for church.

Don't

  • Avoid discussing independence, which is a sensitive and divisive subject.
  • Do not bargain over prices, as this may cause offence.
  • Avoid revealing clothing outside tourist beaches.
  • Do not assume same-sex marriage is widely accepted outside Nouméa and tourist areas.

Laws to know

  • Bargaining is not customary and may cause offence.

Staying healthy

  • Bring iodine or a similar disinfectant for small cuts and scratches, which can become infected.
  • Prevent mosquito bites, as some mosquitoes carry dengue fever.
  • Consult a doctor for more information about dengue.

Phone and internet

  • OPT is the only mobile operator listed. Its prepaid plan is called Liberté.
  • The July 2017 price for a SIM card was 6,195 F, including 3,000 F of credit. A SIM card is the card used in a phone to connect to the mobile network.
  • The July 2017 call rate was 44.10 F per minute for local calls. Text messages cost 12 F locally or 42 F internationally.
  • OPT is also the only internet service provider listed.

Where to stay

  • Affordable places to stay in good condition can be found around New Caledonia. Search around for accommodation within your budget.

Outdoor adventures in New Caledonia

New Caledonia has a huge lagoon, coral reefs and tropical beaches. You can snorkel, dive, hike through forests or take boat trips to small islands. Tropical cyclones are most frequent from November to March.

  • New Caledonia Barrier Reef and lagoon diving

    Scuba divingGrande Terre and Isle of Pinesnear Nouméa

    Morning or full day

    Dive companies in Nouméa offer courses and reef trips. Abyss Plongée is based at Marina Port du Sud.

    • Cost: Abyss Plongée: about 10,000 XPF for two morning dives; about 16,500 XPF for a full day with two dives, lunch and transfers to and from Port Moselle.
    • Do not carry caught or bleeding fish while in the water.
    • Avoid touching coral and sea urchins.

  • Îlot Canard snorkelling trail

    SnorkellingOff Anse Vata, Grande Terrenear Nouméa

    Easy

    Take a water taxi from the lower level of the faré hut halfway along Anse Vata beach. Follow the snorkelling trail in the marine park.

    • Cost: June 2014 prices: 1,200 XPF return water taxi; 600 XPF to rent a mask, fins and snorkel.
    • Visibility can be poor after rough weather.
    • Avoid touching coral and sea urchins.

  • Rocher à la Voile and Baie des Citrons

    SnorkellingGrande Terrenear Nouméa

    Easy

    Snorkel from the shoreline around Rocher à la Voile and into Baie des Citrons. Coral is only metres from shore.

    • Avoid touching coral and sea urchins.
    • Leave sea snakes alone.

  • Blue River Provincial Park

    HikeYaté region, Grande Terrenear Nouméa

    Travel about 90 minutes from Nouméa. Arrive early to reach the walks. Book the park shuttle ahead at the ticket office to avoid a 2 km road walk each way.

    • Leave the park by 17:00.
    • Allow time to reach the walking routes.

  • Monts Koghis walks

    HikeGrande Terrenear Nouméa

    Park at Auberge des Monts Koghis, just outside Nouméa. Two walks start from this area.

    • Permit: Sign a release form and leave your mobile number before walking.
    • Leave your mobile number for emergencies.
    • Consider joining a hiking group to avoid getting lost.

  • Prony village walk

    HikeSouthern Grande Terrenear Nouméa

    1.5 hours

    Park at Baie de la Somme, where the road and parking are better. Follow the signs onto the walk to Prony.

  • Ouen Toro Park

    HikeSouthern Nouméa, Grande Terrenear Nouméa

    A few hours

    From Anse Vata, follow rue G. Laroque to rue Paul Baumier. Walk uphill and join the track at the end of the street. Use the map board to choose a route.

    • Take water and watch for loose stones, rocks and small stumps.
    • Signs can be poor. Keep track of your route so you can return.

  • Trail of Three Bays

    HikeLa Roche Percée, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    2.5 hours; 4.2 km return

    Start at the beginning of La Roche Percée beach. Follow the trail past the lookout and Turtle Bay to the Bay of Love.

    • The trail is slippery in wet weather.
    • Wear closed shoes.

  • La Roche Percée cycad forest loop

    HikeLa Roche Percée, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Easy 40 minutes; 2 km loop

    Use the access on the left before the third speed bump at La Roche Percée. Follow the loop through dry forest and mangroves.

    • Expect mosquitoes during the hot season.

  • Anse Vata windsurfing and kitesurfing

    More to doGrande Terrenear Nouméa

    Afternoons

    Rent equipment from one of the hire companies on Anse Vata beach.

  • La Roche Percée diving with Sub Bourail Leisure

    Scuba divingLa Roche Percée, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    07:30 to about 13:00

    Join Sub Bourail Leisure at the La Roche nautical base. The operator offers first dives, trips for certified divers and training.

    • Cost: First dive: 6,000 XPF; two exploration dives: 12,000 XPF; Level 1 training: 28,000 XPF.
    • Children must be at least 12.
    • The two-dive exploration option is for certified divers.

  • Nëkwéta surfing and lagoon eco-tour

    SurfingLa Roche Percée, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Eco-tour: 08:00–12:00

    Arrange surfing, lessons, bodyboarding or a surf boat transfer through Cottage Surf Camp Nëkwéta. The camp also runs a guided lagoon boat trip with snorkelling.

  • Poé Kite School

    More to doPoé, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Easy

    Book a kitesurfing lesson or workshop with Poé Kite School. Kite rental is also available.

    • Cost: 12,000–44,000 XPF.
    • Classes have no more than three students.

  • Poé kayaking, sailing and windsurfing

    KayakingPoé, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Hourly rentals

    Rent a kayak, windsurfing equipment or a Hobie Cat 14 catamaran from École de voile Poé.

    • Cost: Kayak: 1,100 XPF/hour single or 2,000 XPF/hour double; windsurfing: 2,200 XPF/hour; funboard: 2,500 XPF/hour; Hobie Cat 14: 3,800 XPF/hour.

  • La Roche Percée turtle watching

    WildlifeLa Roche Percée, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    November–April

    Contact Sea Turtle Association Bwari to join a turtle awareness and watching round with its volunteer guards.

  • Ranch de la Courie horse riding

    More to doNékou, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Hourly, full-day or weekend rides

    Arrange a ride with Ranch de la Courie. Routes pass through forests and mountains, with views over the lagoon.

    • Children must be at least 10 and have riding experience.

  • Couridièr deer watching and Nera delta activities

    WildlifeNera delta area, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Contact the Couridièr breeding station at hotel-restaurant La Nera for a station visit, night deer watching, hiking or canoe rental.

    • Cost: Station visit: 1,000 XPF; night deer watching: 1,000 XPF; hiking: 500 XPF; canoe rental: 500 XPF/hour.

  • Poé scenic flights

    More to doPoé, Grande Terrenear Bourail

    Vertical-Lagoon: 30 minutes Vertical-Lagoon flights leave at sunrise, depending on weather.

    Book a two-seat powered paraglider flight with Vertical-Lagoon. Aéro-club de Bourail also offers scenic flights in small aircraft.

    • Cost: Vertical-Lagoon introductory flight: 5,000 XPF.
    • Vertical-Lagoon flights depend on weather conditions.

  • Parc Zoologique et Forestier

    WildlifeGrande Terrenear Nouméa

    Go to Rue Teyssandier de Laubarède. Listed transport options include weekend bus line 12, the Petit Train and Nouméa Explorer.

    • Cost: July 2015 prices: adults 400 XPF; ages 12–17 200 XPF; under-12s free.

  • Mont Dore Corniche Sud trail

    HikeLe Mont-Dore, Grande Terrenear Le Mont-Dore

    Use the Mont Dore Corniche Sud trailhead on Rue du Colibri.

  • Cap N'Dua nature reserve and whale observation point

    WildlifeLe Mont-Dore area, Grande Terrenear Le Mont-Dore

    Reach the Cap N'Dua access point on Route du Col de Port Boisé. The area has a nature reserve, an ocean lookout and a whale observation point.

  • Isle of Pines, Île Bailly and Bourail beaches

    BeacheIsle of Pines and Grande Terre

    Around Bourail, Poé Beach is 15 km from the village, Gouaro Bay 9 km, Turtle Bay and the Bay of Love 8 km, La Roche Percée 7 km, and Nessadiou beach and point 10 km. Île Bailly lies off Le Mont-Dore. Access details for Île Bailly and Isle of Pines beaches are not given.

    • Leave sea snakes alone on beaches and in shallow lagoons.
    • Tropical cyclones are most frequent from November to March.

  • Ouvéa Pléiades island boat trips

    SnorkellingOuvéa, Loyalty Islandsnear Ouvéa

    Full day for the Wetewea Kaï northern trip

    Join a boat tour to the Pléiades du Nord or Pléiades du Sud. Wetewea Kaï leaves St. Joseph at the island's northern tip at 08:00 for the northern islets.

    • Permit: Book ahead for Wetewea Kaï.
    • Cost: Wetewea Kaï: adults 10,000 XPF; children 5,000 XPF, including lunch.
    • Swimming is forbidden in the bay south of Pont de Mouli.
    • Avoid touching coral and sea urchins.

  • Hulup caves

    CaveOuvéa, Loyalty Islandsnear Ouvéa

    Take a guided tour of the limestone caves near Ouvéa airport.

    • Cost: 2,000 XPF for a guided tour.
    • There are no facilities.
    • Bring a flashlight.

  • Hanawa Blue Hole

    More to doOuvéa, Loyalty Islandsnear Ouvéa

    Call +687 922207 before visiting the inland lake.

    • Permit: The lake is on private property. Call ahead to arrange access.
    • Cost: 500 XPF.
    • The steep cliffs make the lake unsuitable for swimming.

Airports, metros and trains in New Caledonia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • NOULa Tontouta International AirportNouméa (La Tontouta)Main international airport

People and safety in New Caledonia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian85%
  • No religion10%
  • Muslim3%
  • Other<1%
  • Buddhist<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 36 of 100 countries can visit New Caledonia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required36
  • Visa required64

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Americas16 of 19 countries
  • Europe3 of 4 countries
  • Asia1 of 9 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Is New Caledonia part of France?

New Caledonia is a territory linked to France, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit France.

Does a France visa let me visit New Caledonia?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for France may not cover New Caledonia. Check the New Caledonia visa page for your passport.

When is the weather cooler?

April to August has daytime temperatures around 22°C. The water may still be warm, but swimming can feel cool.

Can I manage with English?

English is widely spoken in Nouméa’s hotels, restaurants and shops. Outside Nouméa, English speakers can be hard to find, so learning some French helps.

What money should I bring?

New Caledonia uses the CFP franc, written as F or XPF. Euros generally give the best exchange rates, while Australian and US dollars are also easy to exchange.

How do I get from the international airport to Nouméa?

CarSud route C connects La Tontouta Airport with central Nouméa. Taxis must be ordered by phone, and rental cars are available at the airport.

Do I need to rent a car?

A car is useful for groups and for exploring remote areas. Most rental cars have manual gears, so book ahead if you need an automatic.

How can I spend less on food?

Preparing your own meals is the cheapest option. Small restaurants called snacks, bakeries and crêperies also offer cheaper food.

What should I avoid touching while snorkelling?

Avoid sea urchins, coral and sea kraits. Urchins may be poisonous, coral can cause slow-healing cuts, and sea kraits have potentially deadly venom.

What should I do when visiting tribal land?

Introduce yourself to the chief first and bring a small gift. This follows the local tradition called la coutume.

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