10 reasons why to choose New Caledonia

REASON 1: TO GET AWAY FROM THE CROWDS

Dreaming of an exclusive and preserved destination? New Caledonia is the perfect place! With only 130,000 tourists every year (pre-Covid) and 15 inhabitants per sqm, New Caledonia is one of few destinations where stumbling upon a deserted patch of pristine white sand or hiking for kilometres without seeing a soul happens often.?Just turn up, sit back and embrace the feeling of seclusion.

REASON 2: TO HAVE SEVERAL HOLIDAYS IN ONE DESTINATION

Outback plains on the?West Coast. Tropical mountains on the?East Coast. Eye-wateringly beautiful beaches in the?Loyalty Islands. Buzzing city life in capital?Noumea. Deserts in the?Great South. You can have several different holidays in one!?

REASON 3: TO SWIM IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST ENCLOSED LAGOON

Six parts of New Cal’s lagoon are listed on the?UNESCO World Heritage, meaning they’re well protected and home to some of the most incredible snorkelling spots in the world. Get up close and personal with beautiful coral, fish, turtles and more. Let us know if you ‘find Nemo’

REASON 4: FOR A FULL IMMERSION IN A UNIQUE MIX OF CULTURE

New Cal is a melting pot of people – Kanaks, Caledonians, French and more – it offers a unique cultural experience. Immerse yourself in a French language music festival like Francofolies. Visit the?Tjibaou Cultural Centre?in Noumea for a look back at the Kanak history. Or head to the West Coast for a glimpse of the?New Cal’s cowboy life. Yeehaw!

REASON 5: TO DISCOVER AN INCREDIBLE ENDEMIC FAUNA AND FLORA

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with a level of endemism, per square kilometre, seen almost nowhere else on earth. 76% of the?country’s plant?and wildlife species are only found in New Caledonia.

REASON 6: TO HOLIDAY WITH A FRENCH TOUCH

The French territory is a peaceful,?safe?and a politically stable destination. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. With great roads, modern international and domestic airports, modern infrastructure and a second to none health system, New Caledonia is a secure destination for everyone. LGBTQIA+ and solo travellers will feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed everywhere. Cherry on the cake? Australian and New Zealand passport holders – plus EU, US and around 50 other European economic area countries – do not require a short-stay?visa?for visits up to three months.

REASON 7: FOR ENDLESS ADVENTURES

Looking for a hit of adrenaline? Why not fly over our?UNESCO World Heritage Listed lagoon? More of a leisurely traveller with a penchant for wine and cheese? Try a tour of?Noumea’s Port Moselle market?followed by lunch at a French restaurant. Or do you love the great outdoors? Hike parts (or all!) of the?Great South’s GRNC 1?100KM track. There’s really something to interest everyone.

REASON 8: FOR ITS ETERNAL SPRING

Never too hot and never too cold! The average?temperature throughout the year?is around 24°C. Warm and humid from November to March with average temperatures between 21C and 29C. The coolest months are July to September with average temperatures between 17C and 24C.

REASON 9: FOR ITS RICH MIX OF FLAVOURS

New Cal’s mix of cultures means you can enjoy?French cuisine?one day, fresh caught fish and other local produce the next, and a?traditional Kanak bougna?the day after that. You’d better arrive hungry…

REASON 10: FOR A STAY IN PARADISE LESS THAN 3 HRS AWAY

Talk about saving the best for last… this picture-perfect holiday destination is right at your doorstep – hello, gorgeous South Pacific neighbour! New Caledonia is only a short flight from Sydney and Brisbane meaning you can enjoy breakfast in Australia and dinner in a tropical paradise!

? Photos by: Marine Reveilhac, Dean Cropp - Access All Angles, Ben Thouard - The Explorers, Pauline Massé, Oneye Production, Escape Your Life, Meng Xi, Da-image.