With no more travel restrictions in New Caledonia, we’ve collated some of the best places to visit there.
Holiday inspiration for New Caledonia after destination drops all COVID-19 travel restrictions
New Caledonia has dropped all its COVID-19 travel restrictions, meaning you can now fly there without worrying about things like proof of vaccination or pre-departure testing. The French overseas territory had previously scrapped its mandatory quarantine earlier this year, but now celebrates the end of paperwork and testing to enter.
To inspire your next group or private jet charter to New Caledonia, we’ve collated some of the best places to visit in this beautiful island nation.
About New Caledonia
New Caledonia offers a unique tropical island getaway. This French overseas territory, located in the Pacific Ocean, has an identity like nowhere else in the world and provides travellers with an exceptional variety of landscapes, cultures and activities.
On the main island of Grand Terre, New Caledonia’s capital of Nouméa is a modern coastal city and the gateway to the nation’s stunning attractions. The east coast is alive with the Kanak spirit, while the west coast provides opportunities to explore the ‘Wild West’ inhabited by ‘bushmen’. In the south, you’ll find an adventurer's paradise, and the surrounding islands and islets present plenty of opportunities to relax on pristine beaches.
What to do in New Caledonia
Whether you’re seeking action, exploration or relaxation, New Caledonia caters to all. The capital provides the perfect base to begin your journey. Nouméa has built its Pacific identity through a blend of cultures and styles, which can be seen on your plate as well as in the architecture and attractions. Museums, art galleries, theatres, boutique stores and stunning beaches entertain and captivate during the day, while gourmet restaurants and eclectic bars wow and delight at night.
Away from the capital, immerse yourself in the rich Kanak culture at one of the villages of the indigenous people of New Caledonia. Enjoy a warm welcome ceremony known as "faire la coutume", learn about the people’s history, and sample some tasty bougna before setting sail on a traditional dugout canoe around the gorgeous Upi Bay.
As an island nation surrounded by Pacific waters, there are numerous aquatic activities to enjoy in New Caledonia. Hop on a catamaran in search of humpback whales (from July to September), go kayaking around the shoreline and visit the imposing black limestone rock that looms out of the waters of Hienghène Bay, or paddle around with colourful fish in the natural lagoon of Oro Bay.
For those looking to elevate their experience, take a helicopter ride around these tropical islands to take in New Caledonia’s beauty from above. Make the trip even more memorable by skydiving or paragliding back down to earth.
Where to stay in New Caledonia
From the city-based to the remote, there are a host of different five-star hotels and resorts in New Caledonia.
The only five-star hotel in the capital of Nouméa is Le Méridien. This refined French-style hotel is a go-to for those wanting to combine luxury with location. As well as a range of well-appointed rooms and suites, the hotel has two high-end on-site restaurants, a tranquil spa and a large outdoor swimming pool next to the beach.
If you want more seclusion, look no further than Le Méridien Ile des Pins. Tucked away on the Isle of Pines, guests can choose between tropical garden-view rooms or stunning ocean-view suites overlooking Oro Bay. Featuring top-class restaurants and bars to nourish and refresh, the resort provides the perfect base to begin your aquatic adventures and offers a host of activities and equipment to help get you started.
Contact our team to organise your group or private jet charter to New Caledonia.