Noumea

The port of Noumea is from where New Caledonia exports most of its nickel ore.  It is one of the largest ports P&O Cruises visit in the South Pacific.  The city of Noumea is a short distance away from the port.  Le Petit Train is one of the most popular ways of getting into Noumea and exploring the city.

The city is spread out over a long distance.  The famous Tjbaou Cultural centre, one of the jewels of the South Pacific is an architectural masterpiece and is 20 minutes outside the centre.  Many of the other sights are quite a distance apart and tours by motor trike, fun car, bike or helicopter offer the best way to see the city.  Some great tours are on offer outside of the city, 4WD in the bush, hiking Mount Koghis, Kayaking the Dumbea River.

 Coconut Park, with its towering palm trees, is the focal point of the city. Being the French administrative centre of the islands there are lots of public and civic buildings built in a distinctive French architecture. The city has some little gems; traditional Boulangerie (Bakery Shops), cafés (where you can taste New Caledonia’s own coffee) and fabulous restaurants where you can sample fine New Caledonian foods cooked in a French style with imported French wines.

Aside from tours the most popular activity it to head to two beaches a short drive from central Noumea, Anse Vata and Baie Citron, here you can enjoy resort facilities, swim off the beach, eat at one of the small brasseries or do some souvenir shopping.