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Activities in New Caledonia

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Piece of France, located between tropical latitudes, a remarkably healthy climate and nature intact: these are good enough reasons already to visit New Caledonia. But here are others: exceptional activities, a leisure sports environment and a combination of vast spaces and authentic and exclusive nature.

In the art of the South Pacific, a group of islands neled in the mid of an immense reef
If we look closely, we can discover a red mountain chain, rising up from the lagoon and islands and islets of earth and coral dotted all around. Sea, mountain, expanse: the stage is already set. New Caledonia is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, whether active or contemplative, seekers of treasure or exception all is in place just waiting to be revealed. From island to island, between sea and mountains, peaceful creeks and abundant vegetation, follow the map to Paradise for limitless sport and the astonishing allure of this land of origin.

This land of origin coupled with its traditional people promises magical counrs

Share a way of life

The outback lifestyle is the promise of a genuine adventure, close to nature and respectful of the local peoples and traditions. It can be found in the sharing of simple pleasures, like that of a meal around the embers of an open fire. An encounter with the local people, often botanists, storytellers and historians, unveils the mysteries of the Kanak world and the forgotten episodes of the life of the Bushmen.

Farm Visits
An initiation to the bushman lifestyle: sharing the daily routine or witnessing wild game and hunting at sunrise in the heart of the New Caledonian Far West cattle and horse breeding stations. The local cuisine which features farm and hunting produce occupies rare moments of relaxation.
West of the Mainland : La Foa, Boulouparis, Bourail

Tribal Life
Tramping in New Caledonia can also be a cultural experience through the discovery not only of a remote and untamed environment, but also a unique way of life: tribal hospitality on tribal land. Exploration becomes ethnological, with the visit of natural sites and Kanak fields, a journey through stories and legends, fishing methods and daily life, incorporating accommodation in a traditional hut, Melanesian cuisine, weaving and sculpture.

Horse trekking
The horse is king in New Caledonia. It is the country that has the greatest number of horses per head of population: 1 for 20, and not including wild horses! Discover the vast spaces of the Caledonian bush: traverse the mountain chain, ride through the niaouli savannah and gallop along the seafront and past the camping huts. Horse riding centres are located in the West, near Nouma, on horse breeding stations in hidden roads between the mountain chain and the shore. Day or weekend excursions: Dumba, Karikat, Sarrama, La Foa, Bourail, Kon, Voh and Koumac.

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Procd nature and intrinsic reserves: New Caledonia is a paradise for tramps. Comb the remo land, petra the myious fores or naviga the gre ribbons of the rivers: pure pleasure for explors seeking authenticity.

An infinite panorama and well-trodden paths within an extraordinary garden, honoured with a silver award for its biodiversity.

Signposd tramping tracks

Deep South
THE GRANDE RANDONNE (LONG DISTANCE WALK)
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Criss-cross the clay earth over 120 kilometres of unequalled landscapes. The walk begins at the turquoise waters edge, and continues along the mining scrubland disappearing from view in the primary forest. An incomparable ecological wealth hidden behind a barren appearance.
Seven stages equipped with huts and shelter for la carte long distance walks.

West Coast
THE GIANT FERN FOREST PARK Can be explored by foot or on mountain bike. 3 to 8 kilometres of walkways which traverse the moist damp forest and the shaded creeks, in close contact with the endemic flora and fauna.
Possibility of shorter walks for families or longer circuits for more experienced trampers. A guide to the Park is available from La Foa Tourism.

Far North
THE NATURAL RESERVE OF MOUNT PANI, the tallest forest mass, is a sanctuary for rare birdlife, endemic plants and unusual insects. Here you can immerse yourself into the untamed nature : waterfalls, forests and walkways that will take your breath away.

A land of unrerained adventure, intact and immense

THE BLUE RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK A natural forest reserve consisting of more than 9 000 hectares with a concentration of plant species and endemic animals. Eden of walkways, equipped with swimming sites and picnic areas, the park offers numerous walks, on foot or on mountain bike in the hunt for treasures like the thousand year old kaori or cagou birds roaming free. The park is also well laid out for kayaks on the river byways and drowned forest, as well as mountain bikes.
In the interior of the park, walks ranging between 40 minutes and 4 hours can be achieved by all: casual walkers, families or experienced trampers. Mountain biking needs to be reserved in advance. Approved by the FFRP (French tramping authority). Hiking guide available from the Noumea Tourist Office.

Mountainbike trails
An ideal way to scour the numerous trails and experience the rich natural heritage, solo, or with friends or family. The numerous tracks offer several levels of difficulty.
More than 15 loops, with a FFC rating (French cycling authority) at Netcha and Deva.

GOUARO DEVA DOMAIN 8 000 hectares of nature reserve to protect the ecological zones of primary importance: an exceptional site.
The pedestrian and horse tracks criss cross the mangroves, the beaches and the coastal dry forests. They offer splendid panoramas as far as the eye can see. Information kiosk at the Bourail Town Hall.

The freedom of va spaces and treasures of biodiversity, thousands of years old, rich, undiscovered and ofn indigous.
An encounter with natures booty in a poetic tale: orchids, arborescent ferns, geckos, cagous, colourful parrots.
Qatr-Medehu nature. Visit of the caves: treasures of the South, Saqea adventure. Mar: beach circuit, Shabadran terraces, Laasicen cliffs Ouva: Lekiny cliffs, Hnimik shark encounter.

Freestyle Tracks (non signposted)

A singular opportunity to meet with the population and experience the ethnic diversity and way of life, throughout the Mainland and the islands, via the custom pathways and ancient mining and forest tracks. IN THE NORTH, in remembrance of New Caledonian history: enter a different world via the diverse walkways Ancestors and sacred sites.
Kon: Pwicate cross Poindimi: Koyaboa bridge, Tamanou-Palorfou Ponrihouen: Nato waterfalls Poya: Gohapin tribe, Inrami wateralls and Arawa-Aoupini Touho: historic track, capture of Hacinne-point of Maina Voh: ancient Hwaago Ouango tribe

Flying Fox
The flamboyant vegetation is the background for an acrobatic playing field: Tyrolean, Monkey Bridge, Tarzan jump. A lesson in freedom and a face to face meeting with the gigantic hundred year old trees in the tropical forest.
Mount Koghi is 30 minutes from Noumea and the Tree Fern Forest Park.

River Kayaking
In the North as in the South, solo or accompanied, kayak along the calm waters of the large rivers, in the middle of the valleys, along the coarse embankments and the drowned forest of the Great South surrounded by a luminous landscape.

THE LOYALTY ISLANDS, land of legends and traditions: fusion of the mysteries of nature and cultural secrets.

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Ancnt land of the original Gondwana, emged from the oceanic immensity and veloping its individuality, offing an unrivalled nature, mic specs and infinite exploration

Lifou walkways: jewels of Luengoni, country of Zimetrotr, Ejengen pathway, footprints of Weniko,

Canyoneering
Mountainous country and abundant rainfall, the rivers which gush down the reliefs are the ideal backdrop for canyoneering.
In the centre of the Mainland: La Foa, Canala, Kouaoua and Houailou.

Quad Biking
Remote lands, sumptuous landscapes, scarred reliefs, abundant vegetation, the terrain is ideal for adventure far from the beaten track.
Sarrama. For beginners or experienced riders, reservations are essential.

Hunting
Hunting is a popular art, situated between sporting activity and local cultural expression, close to Bushmens hearts, both European and Melanesian. Hunting with a rifle or a bow and arrow is open all year around for rusa deer, wild pig, or turkey but restricted for the flying fox or notou (New Caledonia imperial pigeon).
In the vast plains in the West or in the forests of the central mountain range, hunting and trophy excursions are organized on private properties in the regions of La Foa, Boulouparis, Bourail, Poya or Pouembout. The best trophies can be won from July to November.

Golf
Three exceptional 18 hole golf courses located in the heart of the Caledonian nature: vast spaces, silence and sea air.
Tina Golf Course in Noumea is between land and sea. At the foot of the majestic Tjibaou Cultural Centre, a 7.2 par and 5600 metre course cooled by the breeze of the trade winds and encircled by the diverse mountain, lagoon and mangrove landscapes. Dumbea Golf Course in a green enclosure between mountain and river, at less than 30 minutes from the capital. Ouenghi Golf Course in the midst of the New Caledonia outback, located 70 kms north of Noumea and 10 minutes from Tontouta International Airport.

Long Distance Treks

Organised during the Southern Hemisphere winter, these treks are varied: on foot, mountain bike or multiactivity. The courses are adapted to both sporting enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Transcaledonienne is the event of the year which journeys across New Caledonia from top to bottom with a change of circuit each time.
The Transcaledonienne, the grand prix of treks in the Northern Province, the Gorobai Rally, the Green Gully, the Dogny, the Hope Rally, the Gigawatt, the Isle of Pines Rally and Dream Raid.

The va and immense spaces provide a sporting Eldorado, as much for expnced plays wanting to go the limit of their passion as for ginners sirous to try new skills.

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A range of navigation opportunits yond your dreams: 24,000 km2 of freedom, shelred by the coral reef.
The marine element is one of the priceless assets of the New Caledonian nature. It is home to the largest lagoon in the world. Around the Mainland and Islands there are beaches everywhere: fine, golden, pure white or pebbled sand, 20 km long or nestled in the far corners of the bays. This country has a record number of beaches in comparison to all the tropical islands. Above the water, on the water, at water level, in the water, the setting is unrivalled.

Sailing
The particularity of the New Caledonian marine environment is the calm waters of the lagoon. The 1 600 km long barrier reef defines the largest protected maritime expanse in the world. An unique encounter for experienced seamen and leisure sailors alike, the sails transported by trade winds or assisted by a motor. Encircled by a myriad of coral islands and islets, often uninhabited, this enchanting archipelago in the heart of an immense maritime environment, arouses an irresistible desire for cruising or coastal navigation. There are numerous quality moorings in often undiscovered locations. In your search for speed, freedom, solitude or the exotic, the answer lies in the lagoon, and the 150 comfortable moorings and marinas.

The New Caledonia Nautical Guide, essential navigation tool for all marine enthusiasts, outlines the numerous possibilities: boat hire, with or without skipper, with or without crew, tailor made itineraries, excursions to the Deep South for whale watching in July or August, or taxi boats for the islets close to Noumea For free sailing, hulls less than 15 metres are welcome everywhere, whether it be the Port de Sud in Noumea, or elsewhere on the Mainland or surrounding Islands. Boats longer than 15 metres but less than 25 metres can be moored in the Port Moselle Marina in the capital of Noumea. Super yachts are catered for either at the Quai des Scientifiques, cruise ship port, Maritime Museum port and at the Port du Sud marina.

Land of Ernal Spring: a tropical oceanic clima, sunny and warm with pid seas all year round

Drift on the largest lagoon in the world

Kite surf
The dance of the sails designs scrolls on the blue horizon contrasting with strips of white beach. Kite surfing is the ideal way to explore the lagoons islets from the air all year round. Since 2001, the Teri Kite Surf Pro tournament, final stage of the KPWT world circuit, is acclaimed by world champions and includes seven days of speed crossing, best tricks and freestyle.
Learn to windsurf on the Noumea bays, or on the nearby islets: Escapade Island located 10 minutes by taxi boat from Anse Vata, Seagull Island, Po Beach in Bourail, or Ouano, Pindai, Koumac or Kon. Extreme experiences at Tenia Islet, 1 hour 30 minutes from Noumea by car then 30 minutes by taxi boat.

Windsurfing
The constant breeze of the trade winds has rendered New Caledonia a melting pot for windsurfing. As soon as the breeze lifts in the morning, the windsurfing parade brings the waters of Anse Vata and Cote Blanche to life, like a frenzied race of colourful butterflies. The passion of the sport captivates windsurfers of all ages, both competitive or leisure, all around the Mainland, in the tradition of the numerous international champions that New Caledonia has produced like Robert Teritehau and Michel Quintin. Every year Noumea hosts international competitions including the Trade Winds Trophy which attracts the top windsurfers in the world.
In Noumea, lessons are available and equipment for hire on the Mainland and the Loyalty Islands: Noumea, Po, Kon, Koumac, Hienghne, Lifou and Ouva.

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Flow over crystal waters, flirt with waves, slide on a mirror the lagoon is a open invitation!

Surfing
The curl of the wave can also be experienced in unsurpassed places. People have been surfing on the West Coast for decades. For the hardened enthusiasts, fans of extreme experiences, these can be found at the approach to the barrier reef channels in defiance of the ocean crashing over the coral.
Introduction and tuition in Bourail, on the Pierced Rock beach, lashed by the swell coming in from the reef pass close by. Extreme experiences at Dumbea Pass, located approximately 17 km south west of Noumea as well as the Tenia Islet. Surf camps provide accommodation, meals and transfers to the hot spots.

Sea Kayaking
Kayaking is well adapted to the calm lagoon: one or several day expeditions around the circumference of the Mainland and Islands. Navigate bays, nearby islets, beautiful coastal landscapes the length and breadth of an often virgin land only accessible by sea; an unparalleled experience signed New Caledonia.

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Wakeboard, water skiing, jet ski, marine motorbikes, stand up paddles.

The peaceful waters of the lagoon and the multitude of islets facilitate the apprenticeship, in complete safety, and encourage passion in the freedom of space.

Sliding ov ill wars at sunrise creas a sensation of the rst morning in the world amid a sumptuous nature.

From the small hours of the morning to sunset in the evening, every day, all year around, silhouettes zig zag above war level

An unrivalled marine vironment, lied as a world ritage gift to humanity. Prolifation, variety, rarity and auty of the ora and fauna.

Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the profuseness and luxuriance of the lagoon is unequalled in terms of species. Protected from the swell and deep sea predators by the coral reef, the lagoon harbours treasures that time has forgotten within its limpid waters and balmy seas. The conditions are simply perfect. Warm waters all year round, between 21 and 28, variable lagoon depths between 5 and more than 15 metres, and no overcrowding as the marine depths are seldom frequented. Diving is an ecological and equitable sport, respectful of natures treasures. These are the best diving sites in the world: shallow, medium or bottomless depths, for beginners or experienced divers, the lagoon is welcoming and calm. The serenity of the ocean can be experienced by everyone, the quality, quantity and variety of sites astonishes the most seasoned divers.

passes, faults carpeted with gorgonians, shipwrecks surrounded by abundant animal life, shafts rich with bivalves and highly favourable to the loch spawning season. A rich aquatic fauna, within an extraordinary framework. Parrot fish, blue rockling, grouper, leopard rays, reef sharks, tuna, thazard, snapper, mullet, bonito and carangues, lobster and their local cousins, the popinees, diademic sea urchins, starfish, crinoides, shellfish, in particular the cowrie or lambis, frolic in the crystal waters, in a backdrop of gorgonia and polymorphic coral, bryozoaires, sponges, sea anemones and fluorescent coral.
Activities are varied and structured, ranging from introductory diving, maiden diving, courses and certificates, photographic assignments and night diving. A decompression chamber situated in Noumea is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Hundreds of idyllic diving sites are located throughout the archipelago, within reach from a dozen diving centres: Noumea, Mt Dore, Bourail, Koumac, Poum, Hienghene, Poindimie, Isle of Pines, Ouvea and Lifou.

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Snorkelling
At only a few metres from the beach, the underwater life is already spectacular: it unfolds in numerous forms and colours. Snorkelling with flippers, in a group or solo, is a family activity that all can achieve and promises close up encounters with turtles, rays and dugongs

Free diving
Slide along the length of the cable to the coral formations, inhabited by multicolour fish, or the ledges of the outside reef, populated by incomparable fauna and flora; come face to face with the nautilus, living fossil, of which the New Caledonian species is endemic.

Tanks
Diving in the North, the South or the Loyalty Island is equivalent to an immersion into wonderland and the discovery of an unexpected fairytale world: fish

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To be able to devote yourself to your passion, in the best possible conditions, is a rare gift: peaceful landscapes, total tranquility and guaranteed treasures. The possibilities are as different as they are pleasurable. Game fishing on the lagoon, fly fishing, underwater fishing, freshwater fishing on the Yat Lake for the famous black bass, or in the rivers for crayfish.

thazard, yellow tuna, flying swordfish and the pursuit of the monstrous GT dog tooth tuna. Treasure hunt for passionate fishermen: beyond the reef, deep sea fishing promises a miraculous catch with rainbow coloured marlin and local mahi-mahi. It is also a favourite spot for fly fishing large pelagic fish which are abundant in the New Caledonian waters: skip jack, queen fish, thazard and tuna. Last but not least, the region of Poum in the North of the Mainland is a bonefish paradise, where catches of five kilos are not out of the ordinary. On the vast flats of the Far North, different varieties of carangues including the famous giant carangue caranx ignobilis locally known as baoum

Deep Sea fishing

The variety of species, locations and techniques makes New Caledonian waters one of the best fishing destinations in the world, both coastline and deep sea. Beyond the reef, or lulled by the lagoon tradewinds, fishing is both a way of life and a hobby to share with everyone. Ideal spot for novices, for that first fishing experience, always with encouraging results! Land of plenty for the experienced, on the ledges and passes of the reef, jig or popper fishing produces a wondrous catch : wahoo, jobfish, red carp, loches,

Fresh Water Fishing

The Yat Lake, located in the Deep South, 1h30 minutes from Noumea, is a prized fishing reservoir for black bass, the trouts cousin, which can grow to up to 30 centimetres in size. The abundant rivers and lakes shelter wild crayfish.
The fishing and harpoon fishing professionals can organize various safaris.

From up above, in the dazzling light, reality appears magical

The extreme adventure enthusiasts can overtake their limits, in rare natural surroundings, uplifted by adrenalin !

Helicopter
The purity of the air portrays the clear contours and miniaturised reality with great precision. Landing, the freshness of champagne bubbles to celebrate the giddy heights of beauty and to etch this magical moment forever in your memory.
You need to fly over the land to become more intimate with it: Noumea, the bays, Duck Island and Escapade Island, the great barrier reef, Amedee Island and Mt Koghi. Further south, above the lake plains and onto Isle of Pines, or further north towards the world famous Voh heart.

Parachuting
Jump into the blue, view New Caledonia from the sky, in solo or tandem. Unforgettable seconds and minutes offer a panoramic view of the sky, the earth and the sea. Blue azure as far as the eye can see. Departure from locations at Oua-Tom, 1h30 minutes from Noumea or from Kuendu Beach on the Nouville Peninsula in Noumea.
Medical certificate required.

Parasailing
Free flying deserves its name in New Caledonia : infinite expanses of sky, earth and sea give an indication of the dimension. This sport is practiced all year round, even if the cooler season provides the best conditions.
The Ouen Toro hillside at the southern tip of Noumea, Gadjii or Nouville are the best departure points, before venturing into the outback skies, like Mt Dzumac. Note: most of the sites are in a controlled air space and prior contact with the various authorities is required.

Float in the open skies

Miocrolite
An adventure in a microlite, with family or friends, is the perfect opportunity to share the changing light, the curves of the lagoon and the velvety reliefs in a symphony of colours. Nature triumphs with a magnificent blend of variations. Introductory flight, maiden flight, excursions, pilot course.
Based at Oua-Tom, on the West Coast, near La Foa and also in Nakutakoin, near Noumea.

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New Caledonia Tourism 4 bis, rue Ventadour 75001 Paris - FRANCE Phone: +33 (0)1 47 03 14 74 Fax : +33 (0)1 47 03 14 75 info-par@nctps.com www.visitnewcaledonia.com www.newcaledonia-tv.com

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New Caledonia Tourism 20, rue Anatole France B.P. 688 - 98845 Nouma Cedex NEW CALEDONIA Phone: +687 242 080 info@nctps.com

Welco me
Silver Planet Award for the wealth and splendour of its flora and fauna, listed as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its lagoon, New Caledonia has recently attained the Best of list of the worlds most remarkable sites, edited by Lonely Planet. Welcome to a country blessed by the Gods of nature.
Gie Nouvelle-Caldonie Tourisme All rights reserved. Design/Production TamTam - Photography: Gie Nouvelle-Caldonie Tourisme, Muse de Nouvelle-Caldonie, Province Sud, Destination les Loyaut, Tourisme Province Nord, DENV/Province Sud. Photographers: Martial Dosdane, Eric DellErba, Stphane Ducandas, Pierre-Alain Pantz, Eric Schmidt, Rgis Mortier, Eric Aubry, Patrick Dancel, Amde Diving Club, Oliver Strewe.

www.visitnewcaledonia.com www.newcaledonia-tv.com

www.visitnewcaledonia.com www.newcaledonia-tv.com