New Caledonia
Grande Terre
The Mainland known as "Grande Terre" is the main island of New Caledonia; it is 400 km long from north to south and 50 km wide from west to east. Allow for at least 4 days to tour the Mainland. New Caledonia has a good network of roads (please always remember to drive on the right hand side).
Luxuriance and austerity, exuberance and mineral loneliness. New Caledonia has a multifacet beauty, and is amazing in its diversity of landscapes. With an unequalled, spellbinding and explosive charm, it draws more and more globetrotters and tourists in search of the great tropical love affair.
The West Coast
Land of stockmen and rodeos, this region offers the image of a New Caledonian Far West, and of a country of wide open spaces where the niaouli (paperbark) reigns over the savanna. Here extensive stock-farming is predominant. The stock farms (stations) dominate the countryside from the top of their hill, or sometimes nestle in shady valleys amongst Melanesian Tribes.
The West Coast (protected from the trade winds) is not only a mining land with its scarred mountains but also a land of exchanges with its local markets and annual agricultural fairs, the farmers favorite events. It is also a warm welcoming land with its delightiful white sand beaches, horse trekking in the mountain range, bed and breakfast, and numerous geological sites.
Whether from Nouméa to Boulouparis, or from Bourail to Koumac via Koné, the West Coast has a variety of interesting tourist sights worth discovering. Here are some suggestions.
Dumbea
Criss-crossed by many rivers running down from the nearby mountains (Koghi and Dzumac Massifs in particular), Dumbea offers a pleasant recreational region and an 18-hole golf course as well as a variety of activities for sport and nature lovers.
Each year in April, a big crowd gathers for a day of fun around a giant omelette cooked in the open air. Check out the following sights:
The Fayard park, located on one of the oldest colonial property along a magnificent river.
- The Mount Koghi ark, ostrich breading farm open to public .
- Mount Koghi pedestrian path
- Dumbea dam
Païta
The early settlers of the Païta district, at the foot of Mont Mou, raised beef cattle and grew haricot beans. A railway line linked Païta to Nouméa until 1940. Strawberry and flower farms have been established in the area in recent years and efforts are being made to develop its beaches (Tiaré, Onghoué, and Toro) and revive its history (archeological digs at Naïa and Tonghoin; remains of the old railway station, and a pioneer cottage). Every year in November, Païta hosts the "Beef Festival", a day of fun for all based on a beef theme, featuring a rodeo, stage entertainment, games, contests, and of course, plenty of barbecued beef. Check out the following sights:
-Pioneer cottage, Opening hours : Saturday from 2 to 6 pm
-Tiaré, Onghoué and Toro beaches (Gadgi road).
-Sanatorium road, to climb Mount Mou, you start from the end of this road. Narrow but sealed, it is a very pretty road lined with fruit trees.
-Ancient rock carvings (pétroglyphes) can be seen between Dumbéa and Païta, in the creek bed on the right hand side as you drive down col de Katiramona.
-Perrin wine-cellar, conducted tours can be arranged of this new wine-making venture (the firstof this kind in New Caledonia). Meals are available and feature typically New Caledonian dishes.
-Ridolfi distillery : liquors
Boulouparis
Economic developement is gathering momentum in this farming district which has good natural assets such as a low, jagged coastline ideal for aquaculture, and well-drained plains that lend themselves to cereal growing and intensive cattle raising. It's racetrack draws large crowds several times a year, as does the "Deer and Prawn Festival" in September. Check out the following sights: Saint Vincent Bay
-Bouraké Beach, popular pinic site.
-Niaoulis distillery JLD Presents du Pacifique.
-Tomo's market, the first Sunday of each month.
-La Ouenghi river.
La Foa
The small town of La Foa is surrounded by lush cane fields and beautiful blackwood and araucaria pines. The town has seen its share of troubles, from its earliest days as a penal settlement through to the shooting of two FLNKS leaders in 1985. The historic Paserelle de Marguerite bridge was designed by two students of Gustave Eiffel, and although it's been superseded by a wider bridge it's still an impressive construction. Fort Teremba, which sits on the plain overlooking Baie de Teremba, was headquarters for the local colonial military and was besieged by Kanaks in 1878 during the great insurrection. It is now used to stage sound and light shows in November. Farino, 3km (1.8mi) from the main road turnoff, has great views over La Foa and out to sea, and sports a popular market, held on the second Sunday of the month. Buses make the 110km (68mi) journey from Noumea to La Foa weekdays. Check out the following sights:
-Passerelle Marguerite, a historic metal suspension recently restored.
-Oui-Poin melanesian village, visits organised on request.
-Oua-Tom melanesian village, featuring a fine chief's hut.
-Ouano beach, a popular picnic, camping, fishing, scuba-diving, beach.
-Race course
-Lebris peninsula
-La petite ferme
Farino
Farino is New Caledonia's smallest municipality and the birth-place of writer Jean Mariotti who achieved some fame abroad for his novels and short stories, mostly set in his home land. Sleepy little Farino comes very much alive on the second Sunday of each month with popular and colorful market at which Europeans and Melanesian farmers display their produce attracting big crowds. Farino is a fruit-growing district, also renowned for its friendly people, delicious local cuisine and the ver de bancoule, a local grub that is regarded as a delicacy ! Check out the following sights:
-River and waterfall.
-Market, the second Sunday of each month. Nice view point on the coastline and La Foa valley.
-"Mamie Fogliani", a lovely lady who will treat you to a memorable meal of Caledonian specialities book by phoning in advance
Sarramea
The only township located within the mountain range, Sarraméa is cool, green and historic : the adjacent valleys of Couli, Negropo and Moindou have always been a place of encounter and exchange between Melanesian coastal and mountain villages. The coffee plantations established at the beginning of the century by settlers from the North of France have now been replaced by orchards and vegetable crops in an area which is ideal for walking and climbing. Check out the following sights:
-Table Unio and Col d'Amieu (425 m) a wildlife reserve.
-Fo Are valley, a place of myth and legend.
-Sarraméa's Valley
-Feillet cascade and Dogny plateau.
Moindou
A small township established beside a river in 1873 by a group of settlers from the Alsace-Lorraine region in France, which has retained its stock and crop farming traditions, as well as a love of flowers and good food. A turn off to the left 3 km before the township leads to Fort Teremba (built in 1874) which comes to life several evenings each year with a spectacular sound and light performance portraying historic events. The largest prawn farm in New Caledonia is located nearby, and a market is held on the second Saturday of each month. Check out the following sights:
-Fort Téremba : Former military outpost, partly restored, with a watchtower overlooking both the sea and the plain.
-Valley of the Moindou river.
-Tanghy peninsula.
Bourail
Established in 1869 for the rehabilitation through agriculture of freed convicts, Bourail has grown into a large farming town which calls itself the capital of the rural New Caledonia. Bourail has 25% of the Territory's cattle herd and each year holds the largest country fair. It also boasts a number of tourist sites, such as the nearby Poé beach, fascinating rock formations, horse racing, and a pioneer museum. Check out the following sights:
-Pioneer museum, built of hewn stones in the convict days, this Museum houses interesting collections showing aspects of Bourail history. Ph : 44 11 46 Open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 11 am and from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free.
-Roche Percée, Bonhomme and Belvedere. A large man-shaped rock, the Bonhomme stands near the caves and tunnels of the Roche Percée carved out by the surf. From the belvedere, you will get a breathtaking view.
-Poé beach ranks among the most beautiful on the mainland. It features 20 km of fine white sand a crystal-clear lagoon : sun and sea at their best.
-Néméara chapel is located in the Pouéo river valley, on the road to Houaïlou. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1989.
-World War II N-Z cemetery and arabs cemetery (Nessadiou).
-Tenessee Farm. This dairy farm and factory located at Téné is open to visitors by arrangement.
-Saoui Coffee Processing Factory open to visitors by arrangement
Poya
Vast plains of waving grass welcome you to Poya. Founded in 1898, this quiet little town is encircled by tribal villages nestling in the magnificent valleys which surround the town. Check out the following sights:
- The Mé Maoya peak, one of the highest summits in New-Caledonia (1508 m) and one of the most ancient site for irrigation farming.
-Adio cave, known for its numerous stalactites and stalagmites as well as its beautiful crystal gyps. Amazing underground excursion possibilities over 5 km of galleries. Guided visits recommended.
-Montfaoué, the most important petroghlyphs site in New-Caledonia ( 156 large size symbols carved on rocks spread over 200 m).
-Muéo castle and cattle breading society.
-Castel and stock-farm of Muéo .
Pouembout
A traditional farming town founded in 1883 by the Penal Administration, Pouembout is a now ideal centre for visitors eager to explore a truly rural environment. Check out the following sights:
-Ouende waterfall
-The Grimigni "castle"
-The Dovecote
-The former gendarmerie
-Franco beach.
-Pindaï beach and its nautical club
-Forêt Plate
Koné
The village of Koné was originally a garrison founded in 1899. Today, Koné is the administrative centre and municipal township of the Northern Province, and offers the visitor all the comfort and facilities of a growing small town. Check out the following sights:
-Foué beach.
-Koné mountain.
-Atéou valley.
-Koné-Tiwaka trans-road.
Voh
Voh was founded in 1892 by settlers from France, but badly damaged by a cyclone the following year. In recent years Voh became a market town.
-Gatope and the Guillam peninsula.
-The Ounjo cooperative in the heart of a fishing village.
Kaala Gomen
A peaceful farming village, Kaala-Gomen was founded in 1899. The very name of the village is evocative, as it was here that Gomenal, an extract made from the leaves of the niaouli tree, was first discovered. Gomenal is an antiseptic gel used to relieverespiratory congestion.
Koumac
Koumac, founded in 1897, stands at the cross-roads between West, East and North. The town depends on both mining and farming for its livelihood. Koumac recently acquired a marina as part of its development as a tourist centre. Check out the following sights: --Koumac caves.
-Néhoué viewpoint (route de Babouillat).
-Old mine of Tiébaghi.
Poum
At the end of the RT1 on the northern tip of Grande Terre, Poum is a windswept community of 1300. If the weather's wild, Poum can be uninviting, and while there's not much to see in town, if you have time and your own transport it's worth making a trip to Boat-Pass, also known as Pointe Nahârian. This wild and desolate peninsula is exposed to the sea and bordered by palms, grasslands and araucaria pines. Check out the following sights:
-Poum and Arama churches.
-Néhoué and Banaré bays.
Along the Baie Banare you pass excellent but desolate beaches at Nennon and Kejaon. There are flights between Noumea and Koumac, from where you can catch a bus, a little over 50km (30mi) to the south-west. Poum is at the end of the RT1, 340km (210mi) north-west of Noumea, and if you are coming by bus you will have to change at Koumac.
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