3-Day New Caledonia Itinerary | New Caledonia Tourism NZ

Here’s how to experience the main island of Grand Terre when you’ve only got a few days to spare!

DAY ONE:

Morning: Fly to Noumea.
After your transfer from Nouméa’s Tontouta International Airport to Nouméa, you’ll still have time to settle into your hotel and enjoy a spa treatment.

Afternoon: Discover Noumea’s popular beach spots, such as Anse Vata and Baie de Citrons (Lemon Bay). With a number of hotels only a stone’s throw away from the shoreline, grab your snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters, enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, sunbathe or chose among the numerous watersport activities in and around Noumea. After this activity, seek out an aperitif and find a restaurant for dinner.

Evening: Choose a dining spot from one of the many venues for a stunning French meal.
Try some of these exquisite restaurants and savour the best of the French-Pacific experience:
- Au P'tit Café
- La Table des Gourmets
- L'Hippocampe
- Le Taom
- L'Atelier Gourmand
DAY TWO:

Morning: To maximise your time, get up early and head to the Port Moselle Market, which opens at 5am. Here you will find locals shopping for island produce and the day’s freshest catch, while you browse for souvenirs, crafts and other items. Be sure to take some time out for breakfast, enjoy a steaming espresso and a warm buttery pain au chocolat at the café in the centre of the marketplace.

Afternoon: Home to the world’s largest lagoon and second largest reef in the world, New Caledonia is a snorkelling enthusiast’s paradise. One of the best ways to take it all in is on a day cruise to the stunning Amédée Island. A ride on a fast boat will take you to the offshore island and you can then transfer to a glass-bottom boat to cruise over the reef. From here you can jump into the turquoise waters with a snorkel and mask to explore the coral reef on your own. After an exotic buffet lunch you take an easy stroll to the lighthouse or visit the world’s smallest post office before enjoying a dance performance. More info here

Evening: If you don’t have time to visit the hinterland make sure you make the time to try a traditional Kanak meal at one of the restaurants that serve this cuisine.
DAY THREE:

Morning: For the ultimate in relaxation, enjoy a spa at one of Nouméa’s upmarket hotels.

Afternoon: Get to know Nouméa, a bustling cosmopolitan city with a distinct French flavour. The Noumea Explorer (hop-on, hop-off bus) is an easy way to familiarise yourself with the key sights of Nouméa including Anse Vata Bay and the Baie des Citrons, The Museum of New Caledonia and the Aquarium des Lagons.

Evening: Relax at your hotel for dinner and then head out for a drink at a coastal venue as live music plays. Don’t miss the happy hours from 5pm to 6.30pm in the various cafes, piano-bars and karaoke venues. Try bars such as L'Endroit, La Bodega, L'Etrave and enjoy Noumea's crazy nightlife!