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New Caledonia
The New Caledonia Archipelago is located in the south western part of the
South Pacific Ocean to an area known as Melanesia. The capital Noumea
is situated on the principal island known as the "Grande Terre".
New Caledonia's Barrier Reef stretches 1600 kilometres around the mainland
forming the world’s largest lagoon. Smaller islands surround the
reef including the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines. This French colony
has much to offer with European cuisine and shopping blending with the
beauty and the culture of the South Pacific. The international airport
is Noumea with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane with Qantas
and Air New Caledonie. Air New Zealand and Air New Caledonie have direct
services from Auckland to Noumea.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CLIMATE:
New Caledonia enjoys a sunny climate marked by two seasons:
December to March is warm and humid with moderate rainfall; April to
November is cool and dry.
CURRENCY:
The Pacific Franc is the unit of currency. The Australian Dollar
is worth approximately 70 Pacific Francs. The US Dollar is worth approximately
140 Pacific Francs.
DRESS:
Light informal clothes all year round. Sweaters are advisable for cooler
evenings. Shorts are not recommended for evenings in restaurants.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS:
A valid passport is required with a minimum of six month validity and
an onward or return ticket.
HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS:
Refer to your doctor for the latest health and inoculations required
for this destination.
LANGUAGE:
French is the official language , but English is widely spoken and
understood. About 30 Melanesian dialects also exist.
SHOPPING:
French imported products are available from duty free shops. Many forms
of Melanesian art are also available, i.e. wooden carvings, outrigger
canoes, spears, pearls, shells, mother-of-pearl and many semi-precious
stones. Most shops are located in town near ‘Place des Cocotiers’.
TIPPING:
Tipping is not compulsory but visitors may give a gratuity for good
service.
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NOUMEA
Noumea will be your international port of arrival. The Amedee Diving Club is
located at the Amedee Lighthouse which is on an islet in the lagoon 20
km south of Noumea. Amedee organise two dives per day which include exploring
one of the largest coral reefs in the world. You will play with turtles
from the lagoon, feed groupers, admire eels or you may explore the wreck
of the Dieppoise, a French navy vessel sunk in 1988 which has become
a haven for many marine species. Cross the Boulari channel, where grey
sharks can be seen or Mantarays at certain times of the year, and discover
the outer reef that sinks sharply into the depth of the Pacific.
LE MERIDIEN RESORT (4 star property)
Located in the heart of Noumea, overlooking the spectacular Anse
Vata Cove, 10 minutes from downtown shopping and 15 minutes from
the Tina 18 –hole international golf course. The hotel has
253 spacious air-conditioned rooms with safe, tea/coffee making
facilities, mini bar, fridge, TV, radio, and direct dial phones.
Amenities include restaurants, bars, swimming pool, casino, health & fitness
centre, in-house movies, 24 hour room service and choice of many
outdoor sports.
IBIS HOTEL (3
star property)
This small , comfortable hotel has a unique location facing the most attractive
beach of Noumea,’ On Baie des Citrons’ and yet close to downtown.
The hotel has 60 air-conditioned comfortable rooms with bath or shower,
TV, radio, direct dialling phone, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Amenities include a Japanese ‘Teppanyaki’ restaurant, snack
bar, swimming pool and free non motorised watersports.
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THE
ISLE OF PINES
The Isle
of Pines is recognised as the best diving location for beginners
and experienced divers alike. The Isle of Pines is 17km long by 14km
wide and is reached in about an hour flying on an Air Caledonie domestic
flight from Noumea's domestic airport. Long white sandy beaches bordered
by elegant pines, secret caves and caverns in the middle of exotic virgin
forest give this island and its friendly Melanesian people an unforgettable
charm.
Diving is
particularly interesting because of its diversity. There are numerous diving
locations along the reef offering a constantly changing panorama of the
intimately linked fauna and flora whilst diving on drop-offs, within corridors,
passages and sea grottos. For more experienced divers, after a short walk
through virgin forest they can venture down to the mysterious fresh water
underground caves known as ‘Satan’s Cavern, reachable only
by a narrow underwater corridor.
Your hosts
from Kunie Scuba Centre, Tony, Brigitte and Phillip will be available every
day to assist you in choosing your daily dive sites.
Non-divers
are also welcome on the dive boat. There are also a multitude of land activities
available such as horse riding, visiting historical convict ruins, caves,
local church, canoe & art/craft buildings, local feasts, tennis, bushwalking,
seafood picnics, snorkeling, fishing and windsurfing.
Accommodation
on the island is in traditional rural bungalows called "Gites".
These are comfortably furnished and equipped with kitchenette and fridge.
Extra beds can be added on request.
GITE KODJEUE (3 star property)
Situated on the waterfront in the Bay of Ouameo, this Gite offers fifteen
bungalows and a block of six room units; there is a restaurant, boutique,
car and bicycle hire, tennis court, swimming pool and diving centre.
GITE DE NATAIWATCH (3 star property)
Fifty metres from the Bay of Kanumera, there are four native bungalows equipped
with kitchenette and fridge and four modern, self-contained bungalows.
There is a licensed restaurant, boutique and bicycle and car hire is available.
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