New Caledonia
19th May - 26th May 2019
8 days - 7 nights
Price 4,995 | Single Supplement $895Highlights
Noumea
Amedee Island
Bourail and New Zealand War Cemetery
Traditional Melanesian lunch - Le Bougna
Visit a Tribal Village
Goro Falls
Madeleine Falls
Fort Teremba
Tchou Tchou Train
Botanical Gardens and Bird Park
Yate Dam
La Foa and Farino
Marvel at contrasting coastlines, beautiful beaches and cultural combinations of Melanesia.
There are white sandy beaches, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and lunaresque landscapes that make exploration a worthy venture. We experience a tribal village and traditional food, and cruise in a glass bottom boat to reveal the colourful coral with the option of diving right in to swim with the fish. You’ll also get a chance to feel the sand between your toes, with plenty of time for relaxation.
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday 27th May
DinnerWe fly from Auckland to New Caledonia. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Nouméa.
Day 2
Monday 28th MayBreakfast, DinnerA free morning to give you a chance to find your way around and maybe even practise some French. After lunch, we board the Tchou Tchou Train. We take our seats on the motorised train for a guided tour of the centre of Nouméa and the bays and beaches close to the city. Our journey takes us to Faubourg Blanchot, an old colonial housing area, along Promenade Pierre Vernier and up to Ouen Toro Lookout with its picturesque view of the city and surrounding islands.
Day 3
Tuesday 29th MayBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerWe explore the area south of Nouméa including La Conception village which is famous for its little church. It was built by missionaries in 1874 and contains many plaques left to thank the Virgin Mary for favours and miracles. We continue south towards Yate Dam built in 1959 - the hydroelectric scheme that supplies Nouméa with electricity. Later at the Goro Falls, we have a chance to enjoy a refreshing swim then stop for a traditional Melanesian Lunch - Le Bougna. After lunch, we return to Nouméa with plenty of stops on the way for photos of the spectacular landscape including the Madeleine Falls.
Day 4
Wednesday 30th MayBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerWe go on the wonderful day trip to Amedee Island with its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. A day full of activities including a cruise on a glass bottom boat and exploring the coral reef as well as visiting the lighthouse. You can climb the 241 steps to the top for wonderful views across the lagoon or just stroll around this little island paradise.
Day 5
Thursday 31st MayBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerA full day tour which covers the area north of the capital. Our local guide explains the history of New Caledonia from the discovery of the island to the convict period as well as local Melanesian culture. Our first stop is at a tribal village where we visit the chief’s house. We continue towards La Foa and Farino and enjoy a 3 course lunch at a local guest house featuring traditional delicacies and specialities such as venison. After lunch, we travel to Bourail and visit the New Zealand War Cemetery. An account of the campaigns in which the servicemen died is posted. We continue to Fort Teremba and observe some of the convict past of New Caledonia before returning to our hotel.
Day 6
Friday 1st JuneBreakfast, DinnerA free day to soak up the sun, relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings or explore a bit more on your own.
Day 7
Saturday 2nd JuneBreakfast, DinnerThis morning, we go on a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens. We see native shrubs and trees against a changing backdrop of sea views in the distance. In the bird park, we see native species including the rare flightless kagu. The afternoon is free.
Day 8
Sunday 3rd JuneBreakfastWe make our way to the airport for our morning flight back to Auckland.