For a vacation or vacation in New Caledonia, Noumea will probably be your first stop. As the capital of the province of New Caledonia, and home to two-thirds of the population, the city has a wide variety of places to visit and things to do. Here is a list of some of the best.
Walks and hikes
Anse Vata and Lemon Bay
These are the two best beaches in Noumea, separated by a small headland and close to the hotels and resorts in the city. The best spot is at the northern end of Anse Vata (near the Chateau Royal (formerly Royal Tera) and Meridian resorts), where the beach is farthest from the road.
- Images of the beaches of Noumea
- Royal Tera Resort and Beach
Mirador Ouen Toro
Located a short distance from Anse Vata, the lookout offers a 360-degree view of the city and the coast. There are also numerous hiking trails to explore in the surrounding area, including a trail that begins near the north end of Anse Vata Beach.
Swimming, snorkeling, sun and sea.
Amedee Lighthouse
Take the MaryD boat to the Amedee Lighthouse for a day trip to this tall lighthouse on a very small but beautiful island, just 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Noumea.
- Image of Amedee Lighthouse
Snorkeling with Aquanature
This half or full day excursion will show you some of the best reefs and marine life in the New Caledonia lagoon.
- Aquanature reef trip
Duck Island
Only offshore, and accessible by water taxi from Ansa Vata Beach, you can swim, snorkel, or enjoy a coffee meal on this small island.
Nature
Numea Aquarium
Learn about New Caledonia’s marine life, of which 70% are found nowhere else in the world.
- Numea Aquarium
Michel-Corbasson Zoo and Forest Park
A great collection of the incredible indigenous wildlife of New Caledonia. Like marine life, much of the flora and fauna is unique to the archipelago.
History and culture
Tjibaou Cultural Center
This magnificent structure, inspired by the indigenous Kanak culture, houses one of the most important collections of historical and contemporary Melanesian art in the world. Also allow time to explore the beautiful gardens.
- Tjibaou Cultural Center
Museum of Numea
This traces the development of Noumea from pre-European times to modern times with fascinating displays and displays.
- Noumea City Museum
New Caledonia Museum
This museum highlights the culture and history of Kanak and other Pacific tribal cultures.
Maritime Museum
A look at the history and adventure of New Caledonia’s relationship to the sea, including vivid accounts of merchants and details of the many wrecks that have reached the second largest reef in the world.
Note : Purchase a Nature and Culture Pass to get discounted tickets at the six locations above. Passes are available at any of the venues or at tourist information centers.
San jose cathedral
Built in 1890, this Gothic cathedral is housed in one of the finest buildings in Noumea. It is a short walk from the city center.
Food and wine
La Cave Wine Shop
The best selection of fine wines in Noumea with a range of well-chosen (and reasonably priced) wines from the great regions of France. There are also wines from other countries.
- La Cave is on Route 113 de l’Anse Vata.
- La Cave Wine Shop
Morand chocolate
Watch chocolate delicacies being made through the window of this high-class chocolate shop in the Latin Quarter of Noumea. There is a dazzling array of beautiful chocolate cakes and treats for sale.
- Chocolat Morand está in 9 Rue Eugene Porcheron, Noumea
- Morand chocolate
Numea Market
This runs every day from 6am to noon and has a great variety of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and other foods, all at reasonable prices.
- Noumea market scenes
Johnston Supermarket
Visit this (or any other Noumea supermarket for that matter) and grab some cheese, French bread, and a bottle of wine for a very cheap and memorable meal on the beach.
Restaurants and entertainment
Baie de Citron and Anse Vata restaurants.
This is Noumea’s cafe strip and there are many great places to choose from.
Images of Noumea
- Downtown Noumea
- Islands near Noumea
- Noumea beaches
- Noumea market
- Noumea Museums, Aquarium and Tjibaou Cultural Center
- Royal Tera Hotel and Spa Resort
Accommodation in Noumea
Liam Naden and Malene Holm traveled to New Caledonia courtesy of Aircalin and New Caledonia Tourism.
