Noumea, New Caledonia

The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea is a little piece of France in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Before World War II, New Caledonia was a little known and seldom-visited French possession known for its penal colony and its natural resources. (Nickel smelting still plays a major role in the island economy.) Today, travelers are drawn to New Caledonia for its scenic beauty. The island is famed for its white-sand beaches while its barrier reef is the world's second longest. The offshore waters also offer superb diving and snorkeling.

In 1774, James Cook thought the island's rugged hills resembled those of his native Scotland. Hence he christened the island New Caledonia. The island and its outlying groups became a French colony in 1854 and an overseas department of France in 1956.

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Points of Interest

  • Aquarium of Noumea
  • Mt. Ouen Toro
  • Baie de Citrons / Lemon Bay Beach
  • Parc Forestier
  • Promenade Vernier
  • Anse Vata & Anse Vata Beach
  • Duck Island (Ilot Canard) or Amedee
  • Maritime Museum

More about Noumea, New Caledonia Points of Interest

  • Aquarium of Noumea

    The aquarium, founded in 1956 by biologist Rene Catala, boasts an extensive collection of fish and other aquatic life forms of the area.

  • Mt. Ouen Toro

    At the southern tip of the Noumea peninsula, Mt. Ouen Toro (420 feet) offers stunning views of Noumea. A hike to the summit puts you a stone's throw away from Anse Vata Beach.

  • Baie de Citrons / Lemon Bay Beach

    With big shade trees to picnic under, a broad expanse of sand on which to stretch out, and clear shallow water to cool off in, Baie des Citrons Beach is 'where everyone in Noumea goes swimming.'

  • Parc Forestier

    Perched high above the city, Noumea's zoological and botanical gardens covers 74 miles with an extensive collection of birds and other animals from the region.

  • Promenade Vernier

    The Pierre Vernier promenade stretches along the south coast of Noumea, is an entirely walking trail sheltered from the road by a fence, and is great fun for families and sportsmen who find a place to stretch their legs in a unique setting by the sea with the mountains that hem the horizon. 

  • Anse Vata & Anse Vata Beach

    As one of Noumea's most popular resorts, Anse Vata is a favorite spot for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.

  • Duck Island (Ilot Canard) or Amedee

    Duck Island is a natural marine park located in the lagoon surrounding Noumea; Amedee is a tiny islet on the barrier reef marine reserve. Both offer the opportunity to sunbathe and swim in a South Pacific paradise.

  • Maritime Museum

    The Musee Maritime of New Caledonia is located on the road to Nouville, within walking distance from the town centre. It was open in 1999, in the premises of the former maritime terminal, which were made available by the Noumea Port Authority. 

20 EXCURSIONS

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Discover Noumea on Foot

2 hours | Noumea | N O U - 2 2 0

Discover Noumea on foot! On this 2 hour walking tour you'll explore the sights and local landmarks all within walking distance from your ship.

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Strenuous Activity

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AUD$39.95

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Tjibaou Cultural Center

2.5 hours | Noumea | N O U - 2 4 5

Discover the Pacific region's rich and varied indigenous culture at the Tjibaou Cultural Center, a complex of galleries and performance spaces that celebrate native life.

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Easy Activity

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AUD$59.95

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Maritime History of the South Pacific

2 hours | Noumea | N O U - 1 3 0
  • Maritime Museum

Visit the fun and informative Maritime museum and see display of archaeological items from the shipwrecks of great navigators as well as interactive maps and ship models.

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Moderate Activity

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AUD$69.95

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Parc Forestier - Cagou Encounter

2.5 hours | Noumea | N O U - 1 2 0
  • Parc Forestier

Spot flora, fauna and feathered friends as you take a guided tour of this relaxing nature reserve featuring ponds, lakes, native shrubs and fascinating bird life, including the rare Cagou Bird.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

AUD$79.95

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Noumea City Sights And Aquarium

2 hours | Noumea | N O U - 1 0 0
  • Mt. Ouen Toro
  • Promenade Vernier
  • Aquarium of Noumea

Experience the sights and sounds of Noumea on a narrated, half-day drive around town and into the surrounding countryside. You'll visit the renowned Aquarium des Lagons and take in sweeping views from the Ouen Toro Lookout.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

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AUD$89.95

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Bicycle the Bays

2.5 hours | Noumea | N O U - 2 2 5

Head to the peninsular foreshores for a pleasurable bike ride combined with spectacular scenery of the hills, bays and beaches of Noumea.

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Moderate Activity

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AUD$89.95

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Nature Walk in Koghi Forest

2 hours | Noumea | N O U - 2 4 0

Take a scenic 30-minute journey via minibus through Noumea's lush countryside for an eco nature walking tour in the breathtaking Koghi Mountains rainforest.

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Moderate Activity

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AUD$94.95

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Best of Noumea

3 hours | Noumea | N O U - 1 0 5
  • Mt. Ouen Toro

Experience the history and beauty of Noumea on a half-day, narrated drive. Witness the centuries-old flame red trees in the Place des Cocotiers and enjoy local pastries at a local restaurant.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

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AUD$109.95

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Scenic Train with Cheese & Wine Tasting

2.5 hours | Noumea | N O U - 2 9 0
  • Mt. Ouen Toro

Discover Noumea's historical landmarks before winding through the hills overlooking the beautiful bays and beaches of Noumea. Relax and enjoy French wine with cheese at one of Noumea's top restaurant.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

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AUD$129.95

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Forest Parc Segway Experience

2.5 hours | Noumea | N O U - 5 7 0
  • Parc Forestier

Take a guided Segway tour through the Parc Zoologique et Forestier, spotting interesting flora, fauna and feathered friends along the way including the rare Cagou Bird.

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Strenuous Activity

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AUD$149.95

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Amedee Island Marine Reserve

6.75 hours | Noumea | N O U - 8 1 0
  • Duck Island (Ilot Canard) or Amedee

Just a 45-minute ride away by luxury, high-speed ferry, a little paradise that is home to many turtles, is waiting for you: Amedee Lighthouse Island. Relax on the beautiful white-sand beach or join in the different activities Amedee has to offer.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

AUD$259.95

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