Introduction
Both adventurers and sophisticates will find plenty to do. Options for travellers in New Caledonia are vast, from diving on pristine reefs to dining out à la fran ç ais, from trekking in unspoilt rainforest to partying the night away at a nightclub in Noumea. With a nod to local custom and an open mind, a trip to New Caledonia will be unforgettable.
Destination Facts
Capital: Noumea
President: Nicolas Sarkozy
High Commissioner: Yass Dassonville
President of the Government: Harold Martin
Government: French Overseas Territory, governed by France
Time zone: GMT +11
Area: 19000
Population: 222000
Languages: Roman Catholic (70%), Protestant (16%), indigenous beliefs, Muslim
Currency: CFP Franc (CFP)
Country Dialing Code: 687
Getting there
Go whenever you can seize the chance but for the best weather, festivals and sporting contests, make it between May and mid-December. For walking or trekking, narrow it down to the cold season, June to August, when water temperatures drop to 21 ° C (70 ° F) and the air is cooler. The Avocado Festival is held in mid to late-May, the three-day Foire de Bourail from late-August to early September, and the É quinoxe in October. If you're a diver, don't miss the riot of colour that accompanies the coral spawning in early summer. If you're nervous about cyclones or mosquitoes you might consider staying home between November and April.
Getting there and away
Major airlines that serve New Caledonia regularly include Aircalin (Air Cal é donie International), Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu. After the Japanese and the French, the majority of tourists come from Australia, so you can often get good deals out of Brisbane or Sydney. From Europe your best bet is to fly from France, or from the UK to eastern Australia where you can get a reasonable fare to New Caledonia. The major North American west coast departure points are San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver. All international airlines land at Tontouta International Airport, 45km (28mi) northwest of Noumea. Noumea is the main official port of entry for yachts. The others are We on Lifou in the Loyalty Islands and Hiengh è ne; the peak season for arrivals is August to October. All cruise ships dock in Baie de la Moselle, Noumea's natural, deepwater harbour. They also drop anchor at various spots around New Caledonia so passengers can spend a day on the beach.
Getting around
Air Cal é donie domestic services serve several towns on Grande Terre, each of the Loyalty Islands and Î le des Pins. You can also charter private planes and helicopters. The road network on Grande Terre is extensive and all the main roads are sealed, and nearly every major town or large village is connected by bus, leaving from Noumea's bus station (gare routi è re). Car rental companies are based in Noumea, Î le des Pins and on each of the Loyalty Islands. Their rates are reasonable(from 3000 per day) and none will rent to anyone under 21. Animals and pedestrians on secondary roads can make driving hazardous in some areas, particularly at night. There is also a ferry service between Noumea and the Loyalty Islands and Î le des Pins.
Visa:
Only citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the USA can enter without a visa, and can stay for between 30 and 90 days (Japanese and US citizens can only stay for one month). Everyone else needs to apply for a visa at a French embassy or consulate before they arrive.
Weather
New Caledonia is at its glorious best from May to mid-December. The wet season (mid-December to mid-April) brings higher temperatures, heavier rains, mosquitos and the occasional tropical cyclone. Rainfall is generally a bit heavier between February and May. Around the middle of the year, temperatures drop by about 5° C (10° F) each way and the rain eases off. The prevailing winds throughout the year are from the southeast (the famous Southeast Trade Winds of sailing ship days), bringing sunny days and cool nights. However, in the wet season the winds are more variable.
Places of Interest
Options for travellers in New Caledonia are vast, from diving on pristine reefs to dining out à la fran ç ais, from trekking in unspoilt rainforest to partying the night away at a nightclub in Noumea. With a nod to local custom and an open mind, a trip to New Caledonia will be unforgettable.
Both adventurers and sophisticates will find plenty to do. Options for travellers in New Caledonia are vast, from diving on pristine reefs to dining out à la fran ç ais, from trekking in unspoilt rainforest to partying the night away at a nightclub in Noumea. With a nod to local custom and an open mind, a trip to New Caledonia will be unforgettable.
Destination Facts
Capital: Noumea
President: Nicolas Sarkozy
High Commissioner: Yass Dassonville
President of the Government: Harold Martin
Government: French Overseas Territory, governed by France
Time zone: GMT +11
Area: 19000
Population: 222000
Languages: Roman Catholic (70%), Protestant (16%), indigenous beliefs, Muslim
Currency: CFP Franc (CFP)
Country Dialing Code: 687
Getting there
Go whenever you can seize the chance but for the best weather, festivals and sporting contests, make it between May and mid-December. For walking or trekking, narrow it down to the cold season, June to August, when water temperatures drop to 21 ° C (70 ° F) and the air is cooler. The Avocado Festival is held in mid to late-May, the three-day Foire de Bourail from late-August to early September, and the É quinoxe in October. If you're a diver, don't miss the riot of colour that accompanies the coral spawning in early summer. If you're nervous about cyclones or mosquitoes you might consider staying home between November and April.
Getting there and away
Major airlines that serve New Caledonia regularly include Aircalin (Air Cal é donie International), Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu. After the Japanese and the French, the majority of tourists come from Australia, so you can often get good deals out of Brisbane or Sydney. From Europe your best bet is to fly from France, or from the UK to eastern Australia where you can get a reasonable fare to New Caledonia. The major North American west coast departure points are San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver. All international airlines land at Tontouta International Airport, 45km (28mi) northwest of Noumea. Noumea is the main official port of entry for yachts. The others are We on Lifou in the Loyalty Islands and Hiengh è ne; the peak season for arrivals is August to October. All cruise ships dock in Baie de la Moselle, Noumea's natural, deepwater harbour. They also drop anchor at various spots around New Caledonia so passengers can spend a day on the beach.
Getting around
Air Cal é donie domestic services serve several towns on Grande Terre, each of the Loyalty Islands and Î le des Pins. You can also charter private planes and helicopters. The road network on Grande Terre is extensive and all the main roads are sealed, and nearly every major town or large village is connected by bus, leaving from Noumea's bus station (gare routi è re). Car rental companies are based in Noumea, Î le des Pins and on each of the Loyalty Islands. Their rates are reasonable(from 3000 per day) and none will rent to anyone under 21. Animals and pedestrians on secondary roads can make driving hazardous in some areas, particularly at night. There is also a ferry service between Noumea and the Loyalty Islands and Î le des Pins.
Visa:
Only citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the USA can enter without a visa, and can stay for between 30 and 90 days (Japanese and US citizens can only stay for one month). Everyone else needs to apply for a visa at a French embassy or consulate before they arrive.
Weather
New Caledonia is at its glorious best from May to mid-December. The wet season (mid-December to mid-April) brings higher temperatures, heavier rains, mosquitos and the occasional tropical cyclone. Rainfall is generally a bit heavier between February and May. Around the middle of the year, temperatures drop by about 5° C (10° F) each way and the rain eases off. The prevailing winds throughout the year are from the southeast (the famous Southeast Trade Winds of sailing ship days), bringing sunny days and cool nights. However, in the wet season the winds are more variable.
Places of Interest
Options for travellers in New Caledonia are vast, from diving on pristine reefs to dining out à la fran ç ais, from trekking in unspoilt rainforest to partying the night away at a nightclub in Noumea. With a nod to local custom and an open mind, a trip to New Caledonia will be unforgettable.
0 comments: