100% customisable travel idea
From Nouméa to the Isle of Pines An exceptional trip in New Caledonia
New Caledonia - Nouméa - Ouvéa - Bourail - Isle of Pines
Welcome to paradise
Your trip
New Caledonia provides the setting (and what a setting!), we choose the accommodation. And we choose the best. Hotels that are right on the waterfront with fabulous lagoons, swimming pools, spas and, of course, exceptional comfort and quality of service. Privacy can be found on the balcony of a suite with a view, on the private terrace of a beach bungalow... The accommodation is superb and always aims for the highest possible standard, from restaurants to the choice of pillows. Between swimming and relaxing, we have planned a few activities and excursions to help you discover each stop of your trip: a day exploring the colourful expanses of Blue River Provincial Park, a tour of the capital with a local resident. We also organise your travel between sites: private transfers, rental car and short flights, so you don't have to worry about a thing. And, in case something unexpected happens or if you have a sudden change of heart, you will have the contact details of our on-site Concierge, who you can contact throughout your trip.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
On arrival, a private transfer takes you to your accommodation in Anse Vata. Settle in for three nights just steps from the lagoon, accessible via a private path. Behind a facade adorned with balconies, the bright and airy suites promise restorative rest. They also feature kitchens - although those not keen to cook can enjoy a generous and delicious dining offer, with two on-site restaurants. These, as well as the two bars on site, open onto the lagoon or the garden dotted with colourful flowers. Between the inviting pool, gym, and spa area with indoor pool and massages, this hotel is a smooth landing.
A multicultural city, Nouméa blends Kanak, Polynesian, Asian and European roots. There is a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere here, felt in the parks and markets.
- On your itinerary - Nouméa through the eyes of a local. To get the most out of discovering the city, an appointment is arranged with someone who settled in the capital several years ago. Depending on each person’s preferences and the current schedule, we explore familiar sites in a new light and, above all, those that are hidden - except for those who know exactly where to look. An informal gathering, with no set agenda, marked by the sharing of anecdotes and lively discussions.
Things to see and do - Lose track of time on the beach, lulled by the sound of the wind in the coconut palms; visit the superb Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by architect Renzo Piano to showcase Kanak culture; explore the surroundings by mountain bike; savour delicious grilled fish while watching the sunset; and set off to discover the underwater wildlife, whether scuba diving or snorkelling.
Scheduled - Hiking in Blue River Provincial Park. A canvas of ochre, green and blue, interwoven. Accompanied by a guide, set off to discover this unique reserve that stretches over nearly 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres). A vast land where the calm waters of the lake meet wide wooded expanses, broken up by red dirt tracks. Further on, in the “drowned forest”, bleached swamp gum trunks emerge from Lake Yaté. The locals are as diverse as the surroundings, and with a bit of luck, you might spot New Caledonia’s iconic bird, the famous kagu. A wonderful day exploring the heart of exceptional indigenous landscapes.
Private transfer to the airport, then flight to Ouvéa. New transfer and check-in for three nights in a hotel that feels like paradise on earth - and by the sea. The expression “feet in the water” truly comes to life here, with a bungalow set directly on the sand. The interiors stand out for their elegance and simplicity, along with the ever-present use of wood, which blends perfectly with the natural tones throughout. From its private terrace, you can admire the unspoiled nature that brings you back to life’s simplest pleasures. At the restaurant set on the beach, enjoy freshly grilled fish straight from the water. The grains of sand tickle your toes, and the gentle breeze carries the fresh scent of sea air. Ouvéa’s philosophy - just go with the flow - is to be embraced without moderation.
A jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ouvéa lagoon, confident in its beauty, does not shy away from the gaze of curious travellers. The eye quickly adjusts to this permanent trio of colours - lagoon blue, sandy white and palm green - while the body instinctively falls into the island rhythm.
Things to see and do - Lounge on the fine sand; let the grains slip between the pages of your novel; meet the colourful fish beneath the surface; swim a few lengths in the pool; take a boat to explore the lagoon; drift towards the islands that rise on the horizon.
Transfer to the airport, then you have an inter-island flight to Nouméa, where you collect your rental car. Drive to Bourail and settle in for four nights at a hotel that subtly blends Melanesian tradition with French influence. With their charming traditional thatched roofs, the main buildings blend beautifully into the natural environment. This is the epitome of what holidays are all about. All around, the hills and plains of the protected Deva estate thrive. Opposite, the turquoise waters of the lagoon and its coral reef flourish. The large terrace of your spacious suite lets you make the most of this dream view. In addition to a large infinity pool, a beautiful spa and a fully equipped fitness area, the hotel appeals to golfers with its 18-hole course and breathtaking views of the lagoon.
In Bourail, the Caledonian Far West, life unfolds between sea and mountains on land where farming and livestock shape daily life - and are even celebrated in mid-August during a major fair. And because no Western would be complete without a rodeo and the requisite show of horsemanship, these also take place here. Nevertheless, the region boasts its share of idyllic beaches that delight swimmers, surfers, athletes and those seeking relaxation.
Optional - Visit to a farm in western New Caledonia.
Things to see and do - Take in the surroundings from the heights of the Deva estate; hop on a mountain bike to explore the region; grab your towel and head out to feel sand between your toes at Poé Beach; explore the various bays that unfold along the coast; watch niaouli leaves being distilled in a local workshop.
Optional - A hike in Grandes Fougères Park.
Drive to Nouméa airport, return the rental car, and take a short flight to the Isle of Pines. Transfer and check-in for four nights in your hotel on Oro Bay, the most beautiful bay on the island. Nestled in lush tropical vegetation on the edge of an idyllic beach, the site is truly exceptional. Here, paradise lies both in the landscape and in your bungalow with a view: a cosy interior blending local charm and modern comforts, a private terrace just for you, direct access to the lagoon, and the privacy of surroundings planted with palm trees. Spa, pool, beach and strolls set the pace of your days. You should not miss the walk to the “natural pool”, located just behind the accommodation.
This is one of the world’s most beautiful islands. A true Garden of Eden in Melanesia, the Isle of Pines is the most enchanting of the Pacific islands. Magical lagoons, radiant beaches, lush and abundant nature: its beauty is irresistible! It owes its name to Captain Cook, who marvelled at the pines covering it. Commonly known as “Kunié” by the Kanak people, the Isle of Pines delights fans of idyllic beaches.
Things to see and do - Sail along the lagoon; land on seemingly deserted islets; lose yourself in the pine forest; hike to the summit of Pic N’Ga; explore the island’s complex past among ruins overgrown with vegetation; enter a true underground world in Queen Hortense’s cave.
Optional - Upi Bay by dugout canoe.
Just a few more hours to enjoy this island with its scent of paradise - make the most of every minute you have left! Then, all too soon for your liking, the transfer takes you to the airport, where the flight to Nouméa awaits. Back on Grande-Terre, take a private transfer to your accommodation in Anse Vata - the very same place that welcomed you at your arrival in the country. The sadness of leaving the Isle of Pines is quickly forgotten, your bearings soon return, and after dropping your bags in the room, you (re)head to the lagoon with the self-assurance of a regular.
This is your last day in New Caledonia: a chance to explore the city centre with an energy that was missing on arrival. You can also buy last-minute souvenirs and quickly send some traditional postcards. Saying goodbye to such a paradise feels impossible, but a spa treatment or one last drink at the hotel bar might make the transition a little easier. In the evening, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your international return flight. Departure at night and arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Visit a farm in western New Caledonia
With its vast landscapes dotted with livestock farms, there's no doubt that the west coast of Grande Terre has a Wild West feel to it. What better way to discover this agriculture than to spend a few hours on a farm? This one is run by a welcoming couple. On the property, which covers more than a hundred hectares, the day unfolds calmly: meeting one another over coffee, taking a tour of the facilities, meeting the cattle and horses, discovering the local flora and fauna, and having a chat at the end over a drink in a tree house. All this is punctuated by a delicious local barbecue, with marinated deer and seasonal vegetables on the menu.
Hiking in the Great Ferns park
The green lung of southern New Caledonia, the site covers 4,535 hectares of rainforest. With its braided trunk stretching lazily before blossoming into a green parasol, the star of the show is obviously the tree fern, of which there are 200 subspecies in the park. However, the park is also home to many other species within its thousands of hectares, 70% of which are occupied by endemic species. Accompanied by a certified Melanesian guide, you will discover which ones are used for medicine or construction, as well as different aspects of the local culture which is closely intertwined with the elements present in these places.
Upi Bay by pirogue
Nestled between the Oro Bay and Kôtomo Island, Upi Bay has something magical about it. So as not to disturb the forces at work here, you peacefully cut through the waves in a pirogue, the traditional means of transport for Kanak fishermen. The water is so translucent that the oar seems to sink into the air rather than the water. Suddenly, you reach a natural pool carved out of the coral. The pine trees standing proudly around the pool seem to invite you into this sacred water. So you quickly join the fish that are swimming beneath the surface.
Why visit New Caledonia with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to New Caledonia
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
