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Southern Province Hotels & Resorts
Home » Hotels & Resorts » Pacific Island » New Caledonia » Southern Province
Below you will find our current pick of the best Southern Province hotels & resorts to book, as well as an insider guide to everything from restaurants and bars to picnics and hire cars.
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Guide to New Caledonia
Venture to the biggest lagoon in the world with its breathtaking coral and marine life, that is now on the UNESCO world heritage list. Or hit the shops for designer labels and chic fashions. In harmony with the Melanesian culture, the French have brought European style and elegance to New Caledonia. The 'French ambience' is described by many as a taste of France in the South Pacific. This is the romance of New Caledonia.
Capital & Major Centres
Noumea, New Caledonia's only city, is the place where most people start their New Caledonian experience. Fringed by numerous coves and bays, some deep enough for anchorage, it was originally called Port de France, but was renamed Noumea in 1866. From the delights of the colonial layout of downtown, to the local museum with its Melanesian theme, you will never tire of the sights in Noumea. Tontouta International airport is around 45 minutes north and Magenta Domestic airport is just a few minutes drive from the city centre.
The mainland, known as 'Grande Terre', is the main island of New Caledonia and offers a diverse range of scenery, sights and activities. It covers a 400-kilometre long area from north to south and is 50 kilometres wide from west to east. South and east of the mainland lie the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands of Mare, Lifou, Ouvea and Tiga – little jewels of the Pacific with all the features and charm of the South Seas. Tranquil bays around a turquoise-blue expanse of sea blend with white sandy beaches to create a vision of paradise.
The People
The population of 231,000 is predominantly Melanesian and European, with small groups of Wallisians, Tahitians, Indonesians and Vietnamese. The official language is French. There are about 30 different Melanesian languages, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist industry.
History
On September 4, 1774 Captain James Cook arrived in New Caledonia which he named because the mountains in the Balade area where he anchored, reminded him of Scotland. Eighteen years later Frenchman Bruny d'Entrecasteaux, while searching for the missing navigator La Perouse, stopped at Balade and the Isle of Pines.
The Loyalty Islands were explored in 1827 by Dumont d'Urville, who mapped the archipelago in 1840. The first settlers here were English missionaries and in 1843 the first French missionaries settled at Balade where, on September 24, 1853 Admiral Fébvrier Despointe took official possession of New Caledonia, by order of Napoleon III. In 1862, Admiral Guillain became governor and established a penal settlement for convicts and political prisoners. In 1957 New Caledonia became a French Overseas Territory.
Nature
The animal life consists of many species, some of which are not found elsewhere. The Cagou (a flightless bird which is New Caledonia's symbol), the Green Pigeon, the Crested Parrot and the Flying Fox are in abundance, as well as wild pigs and deer which inhabit the bush and mountains.
The coast is bordered by beaches of golden sand with occasional stretches of mangrove forests. On the eastern coast are coconut palms and luxuriant vegetation, abundant flowers, numerous streams and waterfalls. On the west, the majestic gum tree savanna and deep valleys are coated with dense forests.
There is a sharp contrast in vegetation in the south for it has an abundance of high pine trees known as Pins Colonnaires or Cook Pines. In the north there are vast areas of flat plains. More than 3000 species of plants have been classified, many of which are endemic to the territory. The eucalyptus is unique to the area and widespread throughout the main island, as are the kaoris, bougainvilleas and banyans.
The Sights
At the centre of the city in Noumea is the Place des Cocotiers, an attractive gardened square surrounded by numerous streets with interesting shops. One of the highlights of any visit is the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. There is also the Parc Forestier (botanical and zoological garden) and the Noumea Aquarium – world renowned for its fluorescent corals and nautilus. Discover the markets or lunch in an outdoor café.
The long beaches at Baie des Citrons or Anse Vata are great places to relax, and go windsurfing, snorkelling or diving. Enjoy a game of golf at Tina International 18-hole golf course situated only 10 minutes from Anse Vata. A good way to start your holiday is to take a short city tour by coach or tourist train. Just a short drive away and in total contrast, you can explore the unspoiled bushlands and other sights such as the Provincial Park of the Blue River or the Mont Koghi forest.
New Caledonia has a good road network. The mainland is divided by the central mountain range creating a tropical east and dry west, a land of stockmen and rodeos where extensive stockfarming is predominant. This is a surprising province with its Farino market, treks in Mount Koghi, Bourail with its museum, Turtle Bay and the Pierced Rock, the beach of Poe and excursions on horseback organised at La Foa, Boulouparis, Koné and Koumac. There are fascinating diving tours from Nouméa, Boulouparis, Bourail, Népoui, Mont-Dore, Yaté, Hienghène and Poindimié.
The east coast is a tropical adventure with its abundant vegetation, wide rivers, spectacular waterfalls, coconut groves and coffee plantations. Don't miss a visit to Hienghène (a cultural centre with strange rocky formations shaped like a 'brooding hen') from where some excursions are recommended such as diving tours, canoe kayak and horseriding.
Many other events are organised all year round such as sporting competitions and raids, golf tournaments, horse races and rodeos, cricket matches and agricultural shows. Detailed information can be obtained from the local tourist offices.
CLIMATE
Tropical, tempered by the surrounding ocean and southeast trade winds. Wet season is December to March.
CLOTHING
Light casual clothes, some topless bathing on beaches in Noumea.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts.
TIME ZONE
GMT +11 hrs. AEST +1 hour.
CURRENCY
French Pacific Franc (CFP). Most shops and hotels accept all major credit cards. Tips are accepted but not required.
VISAS & HEALTH
An onward ticket is required, as is a visa for all visitors except French citizens and people from EEC countries, USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
GETTING THERE
Aircalin, Air France, Air Vanuatu, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Domestic
Air Caledonie flies daily to the Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands, as well as regularly flying to the east and west coasts.
Capital & Major Centres
Noumea, New Caledonia's only city, is the place where most people start their New Caledonian experience. Fringed by numerous coves and bays, some deep enough for anchorage, it was originally called Port de France, but was renamed Noumea in 1866. From the delights of the colonial layout of downtown, to the local museum with its Melanesian theme, you will never tire of the sights in Noumea. Tontouta International airport is around 45 minutes north and Magenta Domestic airport is just a few minutes drive from the city centre.
The mainland, known as 'Grande Terre', is the main island of New Caledonia and offers a diverse range of scenery, sights and activities. It covers a 400-kilometre long area from north to south and is 50 kilometres wide from west to east. South and east of the mainland lie the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands of Mare, Lifou, Ouvea and Tiga – little jewels of the Pacific with all the features and charm of the South Seas. Tranquil bays around a turquoise-blue expanse of sea blend with white sandy beaches to create a vision of paradise.
The People
The population of 231,000 is predominantly Melanesian and European, with small groups of Wallisians, Tahitians, Indonesians and Vietnamese. The official language is French. There are about 30 different Melanesian languages, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist industry.
History
On September 4, 1774 Captain James Cook arrived in New Caledonia which he named because the mountains in the Balade area where he anchored, reminded him of Scotland. Eighteen years later Frenchman Bruny d'Entrecasteaux, while searching for the missing navigator La Perouse, stopped at Balade and the Isle of Pines.
The Loyalty Islands were explored in 1827 by Dumont d'Urville, who mapped the archipelago in 1840. The first settlers here were English missionaries and in 1843 the first French missionaries settled at Balade where, on September 24, 1853 Admiral Fébvrier Despointe took official possession of New Caledonia, by order of Napoleon III. In 1862, Admiral Guillain became governor and established a penal settlement for convicts and political prisoners. In 1957 New Caledonia became a French Overseas Territory.
Nature
The animal life consists of many species, some of which are not found elsewhere. The Cagou (a flightless bird which is New Caledonia's symbol), the Green Pigeon, the Crested Parrot and the Flying Fox are in abundance, as well as wild pigs and deer which inhabit the bush and mountains.
The coast is bordered by beaches of golden sand with occasional stretches of mangrove forests. On the eastern coast are coconut palms and luxuriant vegetation, abundant flowers, numerous streams and waterfalls. On the west, the majestic gum tree savanna and deep valleys are coated with dense forests.
There is a sharp contrast in vegetation in the south for it has an abundance of high pine trees known as Pins Colonnaires or Cook Pines. In the north there are vast areas of flat plains. More than 3000 species of plants have been classified, many of which are endemic to the territory. The eucalyptus is unique to the area and widespread throughout the main island, as are the kaoris, bougainvilleas and banyans.
The Sights
At the centre of the city in Noumea is the Place des Cocotiers, an attractive gardened square surrounded by numerous streets with interesting shops. One of the highlights of any visit is the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. There is also the Parc Forestier (botanical and zoological garden) and the Noumea Aquarium – world renowned for its fluorescent corals and nautilus. Discover the markets or lunch in an outdoor café.
The long beaches at Baie des Citrons or Anse Vata are great places to relax, and go windsurfing, snorkelling or diving. Enjoy a game of golf at Tina International 18-hole golf course situated only 10 minutes from Anse Vata. A good way to start your holiday is to take a short city tour by coach or tourist train. Just a short drive away and in total contrast, you can explore the unspoiled bushlands and other sights such as the Provincial Park of the Blue River or the Mont Koghi forest.
New Caledonia has a good road network. The mainland is divided by the central mountain range creating a tropical east and dry west, a land of stockmen and rodeos where extensive stockfarming is predominant. This is a surprising province with its Farino market, treks in Mount Koghi, Bourail with its museum, Turtle Bay and the Pierced Rock, the beach of Poe and excursions on horseback organised at La Foa, Boulouparis, Koné and Koumac. There are fascinating diving tours from Nouméa, Boulouparis, Bourail, Népoui, Mont-Dore, Yaté, Hienghène and Poindimié.
The east coast is a tropical adventure with its abundant vegetation, wide rivers, spectacular waterfalls, coconut groves and coffee plantations. Don't miss a visit to Hienghène (a cultural centre with strange rocky formations shaped like a 'brooding hen') from where some excursions are recommended such as diving tours, canoe kayak and horseriding.
Many other events are organised all year round such as sporting competitions and raids, golf tournaments, horse races and rodeos, cricket matches and agricultural shows. Detailed information can be obtained from the local tourist offices.
CLIMATE
Tropical, tempered by the surrounding ocean and southeast trade winds. Wet season is December to March.
CLOTHING
Light casual clothes, some topless bathing on beaches in Noumea.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts.
TIME ZONE
GMT +11 hrs. AEST +1 hour.
CURRENCY
French Pacific Franc (CFP). Most shops and hotels accept all major credit cards. Tips are accepted but not required.
VISAS & HEALTH
An onward ticket is required, as is a visa for all visitors except French citizens and people from EEC countries, USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
GETTING THERE
Aircalin, Air France, Air Vanuatu, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Domestic
Air Caledonie flies daily to the Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands, as well as regularly flying to the east and west coasts.