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New Caledonia

Where Mediterranean vibes mingle with Melanesian warmth

Where French flair meets Pacific paradise

Only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Auckland, New Caledonia effortlessly blends chic French sophistication with mellow South Pacific charm. Step off the plane and you'll instantly feel the allure.

Noumea, the stylish capital at the southern tip of Grande Terre, feels remarkably like the French Riviera. Wander charming streets lined with boutiques, pâtisseries, cheese shops, and bustling cafés, visit the Latin Quarter or explore historic districts like Vallée du Tir, and you'll swear you've landed in France.

Just minutes away are the luxurious beachside resorts of Anse Vata, overlooking the world’s largest lagoon, teeming with colourful tropical fish, rare turtles, and even the gentle dugong. Beyond Noumea, Grande Terre unfolds into forests, mountains, and grassy plains just waiting to be explored.

But don't stop there. Relax on the idyllic Isle of Pines, known as the "jewel of the Pacific," or escape to the tranquil Loyalty Islands of Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa, where white sands, turquoise waters, and serene beauty redefine relaxation.

For your perfect New Caledonian adventure: embrace Noumea’s chic city charm, unwind in Anse Vata’s resorts, then let it all go on a dreamy outer island. Bliss!

Chat to one of our travel specialists today!

Flight time

2.5 hours from Auckland to Noumea, 3 hours and 26 minutes from Wellington to Noumea and 3 hours and 41 minutes from Christchurch to Noumea.

Best time to go

The best time to visit New Caledonia is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. This period also aligns with the whale-watching season from July to September. The wet season from November to April brings higher humidity and occasional storms.

Time difference

New Zealand is 1 hour ahead of New Caledonia.

Our New Caledonia travel blogs

Top snorkelling spots in the Pacific Islands

Beneath the clear aqua seas lies a snorkeller’s paradise of unbelievable underwater visibility, a stunning array of marine life, bright coral and dramatic caverns.

Which Pacific Island is right for you?

So many islands, so little time! With turquoise lagoons, sun-drenched beaches and resorts built for bliss, every island on our doorstep offers its own slice of paradise.

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

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"Trudi was very prompt in getting back to us when we emailed her with our enquiry about a trip to Aitutaki. She sent us our itinerary with a quote within a day and all email correspondence was clear and concise. She has the knowledge to answer any questions we had and all replies to our emails were very prompt. There is absolutely doubt we will use Trudi to arrange future travel."

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Meet our New Caledonia specialists

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Ellie Gallagher

House of Travel Hobsonville

Working within the Travel industry was always my dream, I'm passionate about experiencing different cultures and immersing ourselves in history; it broadens the mind. I look forward to connecting with you, and being a part of your next adventure.

Ellie

Shelley Rich

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!

I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.

Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.

Many of my clients have become life long friends.

Shelley

Melanie Hubber

House of Travel Ferrymead

I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future.

My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.

I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years.

I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday.

Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination.

I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone.

Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for.

Mel