Back

New Caledonia

Mediterranean meets mellow Melanesia

NEW CALEDONIA

An intoxicating blend of South Pacific idyll and French sophistication is waiting just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Auckland. New Caledonia is like nowhere else in the Pacific – and as soon as you set foot there, you’ll appreciate the source of its very special charm: Mediterranean meets mellow Melanesia. The capital, Noumea, occupies the southern tip of the main island, Grande Terre, with beautiful bays on both sides. It’s sophisticated yet casual and you won’t find anywhere else on earth quite so similar to the French Riviera. The atmosphere in this little city is pure Gallic, with boutiques, patisseries, cheese shops and restaurants lining quaint streets and squares. Explore the Latin Quarter and the old districts of the Vallee du Tir and Vallee des Colons – and you could be in France.

Just outside the town, on the shores of the world’s largest lagoon, are the stylish resorts of Anse Vata. The lagoon itself is home to a myriad of tropical fish as well as the endangered dugong and rare turtles – a visit to the National Aquarium will give you an insight into this remarkable underwater world. Venture further afield and you’ll find a surprising variety of landscapes on Grande Terre: forests, mountains and wide, grassy plains. And, of course, there’s more to New Caledonia than just one island. The Ile des Pins (Isle of Pines) is a dreamlike paradise on the Tropic of Capricorn and the tranquil, unspoilt Loyalty Islands – Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa – are simply exquisite. If you want to lose yourself in relaxation, these are the places to go.

So, for the ideal New Caledonian experience… give yourself time to explore the chic town of Noumea, time to enjoy the resort life of Anse Vata and round it off with time all to yourself on a magical outer island. Perfection!

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 & Pacific Islands travel blogs

Fiji first timers guide

Whether you’re planning your first holiday to Fiji or your tenth, Fiji warms the heart and feeds the soul with a diversity of experiences catering for all tastes and ages.

Sail and snorkel the idyllic Fiji Islands

Fiji

5 things that will surprise you in Niue

If you thought giants were the product of children’s tales, Niue might just surprise you. Niue is one of the world’s smallest independent nations, and yet it’s home to some of Earth's most enormous inhabitants.

Niue: The Pacific's best kept secret

It's a tiny oasis with intimate appeal, with only one resort and a constellation of small self-catering motels. The island is so small that when you arrive at this inviting South Seas retreat, the flight is likely to be met by a welcome party of locals who are eager for you to enjoy an authentic island stay.

7 reasons a beach holiday is actually good for you

Ready for the Best. Holiday. Ever! You’re physically and mentally better off after trading your smartphone for a little sand and sun. Here’s the proof.

Top things to do in the islands of Tahiti

Here are some of our favourite things to do once you've arrived in paradise.

7 of our favourite overwater bungalows

It’s easy to find yourself dreaming about an overwater bungalow stay — the hard part is picking one! Here are our top picks for the most incredible overwater bungalows around the globe!

Tahiti for every budget

Find out how to make the most of your trip to this tropical paradise while keeping costs in check! Here are our best tips for not breaking the bank!

Tahiti's best overwater bungalows

Here are some of our favourite overwater bungalow stays handpicked by our House of Travel Tahiti travel specialists.

The top 5 South Pacific beaches

Somewhere tropical…somewhere warm, where the waves crash on the white sand beaches and afternoons are spent lazing in warm waters, cocktail in hand. Here are a few of our favourite beaches.

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.

Take on Vanuatu with the kids in tow

Vanuatu is positively paradise, with a culture so welcoming you’ll feel like family almost the moment you arrive. What’s more, it’s a perfect place for the kids! Here’s how to make the most of it with your tiny travellers.

8 ways to spend your Samoa holiday

Here are our top 6 ways to enjoy both relaxing indulgence and exciting adventures on your next Samoa holiday.

Where to stay on Aitutaki

Whether you’re after romance or relaxation, this island paradise has the perfect spot for you. Here are the best places to stay for your magical Aitutaki getaway!

6 Cook Island activities that aren't sunbathing

There's so much more to do in this archipelago than simply soak up the sun.

Which island is right for you?

With so many stunning islands in the Pacific, choosing the right one for your next holiday can feel overwhelming.

3 spectacular swimming spots in Samoa

The islands of Samoa have several incredible swimming spots, from waterfalls to cave pools to trenches

Things to see and do in Rarotonga

It's tempting to drift into island time and linger poolside, but if you want to leave the lounger, Rarotonga has heaps to offer!

Top 5 family destinations in the Pacific Islands

The best family destinations offer family-friendly facilities, great kids clubs, babysitting services and spacious family accommodation so that you get a holiday that is as relaxing for you as it is exciting for the kids.

Find your perfect island escape in the Cook Islands

A journey to the Cook Islands is the perfect island escape. Relaxation, romance, family fun and adventure… you can have it all in this tropical paradise!

Your quick guide to family holidays in Fiji

Here are our favourite resorts for families—every one offering an unforgettable holiday for travellers of all ages.

6 Of Fiji's Most Incredible Luxury Resorts

Here are six unparalleled escapes close to home in Fiji. There’s no time like now!

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

"Nicole was incredible at helping us figure out what was possible for us and our holiday (because we weren't sure when we initially came in) and her enthusiasm was amazing ??"

Paige

"I Firstly gave her incorrect information, and based on that she created a full itinerary for me only for me to change all details. She was so professional and friendly and within a few hours had rejigged everything which was quite perfect. She was brilliant!"

Fiona

"Her knowledge, her ability to meet my expectations and all round generally so helpful and friendly"

Georgie

See all reviews

Meet our New Caledonia specialists

See all

Penni McDonald

House of Travel Auckland City

As the stores resident cruise specialist without a doubt my favorite way to travel is by ship.

11 cruises so far & inspections of a further 20+ ships.

River cruises on the Nile, Danube & Rhone.

Ocean cruises in the South Pacific, Caribbean & NZ.

Penni

Laura Hutchins

House of Travel Upper Riccarton

I am very passionate about travel that can immerse us into the cultures of the country we visit.

Being sustainable and giving back to these communities whilst we travel is so important to me and I have many tips and experiences to help do this on all holidays.

Laura

Antony Boomer

House of Travel Dunedin

I have been in the travel industry since 1987 as a tour leader, travel advisor, traveler visiting the globe, and now Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City.

My travels have encompassed 105 countries initially using all forms of transport from a double decker bus around Europe to rickshaws in Asia to horses in the Middle East and dugout canoes in Central Africa with camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles in-between.

I am more than willing to travel in a lot more comfort these days visiting the Pacific, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, USA, Cayman Islands, Zimbabwe, Turkiye and Malta in recent years.

I believe the transition is similar for people of my generation who still yearn to visit anywhere and everywhere but enjoy a bit, or a lot, more luxury. As such I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the whole spectrum of travel options and regularly come up with solutions to the most complex of travel plans.

Tony

Olivia Whiteside Jenkins

House of Travel Riccarton

For as long as I can remember, travel has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up travelling multiple times a year, so it's no surprise I chose a career in the travel industry to carry this on in my adult life!

My love of travelling and experiencing different cultures is what drives me to create bespoke travel itineraries for all of my clients. I truly believe that travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.

I have explored various parts of the world along with our own backyard and will continue to do this to not only fulfil my desire to travel more but also to advance my knowledge of locations that may be of interest to my clients.

Excelling your needs, wants and expectations before, during and after travel is my main priority. I would love to create a truly amazing trip and memories that will last you a lifetime!

Olivia