Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# One day visit Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / New Caledonia
mysticview32 04:29 UTC 22 Aug 2007 | We are going to be in Noumea for 1 day on a cruise with 2 children aged 6 & 8 Very special holiday on a limited budget. There will be 6 people in our group. It would be good to rent a car but I can only find small ones for hire and this is expensive. Has anyone any sugestions of suitable places to visit. Would anyone know the price of the mini train. Is it worth atrip to look around. What is the public transport like? I think this is a way to meet the locals. Is much English spoken by the locals. We are open to any sugestions. Thanks Mystic |
mandja 05:14 UTC 22 Aug 2007 | Car hire in Noumea is not much dearer than in Australia. or a one day trip to Noumea I wouldnt bother though.The cruise ships dock right in town and it is pleasant to walk around. visit the nearby market for breakfast ( ilove the cafe there). I dont know the cost of the Little Train, but it isnt too expensive and is not a bad way to see the place for a one day visit. Here is a link to some ideas. Anse Vata is the main beach with Duck Island just off the beach a great place for water sports. The Cultural centre (15 min taxi ride away ) is well worth strolling around, with its lovely gardens and striking architecture. | 1
mandja 05:15 UTC 22 Aug 2007 | Some English is spoken especially in shops etc but French is very dominant. Its fun trying to communicate. You get a taste of "being in Paris" | 2
shameboy 08:12 UTC 24 Aug 2007 | There's enough to keep yourself busy, as long as it isn't Sunday, where everything outside Anse Vata and Baie Des Citrons closes down, and I mean everything. There are several museums, I second the market recommendation, and it's 200 XPF on the bus to Anse Vata. I also quite enjoyed the Tjibaou cultural centre. Have a look at this page if you want some more ideas.Noumea | 3
bribra 16:57 UTC 14 Sep 2007 | Don' count on being able to speak English to the locals, most people only speak French. Public transport is quite good but you need prepaid tickets or coins. If you just have one day with 2 kids I'd suggest spending that on the beach and walking round the centre of town or taking the Petit Train which the children would probably enjoy. | 4