| cotswolds16:08 UTC16 Apr 2007 | Dear Travellers,
We are planning to spend 18 days in New Caledonia this July: 3 and a half days on Maré, nearly 2 full days on Ouvéa, 3 full days on Ile des Pins and 5 and a half days on Grand Terre with a rental car. Are we allowing enough time for Ouvéa and are we staying too long on Maré? This is our first trip to N.C.. We'd be very grateful for your suggestions.
What kind of reputation has Air Calédonie got? Are they safe? Reliable?
Thanks so much!
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| Laszlo00:00 UTC17 Apr 2007 | I wouldn't call 3 and half days "too long" for any of those places, but maybe Ouvea would deserve longer than the tiny Isle of Pines...
It all depends on yur priorities though.
None of the outer islands have much in the way of "sights", they are more about relaxing.
I would personally allow longer on Grande Terre by visiting fewer islands - in fact that's what I actually did myself.
But then I am more of an active type - like hiking, exploring, etc...
Whatever the reputation of AC, it's the only option to visit all those places in such a short time, I believe.
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| tropicgirl05:26 UTC17 Apr 2007 | I haven't been to Mare so I can't help you out there.
I think 3 days in Isle des Pins is a good length of time - 1 day to lounge at Kuto and Kanumera Beaches; 1 day to take the pirogue out to the Baie D'Upi, and end up at the Baie D'Oro to go snorkelling at la piscine naturelle (which is like snorkelling in a tropical aquarium) & have langouste grille (grilled lobster) at the Restaurant Le Kougny overlooking the lagoon with your feet in the sand and 1 day to do a round trip in a hire car/scooter of the island stopping off at the Grotte de la Reine Hortense (Queen Hortense's cave); the old prison ruins; deportees cemetary. There's very little traffic so a scooter might be a good option.
I would probably consider spending a little bit more time on Ouvea - the beach at Mouli is breathtaking and you will want to spend the day there, so that will already swallow one day.
I second Lazslo's suggestion to spend more time on Grand Terre especially if you will have a rental car. The north east coast of New Caledonia - particularly the drive up to Hienghene is nothing short of spectacular. The road hugs the coastline and you have waterfalls that tumble by the side of the road and little stalls dotted up and down the road selling tropical fruit, carvings, even some cakes.
The drive up to and including a couple of days in Hienghene would take about 5 days. I have not been but I understand that the Parc Provencal de la Riviere Bleue is a worthwhile day trip with all it's native flora and fauna.
I would also consider spending some time in Noumea itself although I don't recommend driving in Noumea itself. It is truly harrowing. I honestly believe that the drivers in New Caledonia are worse than the Italians and that's really saying something.
As everything In Noumea is within comfortable distance you can get everywhere by bus. The Phar Amedee is a great day out; 1 day wandering around the centre of Noumea itself; the Marchee Municipale on a Saturday is a must and Baie Des Citrons beach is a great way to wile away a few hours.
For 18 days I would seriously recommend this itinerary (not necessarily in this order):
3 full days Isle des Pins
3 full days Ouvea
3 full days in Noumea
5 days driving to/from Hienghene & spending a couple of days there
1 day Parc Provincal
If you really have your heart set on Mare; then you could probably cut out a full day in Noumea and either the Parc Provencal or 1 day to/from Hienghene but be aware that Hienghene is 5 hours drive from Noumea so factor that in accordingly.
I have flown Air Caledonie many times and it is a VERY safe airline. I have never experienced any problems whatsoever (and I am a very nervous passenger). The French Government sponsors many many things in New Caledonia including things connected with tourism; so those planes are regularly serviced and maintained and the pilots are of a high calibre.
Good luck.
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