Driving in New Caledonia

Hi... I have a short stopover in Noumea on my way to Australia and I have reserved a rental car when I fly in (around 11pm at night). How safe is it to drive at night and will I get hopelessly lost or run into wildlife? (both of which I have unfortunately accomplished while driving in remote areas!!) I was planning to head straight for Hienghene upon arrival and then spend the next two days driving back from Hienghene via Bourail back to Noumea. Any suggestions are welcome regarding must-see sights on the way - or anything else about the drive, safety, logistics, road conditions etc. Ciao

I've done the drive several times during the day and once at night (via bus)... I'd avoid the night as the journey is likely to take 2x as long... lots of wild life, people wandering close to the road and occasional drunk drivers (common in NC unfortunately). Plus you'll also miss the amazing scenery.
A much better suggestion would be to get some accomodation near the airport or Bourail (not a difficult drive at night), then leave early in the morning. That way you could take your time and enjoy the scenery. The road gets difficult after Bourail and the mountain crossing is notorious.. if it's been raining there's always the chance you'll get stuck = not very fun at night.
Another idea might be to the island 'loop'.. head up to Hienghene then continue up the coast and cross over to the west side at Poum. Then head back to Noumea via Koumac / Voh / Bourail. The west side highway is much flatter but you can travel 2x as fast and it's an easy drive.

Hope this helps.

Lots of wildlife???
Matt, could you please tell me where and what?
I tend to look out for that but saw none (other than birds) in NC.

Getting lost is unlikely too, as there are not that many roads to start with, and they are very well signposted by tropical standards.

The road crossing the mountains between Kone and the east coast between Poindimie and Touho was very beautiful.

"Getting lost is unlikely too, as there are not that many roads to start with, and they are very well signposted by tropical standards." - we did the drive by day and still got lost a couple of times !

I suggest staying the night somewhere en route from the airport nearby - eg one of the 2 or 3 places near the airport or maybe the Resort (golf club?) at Boulouparis, some 20km away.

The thought of arriving at 11pm, after many hours flying, clearing customs/immigration, collectibng a rental car and then driving 4 hours in unfamiliar surrounds , seems so pointless

Mandja, you must be like my Mum! :-)
I can't imagine getting lost on the road to Hienghene - probably the most important one in NC.

Yeah- Im probably her age too.