holiday in new caledonia-planning

hi,
This seems to be a little-visited twig.
We are planning a holiday to New Caledonia in Nov/Dec probably for about 3 weeks. We would like to explore, snorkel, maybe do some walks and look at unique flora, but mainly try to have a bit of personal contact with the locals. One of the main aims, and the reason for choosing New Caledonia at this time is to help my 15 year old daughter with her French.
I am thinking a few days in Noumea, probably one of the Loyalties (which one?), the northeast coast and the Isle of pines.
Any recommendations for sights, accommodation, friendly locals,, great meals etc? We are considering maybe doing some camping, (although the logistics are always a bit tricky) staying in gites but we aren't on a backpacker budget. I am aware that NC is not a budget destination.
Thanks

In some parts of New Caledonia, especially the Kanak-dominated North-East of Grande Terre, campsites can be the only accomodation option, and are mainly used by local French, not backpackers. There are almost no backpackers travelling in NC!
To camp you need your own tent though.

The Loyalties and the Isle of Pines are the most touristy parts of the territory outside Noumea, so on all those you will get a range of accomodation. They are very very very beautiful, but if unique flora and more personal contact is a priority, I would stringly recommend spending some time in the North-East of Grande Terre too.
Mount Panié there has the most impressive native vegetation in NC, and near Hienghéne you can also stay in remoter Kanak villages that should provide the best cultural immersion and French practice possible.
Another good place for native flora and fauna is the Riviére Bleau Park in the South.

I agree with Laszlo about Noumea and Isles of Pines. I wouldve thought though that Highengene was in the far North WEST not North East.

Laszlo, the OP says that they are NOT on a camping budget, so Gites are ideal eg Gite Nataiwatch on Isles of Pines (and Gite Ka waboana or even better Club Med Lonoue in Highengene (it is very UNLIKE other Club Meds). Also check out this website.see here)

Oops - the links got mixed - here for Isles of Pines)

and here for Highengene)

Martin, the OP did say "We ARE considering maybe doing some camping".

Hienghiéne is in the North-East - check any guidebook.
What is considered North-West is Koné, Koumac, etc - the northern half of the western side of Grande Terre (facing AU).

Technically, per the guide books, Laszlo, you are right that Highengene is considered to be North East , yet it really is on the western half of Grande Terre,. Go figure.

Hi,

In Noumea itself a good place to stay is the Casa Del Sole Apartments across the road from la Baie des Citrons beach. It is in the mid range price category and well located for restaurants, reasonably priced snacks, an internet cafe, the bus stop into town.

Take the Mary D out to the Phar Amedee (light house island) for the day. Not a cheap day out but a fun full one. You will be at a protectde marine reserve where you can snorkel, go glass bottom boating, partake in a buffet and then watch a polynesian show.

On the Isle of Pines, Gite Nataiwatch is a good option. Another one is Gite Kuberka. The Gite Kuberka works out to be about $100 AUD per night. Take the pirogue trip (outrigger canoe) out to the Baie D'Upi after which you walk through a forest, wade through a stream and end up at the piscine naturelle where you will feel that you are snorkelling in a tropical aquarium. It's an amazing day out. Book and pre-order la langouste (lobster) ahead at the Kougny resturant near Le Meridien where you will be served lobster on wooden tables with your feet in the sand overlooking the turquoise bay. It will be a day you will never forget.

The trip along the north east coast is spectacular. The road hugs the coastline and you have massive waterfalls which tumble by the side of the road. Hienghene is indeed marvellous.

Of the Loyalties, I would recommend Ouvea. The beach at Mouli (at the southern tip of the island) is truly breath taking. The Gite Beaupre is your best bet there. Order the coconut crab one day that you are there. It is a coconut that feasts on the flesh of coconuts.

Camping is possible on both the Isle of Pines - both the Gite Nataiwatch and the Kuberka (amongst others) allow camping. You can also camp at the Gite Bouganvillier on Ouvea.

The Parc de la Riviere Bleu in the south is your best bet for seeing native flora/fauna. There are bus trips/excursions that take tourists there.

Generally the more remote you are, the better chance you have of finding non english speaking locals and thereby really helping your daughter to practice her french.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. I have heard (from Thorn tree, I think), that mosquitoes or sandflies can be a problem on Ouvea.
Also would it be necessary to prebook all accommodation at that time of year? We will be 3 to 5 in our party.
Meredith

Hi,

You should be OK at that time of year BUT I would at least book your Noumean portion before I left. I have rarely had problems booking accommodation once I got there but NC is becoming more popular now so the cheaper places tend to book out pretty quickly.

There isn't a lot of accommodation on Ouvea. There is one horrendously expensive resort that caters to Japanese honeymooners and a few small gites so take that into account with Ouvea.

I can't remember the mozzies being that hungry in Ouvea, but they had their moments in Isle des Pins. Take tropical strength Rid with you and Stop Itch.

I also recommend reef shoes for Isle des Pins. Be aware that the sun is very intense there so a rash vest wouldn't go astray either.

Hi,
We are going to NC the first 2 weeks in August. I have booked a hotel for 3 days (The Stanley) and we will be renting a car so we can get around the island easily.
My questions are: is it easy to book gites from Noumea once I get a list from the tourist office?
I see from my Lonely Plant guide that I should book restaurants at the gites at least 24 hours in advance. Is this still true?
We will NOT be camping. Can anyone recommend specific places outside Noumea to stay?
Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks,
Laurie

"is it easy to book gites from Noumea once I get a list from the tourist office?" - yes, in fact get the tourist office to do it for you

"I see from my Lonely Plant guide that I should book restaurants at the gites at least 24 hours in advance. Is this still true? - generally this is best if you have speific requests or want to ensure some speccial meal. If you are happy to have what is on offer then no. Remember that most gites are quite small - only 4 or 5, so not much foodstock. They tend to serve the "catch of the day"