Planning for trip in 2011 and would love suggestions

Hey there
I know it's ages away but my dad is wanting to have his 60th in New Caledonia (as he loves it there) but as a traveller I want to make a journey out of it and not just a quick visit.
Has anyone got any suggestions of where to go and stay in New Caledonia and surrounds for around 2 weeks in total.
Our budget will be mid range (nothing too fancy unfortunately, but not shared bunks either) and we aren't overly adventures adrenalin freaks, nor are we retirees....
Something out of the way, well priced, relaxing with a little adventure and good food is what we like.
Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks!

hi ajanta80,

you can always rent a car for a week, pick few places on Grand Terre and make it a nice road trip:
- the typical touristic option would be something like: (assuming you'd start in Noumea) Noumea > Bourail (pierced rock) > Voh (mangrove heart) > Poum (white sandy beaches and a last stop on the national road) > Hienghene (chicken island) > Noumea

• or maybe different option of picking places like: Yate (water dam, blue river parc), Mt Koghis few kms outside of Noumea (amazing views and pretty cool tropical forest), Thio (you'll find dugongs there), stay at the tribu in Sarramea, Canala, Kone, Koumac, Poindimie all have something to offer.

You can do it in a week easily as it takes roughly maybe about 7-8 hours to drive from one end of Grand Terre to the other end, not too long really :) What could be also worth checking is if there are any local festivals happening at the time of your visit as those are always great fun, full of entertainment and you can taste some good local foods and have a good time listening to live music and checking out shopping stalls.

second week you could pick some of the islands, Loyalty or Iles des Pins.

good luck and have a great time!
:)

Any suggestions for accommodation?

Bungalows on the beach are more my thing :)