Travelling New Caledonia

Hi, does anybody know something about:
- travelling mainly by public transport around Grande Terre, and
- travelling between the Loyalty Islands by boat?
(BTW I am not in a hurry and have some time to spent)
Thanks in advance,
Gerard

See the Betico website about boat crossings to the small islands https://www.betico.nc/fr. But you can also go by plane.

There are busses on the main island, but they don't go to the nature parks inland and remote beaches ... It is better to rent a car, and if you camp it does not come so expensive. If you're a hiker you can also look at the GRNC1 multiday trek.

Hi Willemspie, thanks. I will check the website.
I was a bit afraid of that on the mainland.
You know, I am travelling alone and travelling alone in a rented car is no fun, but travelling alone with local transport is very very great fun. :-) Do you know if it is easy to rent a car in the smaller places on Grande Terre ?
Regards, Gerard

I dont know. I rented in Noumea with http://pointrouge.com/fr/. That was the cheapest rental if you accept that your car has a small advert painted on it (option 'Dacia Logan Publicitaire'). In 7 to 10 days you can visit everywhere on the main island with a car.

I will consider it. Your info on Betico is also appreciated. Thank you.

http://rai.nc is the long distance bus company. There is also an urban bus company and a suburban bus company in Noumea.

I found that combining public buses with hitchhiking worked great on Grande Terre. Hitching is easy.
Betico is the main tourist boat service to the islands, but there are others, too. Once in Noumea, the tourist office has the schedules, no need to try and plan in advance.
If you are into hiking, Mount Panie is a great day-hike/climb with cheap camping near the start of the trail.

Willemspie, Laszlo, thanks for your links and info.
I will certainly use them.

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