Where to stay in Noumea and Ile de Pines

I will be traveling to Noumea and Ile de Pines by myself in July and I am looking for some moderately priced accommodations. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Merci.

Isles Des Pins - Gite Nataiwatch - good cheap bungalows (they also have camping I think), or maybe Chez Regis near the Piscine (excellent food at their restaurant)

Noumea - one of my favourites on Anse Vata - http://www.hotel-lantana.nc/hotels/index.php?id=7&lng=en or
-you could use http://www.wotif.com/hotels/new-caledonia-noumea-hotels.html for discounted hotels or
- youth hostel - http://www.aubergesdejeunesse.nc/en/hostel.htm

Enjoy.

We stayed at Marina Beach Hotel (marinab@canl.nc) in Baie des Citrons. It was not outstanding but clean and well placed for exploring the area and had a kitchenette for self catering. We stayed at Kuberka Gite on Ile des Pins - again not outstanding but fine for the price. We found our lack of French made our stay a bit frustrating. They did not have e-mail in 2006 - we booked an air/accommodation package with Air Caledonie.

Places can also be booked thru the Tourism Office - http://www.nouvellecaledonietourisme-sud.com/en/contact-us

Gite Kuberka (Kuberka Relay) still dont have email, but they do have phone - 00 687 46 11 18 and fax 00 687 46 11 58

Thanks so much for the info-very helpful. I am thinking of taking the betico over the airplane. Is that wise and is it necessary/possible to book in advance? merci.

Yes, for sure. The Betico is cheaper, and more importantly leaves from the Port right next to the centre of town, whereas the plane leaves from Magenta (Domestic) Airport (out of town). The market next to the Port is a gem. You should make sure that you have a "Pain au Chocolate" and a bowl of coffee from the cafe there.

Even if you dont stay there, Id recommend eating at Chez Regis. Its just near the Piscine, which is a must see anyway.

You have been very helpful. After further research however, I am now conflicted. Do you suggest visiting Ile de Pins, Loyalty Islands or Grande Terre? I do not have time to do all three. I would prefer to soak up as much as I can in one place (in addition to Noumea). I appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

How long will you be in NC altogether?

Couple of things to note.

1. Grande Terre is large. The distance from one end to the other means a number of hours road travel eg Hienghene is about 5 or 6 hours drive from Noumea (though it is a lovely place.
2. The Loyalties are each some hours apart from each other on the Betico. The closest of the lot is Isles Des Pins (1.5hrs from Noumea). Air travek is possible but pricey.

I will only be there for 9 days, so perhaps Noumea and Ile de Pins would work best. Right?

Maybe.
You could happily spend 3 or 4 or 5 nights in each of IDP and Noumea . If you don't mind driving a lot then you could also work in a couple of nights in Highengene. It is 4.5 or 5 hours drive from Noumea and takes in much changing scenery of Grande Terre. Failing this , then yes, Noumea and IDP is my suggestion. IDP is good for relaxing and exploring, whilst Noumea has the beach, day trips and French flavoured culture.

Thank you so much for your assistance. You have been very helpful. I anticipate I will have more questions very soon. Merci.