Is Noumea safe?

I have heard Noumea at night is not safe (came from single female). Could someone provide some advice on this? Also we will have 7 nights in NC - hoping to spent at least 3 in Pines and do the island via scooter. Maybe 2 days in Noumea and see the main sights. The rest of the time travelling via rental car (2 days) - however I'm stuck as to which area would be best to travel via car and with our timeframe. Interested in walking, seeing some nice beaches and maybe staying somewhere mid-range.

Thanks in advance for your help.

It is certainly perfectly safe during the day, but I can see why a nervous solo woman could feel somewhat uncomfortable in parts of the downtown area at night. If you go as a couple, it should be safe enough even at night.

The obvious highlight of Grande Terre away from Noumea is Hienghene in the Northeast, but that is a long way to drive if all you have is two days.
I'd try and shave a day off from the time allowed for the Isle of Pines or/and Noumea to have a bit more for exploring the "mainland".

Thanks Laszlo for that information. Will look into that.

I think Noumea is very safe almost everywhere other than maybe the Port or Industrial areas - but why would you go there as a tourist?

Grande Terre is a very large island. The drive to Highengene from Noumea (with a few short stops, took us 5 hours!
The Isle of Pines is well worth the 3 days in my opinion.