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Grande Terre

Orientated northwest to southeast, a chain of mountains sweeps down the middle of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre. Four hundred kilometres long, the island is 50km to 70km across for most of its length. To the west, in the lee of the mountains, are wide, dry plains dotted with country towns, while to the east, on the windward coast, lush vegetation descends to the sea.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Place des Cocotiers
Noumea
This is the heart of the city. The square slopes gently from east to west and at the top is a band rotunda, a famous landmark dating back to the late…
Fort Téremba
Grande Terre
Built in 1871, this historic fort originally held convicts brought to the area to build roads. Following a revolt by local Kanaks against French colonial…
Le Parc des Grandes Fougères
Grande Terre
This 4500-hectare park, in the mountains above Farino, features tropical rainforest with rich and varied flora and fauna. As the name suggests, tree ferns…
The Heart of Voh
Grande Terre
North of Koné, near the township of Voh, there’s a mangrove swamp which has developed some unusual natural designs. The most intriguing is a perfect heart…
Anse Vata
Noumea
Orientated east–west, this popular beach is a hotspot for visitors to Noumea, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Only 10 minutes…
Baie des Citrons
Noumea
Orientated north–south and less than 10 minutes from the city centre, trendy Baie des Citrons attracts locals and visitors alike. The beach is great for…
Aquarium des Lagons
Noumea
This aquarium is stunning. Species found in New Caledonian waters – including nautilus, sea snakes, stone fish, turtles, sharks and stingrays – have…
Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue
Grande Terre
Protected Blue River Park is a reserve for many bird species, including the cagou. The landscape is a mixture of the far south’s typical scrub vegetation…