New Caledonia: Getting there & around

Major airlines that serve New Caledonia regularly include, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu. Aircalin, or Air Calédonie International, is the other major airline, but its focus is Japan and Pacific destinations. After the Japanese and the French, the majority of tourists come from Australia, so you can often get good deals out of Brisbane or Sydney. From Europe your best bet is to fly from France, or from the UK to eastern Australia where you can get a reasonable fare to New Caledonia. The major North American west coast departure points are San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver. All international airlines land at Tontouta International Airport, 45km (28mi) northwest of Noumea.

Noumea is the main official port of entry for yachts. The others are We on Lifou in the Loyalty Islands and Hienghène; the peak season for arrivals is August to October. All cruise ships dock in Baie de la Moselle, Noumea's natural, deepwater harbour. They also drop anchor at various spots around New Caledonia so passengers can spend a day on the beach.

Air Calédonie domestic services serve several towns on Grande Terre, each of the Loyalty Islands and Île des Pins. You can also charter private planes and helicopters. The road network on Grande Terre is extensive and all the main roads are sealed, and nearly every major town or large village is connected by bus, leaving from Noumea's bus station ( gare routière ). Car rental companies are based in Noumea, Île des Pins and on each of the Loyalty Islands. Their rates are reasonable(from 3000 per day) and none will rent to anyone under 21. Animals and pedestrians on secondary roads can make driving hazardous in some areas, particularly at night. There is also a ferry service between Noumea and the Loyalty Islands and Île des Pins.