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Peregrine Travel Centre

New Caledonia Adventure

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New Caledonia Adventure

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Description

Enter a country often overlooked in the South Pacific – a place full of endemic rainforest, Melanesian culture and truly unforgettable beaches. Welcome to New Caledonia! On this six-day adventure, you’ll have the chance to snorkel through transparent waters over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, meet local makers and experience the longstanding tribal Kanak traditions with an overnight village stay. This well-paced trip takes you from the bustling French-influenced hub of Noumea along the west coast, with excursions to Blue River National Park and Giant Fern Park. With plenty of quality inclusions, time to relax beachside and a knowledgeable local leader every step of the way, your island escape is the perfect mix of rest and play.

Trip Name
New Caledonia Adventure
Last Updated
2024-04-14
Days
6
Capacity
8
Highlights
  • With a maximum group size of only eight people, you'll have the opportunity to have a real personal experience of this often visited (but seldom truly explored) destination.
  • Visit a remote tribal village in the New Caledonian foothills and see what it’s like to live among the local Kanak tradition. Learn the lifestyle and customs of these communities and spend the night in a traditional fare house.
  • New Caledonian beaches are the stuff of dreams. Go snorkelling and swimming on the lagoons of Poe Beach – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and see the highlights of Bourail, like Turtle Bay and Nera Beach.
  • Gaze in awe at the diverse landscapes of this island nation, from the mighty Kaori trees in the Blue River National Park to lush rainforest and endemic plant species in the Giant Fern Park near Farino.
  • Your leader has got you front of mind to ensure you get the best out of your stay. Learn about the region's cultures, traditions and way of living as you travel along the coast and get the low-down from someone who lives and breathes New Caledonia.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Noumea
Bonjour! Welcome to the laidback shores of Noumea, New Caledonia. There are no activities planned for today except for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you can explore New Caledonia’s main city – maybe visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Museum of World War II or St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. The market at Port Moselle is a great place to go people-watching, as well as see all the tropical produce, seafood and souvenirs on offer.
Day 2 - Blue River National Park – Noumea
After breakfast, join your small group on a drive into the secluded Blue River National Park. This spectacular slice of nature in New Caledonia’s centre is a sanctuary of local flora, wildlife and biodiversity. Deep red earth contrasts with striking green mountainscapes and lakes in this provincial park, which is approximately 9000 hectares of untouched national land. Head deep in the park on foot and in a 4WD, stopping by the Guepyville and Drowned Forest lookouts across the wooden Perignon Bridge and along the Cagou Birds Trail, hopefully spotting iconic Caledonian birdlife. Find a scenic spot by the riverside and enjoy an included French-style picnic provided by your guides. Continue into the rainforest through the Giant Kaori trees dotted through the canopies, looking out for the cagou birds high above and then maybe stop for a refreshing swim. Later, return to Noumea for a free evening.
Day 3 - Boulouparis - Tenia Islet - Bourail
Today, leave Noumea behind and drive to Boulouparis. When you arrive, hop on a boat with your group for about 30 minutes to the natural marine reserve of Tenia Islet. From here, you can choose to go on a self-guided snorkelling adventure with the colourful fish or, alternatively, head out on an island walk. When you’ve had your fill of activities, sit down for a picnic lunch with your leader before heading back to Boulouparis. Drive to Bourail, where you’ll spend the night, stopping at Fort Teremba on the way – this old prison once housed convicts in the 1880s. Your night is free in Bourail, so maybe ask your leader where the best local eats are.
Day 4 - Bourail - Giant Fern Park - Kanak Village
This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out to see some of the highlights of the seaside, including Turtle Bay and Nera Beach. Go on a few short walks and lap up the gorgeous ocean scenery. Head to the picturesque Poe Beach – a UNESCO World Heritage site – for lunch with a view. The beach is only 2 km away from the barrier reef, so this is a gorgeous spot for a swim, too! After, you’ll visit the Parc des Grandes Fougeres, or Giant Fern Park, for a guided walk deep in the lush rainforests. Your local guide will take you through parts of this World Heritage-listed site, featuring around 13,000 species of fern, 70% of which are endemic. Later this afternoon, head to a remote Kanak Village for a memorable night with local villagers. Deep in the foothills of New Caledonia’s mountain range, these villages are a haven for nature lovers. You’ll be welcomed into tribal culture, learning about the customs and traditions of the local people. Tonight, you’ll stay in simple dormitory-style accommodation in a fare (village house) and be treated to the traditional dish bougna for dinner.
Day 5 - Kanak Village - Boulouparis - Noumea
This morning, you’ll have breakfast with the group and then head out on a walk to a local waterfall. When you return to the village, take some time to learn about daily life here – Kanak communities across New Caledonia comprise around 44% of the island population and share significant connections to spirituality and the land. You’ll sit down with your hosts for a homemade lunch of local, organic food, which is a great chance to swap stories. Later, say goodbye to your hosts and return to Boulouparis, then on to Noumea for your final night.
Day 6 - Noumea
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the group after breakfast this morning. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Noumea, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-05-202424-05-2024AUD $ 3,564-
14-07-202419-07-2024AUD $ 3,955-
15-09-202420-09-2024AUD $ 3,810-
17-11-202422-11-2024AUD $ 3,810-
27-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 3,845-
25-05-202530-05-2025AUD $ 4,000-
29-06-202504-07-2025AUD $ 4,150-
27-07-202501-08-2025AUD $ 4,150-
24-08-202529-08-2025AUD $ 4,150-
28-09-202503-10-2025AUD $ 4,000-
26-10-202531-10-2025AUD $ 4,000-
23-11-202528-11-2025AUD $ 3,845-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights),Fare (1 night),Bungalow (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat

Map

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