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Hidden Treasures of New Caledonia – From Auckland to Cairns

Hidden Treasures of New Caledonia – From Auckland to Cairns

From AUD $12,770

Description

The traces and vestiges of an ancestral past, the turquoise blue of the ocean, the gleam of the lush vegetation… the islands of the Pacific Ocean are strikingly beautiful. Over the course of a unique and unforgettable 16-day cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, fall in love with these treasures of the South Pacific, their ancient local cultures, verdant landscapes and exceptional marine environments. 
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, set off to discover Napier, New Zealand’s Art Deco city, appreciate a visit to a vineyard with wine tasting on Waiheke Island or explore Lake Rotoiti by kayak. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
The shores of the historical and dynamic city of Auckland slowly disappear from view. Cruise a little further north until Waiheke Island appears on the horizon. Succumb to the charms of its green lands, its heavenly beaches, and its vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. Further north, the Bay of Islands is a historical treasure just begging to be discovered. It was here that in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed between representatives of the British Crown and a number of Maori chiefs from the northern part of the North Island.
Le Jacques-Cartier will now make its way northward and call at Australia’s Norfolk Island, used in the 19th century as a British penal colony for the most dangerous prisoners. The ruins from the convict era are now on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. There, you will also discover lush vegetation lining the magnificent Emily Bay Lagoon, where Norfolk pines, an endemic species and the symbol of the island, are grown.
As you cruise along the warm ocean waters, you will continue to experience a sense of wonder at the vastness before you and New Caledonia will begin to appear on the horizon. The capital of the archipelago, Noumea, awaits you with its verdant peaks for an exceptional experience. In the heart of the city, you will be able to wander along the Place des Cocotiers, where the locals love to meet up, and you will discover all the secrets of the Kanak culture at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. You will then be awestruck by the stunning Loyalty Islands, Maré and Lifou, their picture-postcard landscapes and their Kanak heritage, during a traditional ceremony and tasting of local products.
Amédée Islet , a small and idyllic island lying just off the coast of Noumea, is known for its heavenly beaches, its marine reserve, and its emblematic, eponymous lighthouse, which is the tallest metal lighthouse in the world and stands guard over the entrance to the harbour of the New Caledonian capital.
Next, your ship will set a course northward to reach Cairns, where this unforgettable journey will draw to an end.

Trip Name
Hidden Treasures of New Caledonia - From Auckland to Cairns
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 AUCKLAND
 Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours : Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 328 metre-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2 - Day 2 WAIHEKE ISLAND
 In the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a pristine naturel gem just 35 minutes from the city of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand. The stunning beaches of its languid bays and the undulating landscapes forming the heart of the island perfectly illustrate the easy way of life here. This land surrounded by sea and bathed in light enjoys a mild climate that is conducive to a thriving agriculture, composed mainly of olive groves and vineyards. Somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, the island is renowned for its wines. Here, Bordeaux grape varieties have found the ideal conditions for developing a rich palette of aromas. A symbol of New Zealand’s easy lifestyle, Waiheke also boasts a rich arts scene.
Day 3 - Day 3 BAY OF ISLANDS
 The Bay of Islands is truly a natural paradise, a jewel hidden in the South Pacific. Its deep-blue waters caress the beaches of golden sand as lush islands with verdant peaks emerge from the sea to form captivating scenery. It was here that in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed between representatives of the British Crown and a number of Maori chiefs from the northern part of the North Island.
Day 4 - Day 4 AT SEA
 During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 - Day 5 NORFOLK ISLAND
 This unspoilt South Pacific island lies off Australia's east coast. The choice is yours: relax on its deserted beaches or dive among the multi-coloured fish and corals of Emily Bay lagoon. Norfolk Island National Park is the place to see parrots hidden under the araucaria branches and tree-ferns. The lookout perched at the top of Mount Pitt offers you a 360-degree panorama of sparkling coastline. Discover more about the island's turbulent history at the Norfolk Island Museum in Kingston, one of Australia's oldest towns.
Day 6 - Day 6 AT SEA
 During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 7 NOUMÉA
 Perched on a peninsula between bays and hills, on the south-west coast of Grande Terre, Noumea enjoys a magnificent natural setting. The town shelters some exceptional biodiversity, thanks especially to the coastal mangroves. To feel the town’s heartbeat, you can mosey in the place des Cocotiers, where Noumeans love to gather. The Tjibaou cultural centre unveils the secrets of the kanak culture. As for the Hagen castle or the maison Célières, these are precious witnesses of a colonial past. But Noumea is also about sumptuous beaches.
Day 8 - Day 8 LIFOU
 You’ll land around 100km east of Grande-Terre. An ancient coral atoll atop a collapsed volcano, Lifou is today the largest and highest of the Loyalty Islands. This is an outstanding natural site, waiting to be explored: to the north, the coastline ends abruptly in sheer cliffs, while to the south lie expanses of long white sand beaches. Lovers of wild plantlife may well be tempted by a walk further inland, where the rich and authentic Kanak culture is proudly upheld by the local community.
Day 9 - Day 9 MARÉ, LOYALTY ISLANDS
 Secluded and wild, Maré Island, located in New Caledonia, is the southernmost of the Loyalty Islands group. You will see unusual cut-out reliefs sculpted by time: here, old coral reefs transformed into impressive cliffs plunge into the ocean; there, the turquoise waters of peaceful lagoons lap on white sand beaches, rimmed with coconut palms and Cook pines. Inland, a central plateau shelters numerous caves and water “holes”. Maré Island is also known as “ the market garden of New Caledonia”. Don’t forget to eat the island’s succulent avocados.
Day 10 - Day 10 AMÉDÉE ISLAND
 Standing on a paradisiacal strip of land off the coast of Noumea, the56-metre high Amédée lighthouse looks over the entrance to the harbour of the New Caledonian capital. This historical treasure was built in Paris in 1859, before being dismantled, packaged up and boxed into 1265 parcels, and then shipped by boat to its island in the Pacific. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world, now planted in the biggest lagoon in the world. You can visit it if you’re willing to climb its 247 steps. This is the price to pay to be able to feast your eyes on a simply stunning panorama of the barrier reef and its incredible natural marine reserve.
Day 11 - Day 11 NOUMÉA
 Perched on a peninsula between bays and hills, on the south-west coast of Grande Terre, Noumea enjoys a magnificent natural setting. The town shelters some exceptional biodiversity, thanks especially to the coastal mangroves. To feel the town’s heartbeat, you can mosey in the place des Cocotiers, where Noumeans love to gather. The Tjibaou cultural centre unveils the secrets of the kanak culture. As for the Hagen castle or the maison Célières, these are precious witnesses of a colonial past. But Noumea is also about sumptuous beaches.
Day 12 - Days 12 - 15 AT SEA
 During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 13 - Day 16 CAIRNS
 Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $12,770DELUXE STATEROOM
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $13,430PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $13,820PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $14,340PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $19,210DELUXE SUITE
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $20,660PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $21,320PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $21,850PRIVILEGE SUITE
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $22,510GRAND DELUXE SUITE
01-02-202516-02-2025AUD $31,500OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • A brand-new cruise to discover the insular landscapes and ancestral cultures of New Zealand and New Caledonia.
    • Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts. Our experts are putting the finishing touches to your programme of excursions in New Caledonia & Australia. You will find them soon in the itinerary tab.
    • The presence of an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
    • On Norfolk Island, the possibility of discovering the ruins of the Kingston prison, listed as a UNESO World Heritage Site.
    • Sublime and exceptionally diverse New Zealand landscapes: lagoons, rivers, idyllic beaches, vast wine-growing plains.
    • Discovering the Loyalty Islands: the unspoiled landscapes of Maré and the exceptional marine environment of Lifou.
    • An overnight stay in Noumea.
    • The immersion in the arts and traditions of the Kanak culture.

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