Land Activities
4wd EXCURSIONS
Take a day-trip around the southern part of the "Grande Terre" Visiting Prony Village, Madeleine Waterfalls, Kanua Bay, the Eastern Coast, and Yaté Lake. Or try a split 4WD/Helicopter tour – half the group will go by 4WD while others will be flying there ! And then swap for the way back. Several destinations available and include a barbecue, swimming, and kayaking.
ABSEILING - CANYONING - CLIMBING
These activities are accessible for all age groups and are a must for thrillseekers amongst families or friends. Several operators have qualified guides to accompany you on the discovery trail of New Caledonian tropical forests, from ground level up to the treetops.
GOLF
New Caledonia has three 18 hole golf courses plus driving ranges and putting greens. Private lessons and equipment hire is available.
HORSEBACK EXCURSIONS
From simple rides to major excursions (going across the mountain range, mustering cattle and camping in the mountains): the New Caledonian “cowboys” will help you to discover the local Bush (la Brousse). Excursions can be arranged from one to several hours, or from one to three days. Advance booking is essential.
HUNTING
Hunting and hunting trophy packages are organised on private properties on the West Coast and include accommodation and food. Arms and ammunition can be provided on request. Although the deer hunting season is open all year round, the best trophies are to be found between the months of July-November. Recommended equipment: camouflage outfit, good walking shoes, sunglasses, binoculars, jersey or jacket for cool mornings.
LEARNING FRENCH
CREIPAC (The Center for International Cultural and Educational Exchanges) is the only government school specialising in the teaching of French to foreigners in New Caledonia.
It offers language courses all year round, of varying length and at varying levels, for groups and individuals.MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is a very popular sport in New Caledonia, especially amongst those with an adventurous spirit and who like their independence. Along all the public and private roads there are many things to see, with varied and wild landscapes. There is something for everyone. Casual bikers can follow the river paths and enjoy a swim in one of the waterholes in clear, cool water. Experienced mountainbikers who are not put off by slopes, can enjoy the sumptuous landscapes of unspoilt mountains. They could even stay in a bivouac on a farm or in a rural Kanak tribe and appreciate genuine New Caledonian hospitality.
There are lots of circuits to choose from around Nouméa, in the Dumbéa valley and the Dzumac mountains, as well as in the Deep South, where the red land and blue sea meet and in the mountains with their lush forests, and in the villages which have a wealth of vestiges from the first penitentiary colonisation. The River Blue Park and the Madeleine Falls offers bikers a wonderful sample of the abundance of unspoilt areas in the South.
PAINTBALL
Return to your childhood and take part in a paintball session with family or friends and become a hero in the forest armed with pistols which shoot paintballs.
PETANQUE - FRENCH BOWLING
The French aspect of New Caledonia comes to the fore with the game of Petanque. Come and support the enthusiastic and colourful petanque players who gather every weekend on the bowling alleys at Anse Vata and Coconut Square. At cocktail hour it is very pleasant to have a game of Petanque with a group of friends. Most of the hotels have a set of bowling balls at your disposal.
ROLLER SKATING
Enjoy roller skating at Sainte Marie Park. It’s open from April to September and admission is free.
SQUASH
Need some exercise while you stay in New Caledonia? Then take your game to one of our local squash courts in Nouméa.
TENNIS
Game on. You can find many tennis courts throughout Nouméa, the towns outside of Nouméa and at some of the hotels on the islands.
TREEWALKING
Adventure trails (monkey bridge, tyrolien, Tarzan’s leap) as well as waterfall abseiling are on offer at Koghi Park..
TREKKING AND GUIDED VISITS
For nature lovers and discovery enthusiasts, New Caledonia provides numerous trekking possibilities at all levels ranging from one hour to several days. There are signposted tracks for hikers who prefer to organise their own itinerary. However it is recommended to call on assistance from a local guide when hiking in the region of the mountain chain.
Guided excursions are organised to discover ancient Melanesian pathways. Botanical and cultural excursions can also be organised. Historic guided visits are available in and around Nouméa.
Several operators have qualified guides to accompany you on the discovery trail of New Caledonian tropical forests, from ground level up to the treetops.
TRIBAL VISITS
The Melanesian tribal visit is a unique experience to discover the customs and way of life of the Melanesian people.
Tribal visits are always friendly affairs. They are possible on the Mainland, the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands. They are usually organised by inbound operators, local guides or the provincial Tourist Offices.
Customary traditions involve a set of rules of respect still in practice throughout the Mainland and on the islands. For those that have the opportunity to visit a tribe it is wise to begin with the "customary exchange" upon arrival. This means showing respect by exchanging gifts with the chief of the tribe in return for his hospitality. Gifts don't have to be of any great value. They can be cigarettes, bank notes or a piece of fabric. You will need to ask for authorisation to camp on the tribal property or to visit certain sites. Some of the sites might not be accessible due to the sacred connection they have to the tribe.
