ISLAND ADVENTURE WITH FRENCH FLAIR

Cruise to Noumea, New Caledonia

A melting pot of ethnicity and culture, sunny Noumea will quickly win you over with its upbeat city vibe. The capital city of New Caledonia offers some of the best weather in the South Pacific. Noumea's cultural pride shines through in its museums, theaters and art galleries — check out the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre to explore the traditional Kanak culture. Head to the top of the Noumea Cathedral for views of the island, dotted with palms, hibiscuses and coconut trees. Hop a ferry out to Amedee Island to see its lighthouse and swim with sea turtles. Cruise to Noumea and relax on the picturesque beach at lemon tree-lined Baie des Citrons, or go snorkeling in Anse Vata Bay.

National Language French

Currency Accepted CFP Franc (XPF)

Things To Do in Noumea

Kiteboarding over the beach in Noumea, New Caledonia

Wet and Wild

Noumea has every water sport imaginable. Head on over to the Bay of Anse Vata to speed across the water with a kitesurfing lesson. From Anse Vata Beach, catch a water taxi to Duck Island ("Ile aux Canards") and snorkel in the majestic underwater world.

The face of a grey kagu bird from New Caledonia

Walk With Nature

Stretch your land legs and take a tour around the Michel Corbasson Zoological and Forest Park. Full of lush greenery and unique species of fauna native to New Caledonia, the park lets you catch glimpses of giant geckos, flying foxes and exotic birds, including New Caledonia's national bird, the kagu.

Old Caledonian statue on the cultural center of Tjibaou in Noumea

Kanak Culture Lesson

Although New Caledonians speak French, their native culture is called Kanak. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre is a spectacular feat of architecture that celebrates Kanak culture and educates visitors on its core beliefs. Check out traditional Kanak totems and artifacts, as well as recreated traditional huts.

Escargots de Bourgogne, snails with herbs butter in Noumea, New Caledonia

Local Cuisine

Discover the abundance of French-influenced food found on Noumea. Head to Baie de Citrons to find the best restaurants, bistros and bars. Cruise to Noumea and sample French classics like slow-cooked lamb shanks and escargots, or experience island-inspired twists on European favorite, like choucroute (a filling platter-style meal typical in Alsace) with sweet potato, cabbage, papaya and pumpkin. And look out for the bakeries — they stock bread worthy of a Parisian cafe.

Hard to find French wines found in Noumea, New Caledonia

Shopping

There are two main shopping attractions in Noumea: grocery stores and open-air markets. Head to the Casino (a grocery store) and indulge in the array of French goodies — pick up some hard-to-find French wine to take home. At the market, you'll find local spices, including regionally produced vanilla, alongside Kanak artifacts. For souvenirs, browse the market for Melanesian masks or tribal turtle sculptures.