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New Caledonia

Mediterranean meets mellow Melanesia

NEW CALEDONIA

An intoxicating blend of South Pacific idyll and French sophistication is waiting just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Auckland. New Caledonia is like nowhere else in the Pacific – and as soon as you set foot there, you’ll appreciate the source of its very special charm: Mediterranean meets mellow Melanesia. The capital, Noumea, occupies the southern tip of the main island, Grande Terre, with beautiful bays on both sides. It’s sophisticated yet casual and you won’t find anywhere else on earth quite so similar to the French Riviera. The atmosphere in this little city is pure Gallic, with boutiques, patisseries, cheese shops and restaurants lining quaint streets and squares. Explore the Latin Quarter and the old districts of the Vallee du Tir and Vallee des Colons – and you could be in France.

Just outside the town, on the shores of the world’s largest lagoon, are the stylish resorts of Anse Vata. The lagoon itself is home to a myriad of tropical fish as well as the endangered dugong and rare turtles – a visit to the National Aquarium will give you an insight into this remarkable underwater world. Venture further afield and you’ll find a surprising variety of landscapes on Grande Terre: forests, mountains and wide, grassy plains. And, of course, there’s more to New Caledonia than just one island. The Ile des Pins (Isle of Pines) is a dreamlike paradise on the Tropic of Capricorn and the tranquil, unspoilt Loyalty Islands – Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa – are simply exquisite. If you want to lose yourself in relaxation, these are the places to go.

So, for the ideal New Caledonian experience… give yourself time to explore the chic town of Noumea, time to enjoy the resort life of Anse Vata and round it off with time all to yourself on a magical outer island. Perfection!

Flight time.

2.5 hours from Auckland to Noumea, 3 hours and 26 minutes from Wellington to Noumea and 3 hours and 41 minutes from Christchurch to Noumea.

Best time to go.

The best time to visit New Caledonia is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. This period also aligns with the whale-watching season from July to September. The wet season from November to April brings higher humidity and occasional storms.

Time difference.

New Zealand is 1 hour ahead of New Caledonia

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Meet our New Caledonia specialists

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Jo Coolen

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.

What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?

My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years!

Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city!

Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!

Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish.

I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Sarah

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree

Carli Christian

House of Travel Papamoa

I'm incredibly passionate about creating unforgettable experiences! I love blending travel, culture and soulful cuisine to make each event truly special. Organising Weddings, honeymoons and intimate holidays over the past 20 years has brought me so much joy. My deep connection to the South Pacific Islands and Australia, rooted in my Norfolk Island heritage, adds personal touch to my work.

My journey, filled with diverse experiences and insights, has been truly enriching and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with my clients for holidays and Cruises World Wide.

Carli