New Caledonia — Discovering the Grande Terre
Ten days of self-driving along the east and west coasts of Grande Terre: from Noumea to the black cliffs of Hienghène, from Poe's white beaches to the Great Ferns forest, through Melanesian villages and the Tao Waterfalls.
The Route
Day-by-Day Programme
Arrival in Noumea
Arrival at La Tontouta International Airport and private transfer to a 4-star hotel in the centre of Noumea. New Caledonia's capital is a French city in the Pacific: shops, cafés, colourful markets and the Baie des Citrons waterfront. Two nights in hotel.
Amedee Island Excursion
Transfer to Port Moselle in Noumea and boat departure to Amedee Island, in the heart of the UNESCO lagoon. Buffet lunch with traditional Kanak dance and music performance. Free afternoon on the island: snorkelling in the turquoise lagoon, stand-up paddling and beach relaxation. Return to hotel in the late afternoon.
Noumea → Poe (Self-Drive, 180 km)
Car rental pick-up and start of the road trip along the west coast. Recommended stops: Niaouli Distillery, La Foa, Fort Terremba, Roche Percée beach, Turtle Bay and Lovers' Bay near Bourail. Arrival at the magnificent Poe Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Pacific. Overnight in a 3-star bungalow.
Poe → Kone
Morning at Poe Beach: turquoise waters, white sand and no crowds. In the afternoon, drive to Kone (130 km), a town in the Kone-Tiwaka valley. The interior becomes greener and more mountainous as you move away from the west coast. Overnight in a 3-star bungalow.
Kone → Hienghène
Drive to Hienghène (120 km) along one of the island's most scenic stretches: dense forests, green valleys and hills descending to the sea. Hienghène is famous for its imposing black limestone cliffs and for being one of New Caledonia's most fascinating places. Two nights in a 3-star bungalow.
Hienghène — Tao Waterfalls and Linderalique Cruise
Morning: ferry crossing on the Ouaième River and visit to the Tao Waterfalls in the heart of the forest. Afternoon: 2-hour boat cruise in Hienghène Bay to admire the Linderalique rocks — curious black limestone formations including the famous 'chicken' — and the Kanak villages on the banks.
Hienghène → Poindimié
Drive to Poindimié (90 km) on the east coast, with a stop for a guided visit to a traditional Melanesian house: architecture, history and Kanak culture explained by a local guide. Poindimié is a reference point on the east coast, with quiet beaches and an authentic atmosphere. Overnight in a 3-star bungalow.
Poindimié → Sarramea/Farino
Long drive into the island's interior (190 km) to the hills of Sarramea and Farino, the coolest and most forested area of Grande Terre. Optional stop at Hotel Evasion for a walk to the natural river pool 'Feuillet's Hole'. Overnight in a 3-star bungalow.
Great Ferns Park → Noumea
Morning: visit to the Great Ferns Park (Parc des Grandes Fougères), with dry forest dense with endemic species: the kagu (New Caledonia's flightless symbol bird), the noutou, the Caledonian green pigeon and the Caledonian warbler. Then drive back to Noumea (120 km), car drop-off and check-in at a 4-star hotel. One night.
Departure from Noumea
Hotel breakfast and transfer to La Tontouta International Airport for the return flight. End of included package services.
What's Included
- All accommodation as per itinerary (breakfast included)
- Private airport–hotel transfers (return)
- Amedee Island organised tour (buffet lunch + show included)
- Self-drive car rental Noumea–Noumea (All Inclusive, unlimited km)
- Guided visit to traditional Melanesian house
- Hienghène Bay cruise — Linderalique rocks
- Local taxes
- Italian-language on-site assistance
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Anything not expressly listed in the included services
From
US$2,920
per person · land services · indicative price, subject to change
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