Hienghène
Poindimié
NORTHERN PROVINCE
Muéo
LOYALTY ISLANDS PROVINCE
Bourail
Thio
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Noumea
ÎLE DES PINS
Diverse cultural blend
New Caledonia is only two hours from
Brisbane and less than three hours
from Sydney. The Loyalty Islands,
comprising Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa, are then
just a short flight from the cosmopolitan
capital of Nouméa. Here you will enjoy a
wonderful international experience, with a
unique combination of French finesse and
Melanesian culture.
Capital and major centres
Nouméa, New Caledonia's only city, offers
a touch of the French Riviera in the South
Pacific. The colourful waterfronts are lined
with a variety bars, cafes, restaurants
and nightclubs.
Tontouta International airport is around
45 minutes north and Magenta Domestic
airport is just a few minutes drive from
the city centre. The mainland, known as
'Grande Terre', is the main island of New
Caledonia and offers a diverse range of
scenery, sights and activities.
South and east of the mainland lie the Isle
of Pines and the Loyalty Islands.
Nature
The animal life consists of many species,
some of which are not found elsewhere.
174 www.paradisesonline.com
The cagou (a flightless bird which is New
Caledonia's symbol), the green pigeon,
the crested parrot and the flying fox are
in abundance.
New Caledonia boasts the world's largest
lagoon and second largest coral reef,
which is now on the World Heritage List.
It is the third largest archipelago in the
South Pacific, and offers a choice of 74
beautiful islands, mostly uninhabited. On
the eastern coast are coconut palms and
luxuriant vegetation, abundant flowers and
waterfalls.
