Pacific Island Paradises

NEW CALEDONIA Nouméa and Southern Province The Southern Province is the most densely populated part of New Caledonia and comprises some 7000 square kilometres, approximately 40 percent of the whole territory. The capital, Nouméa, is a garden city where long strolls are a pleasure. Walk along the beautiful beaches of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons and enjoy browsing in the French influenced boutiques. Places to visit include the Place des Cocotiers with its brilliant flame trees skirting a monumental fountain and music pavilion. Also visit the Museum of New Caledonia which is dedicated to the archaeology and ethnology of Oceania, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, the City of Nouméa Museum, the Geological Museum, the Maritime History Museum, the Bernheim Library, and Saint Joseph's Cathedral. Don't forget to have a look at the Mwà Ka sculpture and its ethno-botanical garden. Nature lovers will enjoy the recently renovated Aquarium of Nouméa, the colourful local produce market, and the Zoological and Forest Park where you can see the rare endemic cagou, New Caledonia's emblem. Attractions near Nouméa include white sandy beaches like Turtle Bay, mangroves, the Pierced Rock—a huge cliff with caves, and Le Bonhomme—an enormous monolith sculpted by waves. Tourists can also visit the orchards of the Amieu Pass and the museums of Bourail and Paita. Take a hiking or 4wd trip to the South beyond Nouméa, a wild and mysterious region which, despite a barren appearance, provides a haven for its flora and fauna. Contrasting with the vast red-ochre landscape is the Blue River Provincial Park with ancient trees and rare animals. Other places of interest include the Madeleine Waterfall, the Yate Dam, the Giant Kaori tree of Mount Goro and Wadiana Waterfall (Goro), the Woodin Canal, the Bay of Prony, and Kuebini Beach with its myriad islets popular with yachties. From Nouméa, it is possible to take excursions to the numerous islands and islets in the southwest lagoon. Ile aux Canards (Duck Island) is easily accessible for windsurfers or by taxi boat. Scuba, ocean walk, bubble boat, and underwater discovery path excursions are offered. Light meals are available on the islet but visitors are free to bring along a picnic lunch. Ilot Maître, a boat ride of about 15 minutes from Nouméa, lies in the centre of a vast underwater reef and offers remarkable scuba diving. A popular spot for weekenders from Nouméa, Ilot Maître offers accommodation and a variety of water sports. Ilot Amedee (lighthouse), about 40 minutes by boat, is a popular excursion from Nouméa. The 56 metre high, 150-year-old lighthouse which dominates the island was built under Napoleon III. Its sparkling lagoon is popular for diving and snorkelling. The excursion includes a full buffet lunch, glass bottom boat trip, free snorkel hire, and entertainment is provided by a Melanesian dance troupe. Ilot Laregnere is accessible either by a 35–minute motor boat ride from Nouméa or as part of an excursion. Ilot Signal, surrounded by white beaches, was fitted with the first beacon for the entrance into the Port-de-France Harbour. Ilot Casy, in the middle of the Bay of Prony, is an isolated nature reserve. Excursions from Nouméa are by private car or mini bus. Ouen Island is halfway between Nouméa and the Isle of Pines and is renowned for its turtles and jade mines. Isle of Pines—or Kunie as it is called by its inhabitants—is reached in just 20 minutes by regular Air Caledonie flights or in three hours by the power boat catamaran Le Betico or the ferry "Aremiti 4". In the past, it was a place of exile for convicted participants of the 19th century Commune uprising in Paris. Excursions include stops at beautiful bays, caves, ruins of the convict prison and walking up N'Ga peak. Tours can be done in a traditional outrigger canoe or by mini bus and there boat tours. is also snorkelling, diving and glass-bottom www.paradisesonline.com 183

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