Sport and outdoor activities

Do you like to keep active ? Good news! Caledonians are very sports-minded too! On land, in the sea, or up in the air, sports and outdoor activities are done in all sorts of ways: by yourself or with mates, as a hobby or like a pro, with the family… The big open spaces in the South Province are perfect for outdoor sports. Here’s a quick rundown of the best sporting experiences to discover the Southern Province in terms of getaways and adventure !

Adventure racing and trail running

Caledonians love outdoor sports! They also organise challenging and exhilarating adventure racing and trail running throughout the year. That gives you the opportunity to push your limits while enjoying exceptional landscapes, from rain forest to dry forest. If you’re looking for an adventure that’s as outdoorsy as it is welcoming, then here are a few competitions in the South Province that should get you excited:

The Erythrine Trek at Domaine de Déva
The Gigawatt, starting from the Yaté dam
The Raid de l’Île des Pins adventure race
The Trail des Cagous trail-running festival at the Blue River
The Ultra Trail de Nouvelle-Calédonie (UTNC) in the Great South

Check all the sports events

Noumea Skydive - Saut en parachute tandem à Poé | sud Tourisme

Skydiving in Poe

Get a taste of the big, mighty outdoors at Poé! The world’s largest lagoon deserves your full attention! Take a tandem skydiving experience and discover the incredible sensations of free fall style! Not your first rodeo? Give paragliding a go and let yourself be captivated by the incredible feeling of freedom! At Poé, in the commune of Bourail, you can fly over the lagoon while taking in the view of the central chain. A must-do!

Want to know all the ways to fly over the lagoon? See our post on lagoon flights !

Paddling in the wilderness

Looking for an original aquatic getaway? Explore the natural sites of South Province by canoe or kayak! In small groups, the boats cut through the waters of the Blue River and meander between the trees of the Flooded Forest. Along the Côte Oubliée, sea kayaking is the best way to discover this wild and deserted area. Along the Baie de la Somme, you can reach incredible places, like the hot water springs of Prony. And for a unique experience, keep an eye on the moon: if it’s full, it’s time to try night kayaking in the Flooded Forest!

Diving in the lagoon

Are you coming to New Caledonia to discover its underwater treasures? Have you always dreamed of giving scuba diving a go, but never dared to try? Scuba diving in South Province is within reach for everyone. This sport activity lets you explore the exceptional sites of the lagoon and coral reef. Deep diving, drift diving, night diving: the more experienced can enjoy unforgettable sensations starting off from Nouméa, La Foa, Bourail, and Prony. Beginner divers aren’t left out: the lagoon offers wonderful coral reefs and a variety of fish to see.

Ready for a big dose of excitement? Read our post dedicated to diving in South Province !

Surfing on turquoise water

A bit of wind, a big sail… It’s time to rig up the kite board for a thrill. On a calm day, the lagoon looks more like a lake. Set off for some recreational paddleboarding and admire the breathtaking scenery in front of you! Strong trade winds? Windsurfing enthusiasts can take to the waves. And how about having some fun wakeboarding at the Cable Wake park? In Nouméa, Bourail, La Foa, and along the islets, there are surf spots to suit all levels.

Don’t forget to read our post on kitesurfing tips and spots !

Marvel at a breathtaking view

Hiking enthusiasts are always stoked to discover the number and variety of trails available in South Province. As well as offering breathtaking viewpoints of the lagoon, the Central Range, the forests, and the mining scrub land, most of them are very well-marked. Brochures are also available for each trail, detailing the route, level of difficulty and duration. So, whether you’re a top-notch athlete or a beginner, you’ll find something you like! Between the sea and the mountains, here are a few hikes that are sure to please hikers:

The trails of the Domaine de Déva: on the ridges, in the plain, overlooking the lagoon or the mountains… loads of trails for different levels!
The climb to the plateau de Dogny: for seasoned athletes, whose efforts will be rewarded by the panoramic views at the summit overlooking New Caledonia’s west and east coasts!
The ascent of Mont Dore: another demanding option in the Great South, in the colours of New Caledonia: the red of the laterite soil, the blue of the lagoon, and the green of the surrounding forests!
The Grandes Fougères park: trails for all levels and the chance to come across many endemic species.

Looking for a particular hike ? Check out our list of hiking tours in South Province!

Crossing the Chaîne on horseback

Take a step up! Climb the rugged slopes of the Chaîne on horseback. On a two- or three-day horseback ride, endurance is key, and your efforts will be rewarded with plunging views of plains, hills and, in the distance, the Pacific Ocean. Centres like the Far West Ranch DÉVA or Vaqueros Randonnées offer these great routes, either along the Chain or right through it. This sports and adventure experience is a great way to get to know the local flora and fauna.

Read our post about horseback riding for more information!

Mountain biking the red earth of the Great South

Craving a wild getaway in the heart of the scrub and forests? Get on your mountain bike and set off along the red dirt tracks of the Great South. As an adventure destination, the region has marked trails for all levels. The Blue River Provincial Park and the Netcha Loops are prime spots for both novice and more experienced mountain bikers.

Note : And don’t forget that elsewhere in the South Province, many other playgrounds await you: the Domaine de Deva in Bourail, the Boucles de Tina in Nouméa, and the Parc des Grandes Fougères in Farino!

View list of marked mountain bike trails

Get a taste of adrenaline with motorsports

Fan of motorsports? On land or on the water, feel that sense of freedom as you hurtle along at full speed! In Dumbéa, the Kart Park Pacific organises driving courses and races all year round. Of course, you can just come for a bit of fun with a few laps on the track with family or mates! Whether you’re on a quad, motocross or trial bike, you’ll want to test your skills on ever steeper paths, so you can get out and about in the wilderness and enjoy a whole host of sensations. From Sarraméa, there are numerous quad bike trails at the foot of the Central Range.

Looking for some thrills on the water? Think jet-skiing! Departing from Nouméa, take a solo or duo ride on a water scooter and cruise the New Caledonian lagoon in complete safety. Get your adrenaline fix, before calmly docking on the surrounding islets for a well-deserved break!

Perfect your golf swing

With four golf courses set in beautiful green surroundings, golf enthusiasts can have a blast! South Province’s golf courses attract the world’s top golfers and beginners alike. International competitions are held here. Test your swing at Exclusiv Golf Deva in Bourail, Tina Golf, Garden Golf in Dumbéa, or Golf de la Ouenghi !

Want to find out more? Read all about teeing off in Province Sud in our post on golf in the South Province.

Sport and outdoor activities

Skydiving in Poe

More inspiration in South Province