Top free outings | Sud Tourism New Caledonia

Explore the world’s largest lagoon

In such a beautiful archipelago, what could be better than enjoying the lagoon listed as a Unesco World Heritage site? Swimming in crystal-clear water, diving with mask, flippers, and snorkel to admire the underwater fauna, watching for big-headed turtles… Swimming and snorkeling in the most beautiful spots in the South Province is a wonderful activity… and it’s free! Here are a few well-known sites:

Poé lagoon, Bourail;
Kanuméra and Kuto bays on the Isle of Pines;
The southernmost part of Baie des Citrons, Nouméa
Around the islets Canard, Signal or Larégnère (beware, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the taxi-boat to get there).
Discover our article on snorkeling spots in South Province.

Relax on the beach

Lounging on the beach and enjoying New Caledonia’s exceptional sunshine – there’s no better way to feel like you’re on holiday! There are many beaches where you can relax, swim, have a picnic with the family, walk hand in hand… From the most family-friendly to the most romantic, there’s something for everyone! With its shallow pool, Bourail’s Poé beach is perfect for kids. In Nouméa, the Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata beaches are family favourites.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the activities on the beaches of Roche Percée, Poé, Ouano and Anse Vata. As for romantics, they can enjoy a charming atmosphere at Baie des Amoureux in Bourail or Port-Boisé, and a marvellous sunset on Poé beach or Kuto Bay on Île des Pins.

Want to find out more? Find more spots on our page dedicated to the most beautiful beaches in the South Province.

Party in the region

Local festivals and fairs are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each region of the South Province. Even on a small budget, you’ll be able to interact with the locals, discover the rituals and know-how of tribes and villages, and have fun with your family. A real moment of sharing and conviviality! Just take a look at the events calendar to find the events you won’t want to miss. For example:

a local festival like the Fête de la Mer in Thio or the Fête du ver de bancoule in Farino;
a Broussarde fair, like the Foire de Bourail;
a film festival, in La Foa or Nouméa;
a carnival in September;
Heritage Days in a tribe of the Grand Sud.

Visit the market

Strolling through the market just for the pleasure of your eyes and senses couldn’t be easier! Let yourself be overwhelmed by the delicious smells of seasonal fruit and the shimmering colours of the stalls… Don’t miss the chance to chat with the shopkeepers and discover the secrets of Caledonian recipes! From the large Port Moselle market to the small bush markets, each has its own identity. Along the way, keep an eye out for small stalls and stop to admire the plants, fruit, and sometimes handicrafts on offer.

Looking for a market?

Admire beautiful views

In the early morning or at sunset, enjoy the most beautiful panoramas of the South Province, between sea and mountains! It won’t cost you a penny, and you’ll leave with unforgettable light and colour. If you’re feeling sporty, head for the summits! Climbing Mont-Dore, Pic N’ga, the Oua Koué ridge at Domaine de Déva in Bourail are just some of the hikes crowned with majestic views! For breathtaking sunsets, head to Ouen Toro or Rocher à la Voile in Nouméa, or to Poé beach. At dawn, watch the sun rise behind Mont-Dore from Nouméa… And don’t forget your camera to capture these moments of grace!

All hikes

Hike in the great outdoors

Get your sneakers on! Hiking allows everyone to discover New Caledonia’s natural treasures for free. Everywhere in the Southern Province, you’ll find trails for all levels, in the midst of diverse landscapes. Never heard of mangroves? Explore the easy trails from Ouemo to Nouméa and from Ouano to La Foa. Want to gain some altitude? Conquer the plateau de Dogny in Sarraméa, or more easily, climb to the summit of Mont Bota Méré in Thio. Take in the colours of the sunrise on the 3 Bays trail and enjoy nature at Domaine de Déva or in the Grand Sud. On foot or on a mountain bike, hiking is an excellent way to explore the coastline, wet and dry forests, and mountains.

Discover all the trails in Province Sud on our hiking page !

Organise a picnic

You don’t have to go to a restaurant to taste the country’s specialities in splendid surroundings. Organising a picnic is an opportunity to eat in the midst of marvellous scenery on a budget! On the beach, in nature parks, by the water… there’s no shortage of places to go. Buy some local fruit and vegetables, deer charcuterie and farm produce, and spread out your mat in the shade of a banyan tree! Here are a few great spots for your picnic:

The Ouano peninsula, in La Foa;
The Ouen Toro spot in Nouméa;
At Cap N’Dua in the Deep South;
In the Baie des Amoureux in Bourail ;
At creek des Japonais, on the road between Thio and Boulouparis ;
On Farino village square

Explore themed tours

Discovering New Caledonia’s historical and cultural heritage without going to museums and paying sites? It’s absolutely doable! First step: go to the tourist office and ask for an information booklet or a map of possible themed routes. Historical tour of the city of Nouméa, colonial houses in the Vallée du Tir, Marguerite footbridge in La Foa, visit to the sculptures scattered around the village of Thio… If you’re careful, you’ll find many relics of the past and of Caledonian and Kanak culture.

Swim in the river

A refreshing swim is always welcome when you’re travelling in summer and the thermometer is rising. The rivers of the Southern Province offer pleasant breaks to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. From the Grand Sud to Bourail, via Thio, Sarraméa and Dumbéa, the waterways of the Chaîne Centrale have carved out beautiful pools ideal for swimming. By consulting our post dedicated to river swimming, you’ll discover the spots that are easily accessible from the main roads.

Did you know ?

The far south of Grande Terre is the Territory’s largest freshwater area, with lakes, numerous ponds and marshland.