Day trips from Nouméa

Treat yourself to a dream outing with the greatest of ease! In just a few minutes on a water taxi, and you’re on an islet with your picnic and snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel). Once there, enjoy the lagoon for a swim, discover the fish, and keep an eye out for sea turtles. Unless you’d prefer to bask in the shade of a faré… Île Verte and the islets Signal, Maître and Larégnère are perfect for a relaxing day out! You can also choose to be guided all day on an organised excursion. Once you’re on board, all you have to do is go with the flow. Meals and entertainment are arranged by your service provider. The Phare Amédée or the islets Brosse and Moro on Île des Pins are accessible with this type of package.

Want to know more? See our “Exploring the Islets” page.

With their well-maintained trails, the numerous natural reserves of the South Province are perfect for a family day out. You’ll discover New Caledonia’s endemic flora and fauna. To add some variety, you can usually find mountain bikes, electric bikes and kayaks available for hire. Picnic areas provide opportunities for friendly breaks. Finally, some service providers also organise combined days. At the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, for example, you can start out by mountain bike in the morning and continue by kayak for around 7 hours. A fantastic way to discover nature from every angle!

Discover the must-see nature parks !

Are you in the mood for some sport? Put on your walking shoes and go for a hike! Among the many signposted trails in the Southern Province, some allow you to cover long distances in the natural parks or even reach the mountain peaks. In the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, the Grande Cascade trail takes 5 hours, passing through the forest, creeks and mountains. If you leave early, you can also cover the Parc des Grandes Fougères panoramic trail (7 hours and 30 minutes). For a higher perspective, aim for the plateau de Dogny (7 hours) or the summit of Mont-Dore (3 hours and 30 minutes with a steep climb). For these sporty hikes, take precautions: plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen are essential!

On our “Hiking” page, you’ll find lots of ideas for trails in the South Province.

You can see a lot in one day if you have a vehicle. Exploring the region of your choice with a driver-guide is a great way to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of the South Province. Car with private driver, mini-bus tour… many tourist operators offer guided and personalised tours (a tour of Nouméa, an excursion in the Grand Sud, four-wheel-drive in the bush, etc.).

Water sports, Nouméa market, Place des Cocotiers, museums, beaches and islets, restaurants on the bays, themed tours, shows, bars and cafés, shopping… there’s plenty to do in the capital! What if it rains? Make the most of it by visiting the museums, enjoying a movie, or taking refuge in one of Nouméa’s trendy cafés. Find more ideas in our “Activities in Nouméa” and “What to do when it rains” pages.

It’s shaping up to be a hot day? How about a day of paddling and picnicking by the river? Here’s a great idea for a summer day out! Small creeks, pools and basins offer delightful freshwater swimming. Pack your cooler and enjoy a long, relaxing moment with friends or family. Water sports enthusiasts can also rent kayaks or paddle boards on the banks of certain rivers (Parc Fayard or Rivière Bleue, for example).

Want to find out more? Go to the “River swimming” page.

Every month, the Thio Tourist Office offers visitors the chance to discover the SLN mine on the Plateau. The only mine open to the public, it is also the oldest in the region. In just one morning, you’ll delve into the industrial history of New Caledonian and the people of Thio. The visit continues with a traditional tribal meal. It’s an opportunity for you to discover the daily life and culture of the locals. To organise this day out, see the dedicated Mine de Thio excursion form.