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Travel Ideas

Your weekend in the Great south

Welcome to the Great South, a region where industrial heritage meets breathtaking landscapes. Get ready for an authentic adventure, far from the beaten path. Here, remnants of old mines stand alongside timeless panoramas, where the striking red earth contrasts with the lush green of tropical forests and the dazzling blue of the lagoons. Leave your white shoes at home—the red soil will leave its mark! Set off on a journey where every stop unveils a new facet of this unique region’s wild beauty and rich history in New Caledonia.

From

3600 XPF

per person

Suggested to do in

2 days

You’ll love

Discover the remnants of the Japanese mine and dive into Yaté’s industrial history.
Savor authentic and colorful cuisine at the Iya cottage restaurant, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Set off on a hike to Cap N’Dua and explore the striking red landscapes, lush Caledonian flora, and dazzling blue lagoons.
Visit the Blue River Provincial Park, paddle through the Drowned Forest by kayak, and marvel at the turquoise waters of Prony Bay.

Our advisor's top pick

For a deeper exploration of the Great South, and for those who have already visited the six must-see spots, I recommend discovering “L’Oasis.”

After hiking the trails at the Chutes de la Madeleine, take the Col de la Capture. Once at the bottom, head towards Prony. About two minutes later, you’ll spot a green bike lane—just after that, on your left, there’s a small parking area in the forest. From there, it’s only a five-minute walk to join the GR trail. You’ll reach a stunning waterfall that you can walk around to access a natural swimming hole below. During dry periods, the water level may be low, but in normal conditions, it’s a fantastic spot to cool off.

Another must-see is the historic laundry site, which I highly recommend. It’s located just before descending the Col de la Capture—enter via the MTB trail. Once there, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Grand Sud lakes. These are truly hidden gems worth exploring !

Contact me

Valérie

Practical information

Your stay Step by step

Day 1 Ruins and Mystic Waves

Start your weekend in the Great South by exploring the remnants of the Japanese mine. Nestled in a striking red laterite landscape where nature has reclaimed its place, this former iron mine—operated by Japanese immigrants from 1938—reveals ruins and structures that bear witness to the miners’ working and living conditions.

For lunch, stop by a local restaurant or shop of your choice. We recommend the restaurant at Iya cottage, where Marie Vouty and Jacqueline serve up authentic, colorful Yaté cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, all in a warm and welcoming setting.

In the afternoon, let yourself be captivated by the raw beauty of the Blue River Provincial Park. Rent a bike to explore its scenic trails and take a refreshing dip in the natural swimming holes. For a truly unique experience, hop in a kayak and paddle through the Drowned Forest, where submerged trees create a mystical atmosphere. Glide between the trunks, listen to the calls of native birds, and soak in the tropical surroundings.

Sunset

End your day in style by watching the sunset over Lake Yaté, drink in hand, as golden reflections dance on the water.

Feeling a little hungry ?

All Restaurants in the Great South

Day 2 Red Earth and Turquoise Bays

Start your day with a hike at Cap N’Dua, a peaceful haven classified as a UNESCO heritage site in 1972 to protect the region from extensive mining development. Walk on vibrant red soil contrasting with the dazzling blue of the endless lagoon and the lush green of tropical flora.

This historic trail winds through mangroves, dense rainforests, and shrubland, offering a diverse and almost enchanting hiking experience.

Don't forget :

Your camera to capture the breathtaking panoramas and encounters with local wildlife, sunscreen to avoid those pesky tan lines, a cap or hat for protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and most importantly, water.

Continue your adventure in the afternoon by exploring the charming Prony village, once a penal colony, with its historic buildings and ruins nestled beneath the banyan trees. Then, head towards Prony Bay to admire the turquoise waters and striking red landscapes that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Don’t hesitate to find a vantage point to spot humpback whales in the distance, visible from July to October. Finish your day with a hike to the Aiguille de Prony, a stunning rock formation that towers over the landscape.

Discover Prony's village

All activities in the Great South

Let yourself be inspired by the Great south's must-sees

Must-see places in the Great South

Blue River provincial park

Need to adjust your stay ?

Were you planning to spend more or less time in the Grand South, or would you like to explore other regions ? Check out our suggestions to tailor your itinerary! Choose the option that best matches your desire for adventure :

All travel ideas

Complementary information

the price inclues
- Visit to the Japanese mine (free)
- Entry to the Blue River Provincial Park (600 XPF)
- Hike to Cap N’Dua (free)
- Guided tour of the village of Prony (3000 XPF)
- Hike to the Aiguille de Prony (free)
The price does not include
- Transport between each activity.
- Meals
- Diving at the Aiguille de Prony (12,000 XPF)