New Caledonia

Discover complex geography, remarkable biodiversity and a unique marriage of indigenous and colonial French cultures as you hop between the islands, atolls and coral reefs of this spectacular Southwest Pacific archipelago

Explore turquoise lagoons teeming with sea life and wander along white-sand beaches fringed with soaring ancient pines

Get to know Nouméa, one of the Pacific’s most charming cities

Tackle the GR North Track of New Caledonia (GR NORD), an exciting hiking trail that passes through a dazzling array of landscapes from tropical rainforest to the striking plains of the West

The climate of New Caledonia is subtropical with year-round precipitation. Rainstorms are especially common on the east coast, where at higher elevations more than 120 inches (3000 mm) of rain may fall annually. On the west coast the precipitation is regularly less than 40 inches (1000 mm). The driest months are September through November however rainfall can be experienced at any time of the year, so please be prepared with a lightweight wet weather jacket or poncho. Average monthly temperature throughout the year is around 24°C. The temperature hovers between 20-22°C during the cooler months (July/August) and 27-28°C during the hotter months (December/January/February). The temperatures in November sit somewhere in the middle. Due to New Caledonia’s geographical location in the southern hemisphere, the country enjoys constant cooling south-easterly and easterly breezes. These trade winds keep the climate in New Caledonia pleasantly balmy. Water temperatures are pleasant all year round, varying between 22 and 28.5°C.

New Caledonia is +11 hours ahead of UTC/GMT time

French (official), Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

South Pacific Franc (CFP)

+687

Electricity in New Caledonia is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Electricity in New Caledonia is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.