Trekkers at a waterfall rest stop along the GR Nord
Trekkers at a waterfall rest stop along the GR Nord
Trekkers descend a ridgeline on a remote section of track
The sweeping views over the forested ranges
Campsite at Pombei village
A GR Nord trail shelter and Kanak hut surrounded by mountain views

New Caledonia GR Nord Trek

Trek New Caledonia’s GR Nord for a rare journey through Kanak villages, rainforest and ridgelines and no crowds.

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 1 review

6 Days from

$2520 USD

Trip Code: NCH
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single tent
$310 USD

Duration

  • 6 Days

Activities

  • 4 day trek

Accommodation

  • 5 nights camping

Meals

  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

47kg of CO2-e PP per day

(233kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Trek the full GR Nord (New Caledonia North Trail) a remote, hidden gem route along the island’s east coast
  • Walk ancestral celestial trails of the Kanak people, guided by stories that link land and sky
  • Hike through ever-changing landscapes including lush rainforest, paperbark savanna and sweeping ridgelines
  • Stay each night in traditional Kanak villages, sharing local food and warm community hospitality
  • Discover rare wildlife such as the iconic kagou bird and vibrant green parakeets
  • Travel with a low-impact, community-first approach that ensures genuine cultural connection and benefit

Overview

Step into a side of New Caledonia few travellers ever see. The New Caledonia GR Nord Trek follows an unspoiled trail through lush rainforest, open savanna, ancient coffee groves, and high ridgelines with sweeping views of the Pacific.

This pioneering route, part of the iconic French Grande Randonnée network, offers a rare blend of raw beauty and cultural depth.

Each night, you’ll be welcomed into remote Kanak villages, staying in traditional huts and sharing home-cooked meals prepared by your hosts. More than just a place to rest, these are moments of genuine connection, it's where stories are shared, customs are honoured, and your presence supports local livelihoods.

You’ll walk up to 20 km (12.5 miles) a day carrying just a daypack, while your main luggage is transferred ahead. Guided by local experts who know every river bend and birdcall, you'll traverse challenging gradients and varied terrain that rewards every step with rich scenery and a deeper sense of place.

This is not the New Caledonia of cruise brochures or resort stays. It’s an active journey into a living Melanesian culture, one that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.

Ideal for confident walkers looking for something new, this trip offers space, authenticity, and adventure without the crowds. It’s an immersive experience that delivers a big sense of discovery with a small footprint.

Itinerary

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Your adventure begins in Nouméa, where your guide greets you for the cross-island drive to the east coast. The journey showcases the striking contrasts of New Caledonia’s landscapes, from the fertile plains and nickel-mining ridges of the west, through mountain passes, and into the green valleys of the east. You’ll stop en route for a relaxed picnic lunch with views over the UNESCO-listed lagoon, before continuing toward the remote tribal region of Tchamba. The terrain becomes more rugged and forested as you descend through the Col des Roussettes Pass, where mist and dense vegetation hint at the trail conditions to come. Upon arrival in the village, you'll meet your hosts and settle in for your first night immersed in Kanak life. It’s a quiet, informal start to the journey, with time to prepare for the trail and absorb your surroundings. Driving time: approx. 5 hrs Accommodation: Traditional Kanak village hut (shared) Note: A welcome custom ceremony will be performed upon arrival at each Kanak village. This is a respectful exchange acknowledging your presence on tribal land. Your guide will assist you with the appropriate protocol at each location.

Meals: L,D

Begin your journey through the Kanak heartland Today marks your first full day on foot as you begin trekking the GR Nord (New Caledonia GR North Trail), moving steadily from the peaceful Tchamba Valley toward the Amoa Valley. This region is the traditional homeland of the Kanak people, New Caledonia’s Indigenous population, who have lived on the island for over 6,000 years in autonomous tribal communities scattered through the island’s valleys and mountains. As you walk, the landscape unfolds in layers: cultivated Kanak fields, remnant coffee plantations, and dense patches of rainforest alive with bird calls and vibrant flora. The trail transitions into open savanna dotted with endemic trees, offering a window into the island’s rich biodiversity and ecological contrasts. It’s a full and varied walking day with moderate gradients and a steady rhythm. You’ll arrive in Saint Thomas village in the afternoon, welcomed by your hosts and a hearty evening meal. Your first steps on the GR Nord offer more than scenery, they’re a journey into living Melanesian tradition. Trekking time: approx. 7 hours (20 km / 12.4 mi) Ascent/Descent: +790 m / -780 m (+2,590 ft / -2,560 ft) Accommodation: Traditional Kanak village hut (shared)

Meals: B,L,D

Forest giants, open ridgelines, and a welcome swim Today’s walk is one of the most physically demanding on the trail, but also one of the most visually rewarding. You’ll follow a route that rises and falls between high ridgelines and deeply forested rain valleys, offering a true sense of immersion in New Caledonia’s inland wilderness. The terrain is varied and at times exposed, with limited shade during the middle of the day, so staying well hydrated is essential. You’ll traverse Niaouli savanna, a native paperbark forest with wide open views, before dropping into lush rainforest filled with towering Kaori trees, ferns, and endemic flowering plants unique to this island ecosystem. Lunch is enjoyed with sweeping views at Pineapple Pass, before a long, steep descent and a final river crossing lead you into Pombei village. Here, the forest opens to reveal a small clearing and your welcoming hosts. There’s time to soak tired legs in the river before settling into the village for the night. Trekking time: approx. 7-9 hours (19.3 km / 12 mi) Ascent/Descent: +960 m / -970 m (+3,150 ft / -3,180 ft) Accommodation: Traditional Kanak village hut (shared)

Meals: B,L,D

Remote rainforest trails, river crossings, and the call of wild New Caledonia Today is widely considered the most challenging day of the trek, with a trail that feels as remote and raw as the landscapes it cuts through. Expect a combination of steep ascents, narrow ridgelines, and uneven jungle tracks that demand both footing and focus. You’ll begin by crossing the river (twice), wearing water sandals or shoes with good drainage. From there, the trail climbs steadily into the mountains, passing through well-preserved rainforest, where giant trees rise through mist and the air carries the sound of forest birds. If you’re lucky, you may hear the Notou pigeon, spot a green parakeet, or even catch sight of wild deer moving through the undergrowth. The terrain is often slippery and technical underfoot, but the rewards are many: panoramic lookouts, cool shaded groves, and natural pools along the way where you can stop for a break or a quick dip. Your destination tonight is Tiwae, one of the more isolated Kanak villages, reached by a final descent onto a quiet forested road. A hot meal and warm welcome await. Trekking time: approx. 7-8 hours (16.8 km / 10.4 mi) Ascent/Descent: +980 m / -750 m (+3,215 ft / -2,460 ft) Accommodation: Traditional Kanak village hut (shared)

Meals: B,L,D

Savanna ridges, coastal glimpses, and the last village of the trail Your final day on the GR Nord offers a fitting conclusion. The trek that weaves together everything you’ve experienced so far: exposed ridgelines, dense forest, local farmland, and a quiet sense of remoteness that lingers long after you leave. The trail is shorter today but still physically engaging, with steep ascents and descents, and sections of loose scree and narrow paths. Much of the early walk moves through open savanna, with wide views toward the coastal lagoon in the distance. Closer to Ouanache, the terrain shifts again, winding through shaded forest and past limestone karst formations carved by time and water. These surreal rock shapes mark your final stretch into the village campsite, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon. There’s time to explore the nearby forest and formations, or simply reflect on your journey before gathering with your hosts for one final shared meal. Trekking time: approx. 5.5-6.5 hours (16.8 km / 10.4 mi) Ascent/Descent: +712 m / -600 m (+2,336 ft / -1,970 ft) Accommodation: Traditional Kanak village hut (shared)

Meals: B,L,D

From mountain trails to coast After breakfast in the village, it’s time to farewell your hosts and begin the journey back across the island. The drive retraces your path from east to west, crossing mountain passes, open plains, and the striking contrasts of New Caledonia’s interior. Along the way, there’s time to pause for a final group lunch and reflect on the week’s journey. From the warm welcomes and authentic village stays, to the changing landscapes and the rare privilege of walking a trail few others have. By mid-afternoon you’ll arrive back in Nouméa, where the trek officially concludes. Whether you’re continuing your travels in New Caledonia or heading home, you’ll carry with you a lasting connection to place, people and path. If continuing your journey in New Caledonia, additional accommodation in Nouméa can be arranged on request. Driving time: approx. 5 hrs

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What’s included?

Included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches and 5 dinners
  • 5 nights fully supported camping in kanak villages on a multi-share basis with shared ablution facilities
  • Professional local guide and support staff
  • Private transportation
  • Sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • Track fees
  • Medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Accommodation and meals in Noumea
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Sleeping bags
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages etc
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Optional excursions

Reviews (1)

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