Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia sits right by the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Nouméa is an annual attraction to our passengers who can enjoy the quaint French Caledonian township and live a day in the life of a Nouméa native enjoying seaside living.

You will dock in an industrial port when visiting Nouméa, so you will be provided a free of charge shuttle bus which will deliver you straight to the Noumea Tourist Centre to start your day on the island. At the centre, you will find local delights at the marketplace upstairs, and various tours and day trip options from local vendors. A cafe at the centre offers french baguettes and cheese, great coffee and free WI-FI to touch base with your loved ones at home. Nouméa predominately accepts $AUD from travellers at the tourist centre, however the local currency is Pacific Franc (XPF). This is the official currency of all New Caledonian islands and destinations.

Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie has exhibits from across the Pacific region. The Aquarium of Nouméa introduces local marine life to a mass of cruise visitors each year.

The city is blessed with several parks and gardens when you can enjoy a pleasant stroll. Start with the Zoological Forest Park, located in the heights of the city and offering an enjoyable day of discovery as well as local flora and fauna. Other ‘green lungs’: Coconut Tree Square in the downtown area hosts events and fairs throughout the year, Ouen Toro facing the sea, or even the Nouville Trail to Fort Tereka. The sea pediment was also built to accommodate a beautiful stroll between Orphanage Bay and the Pierre Vernier promenade.

THINGS TO DO

LEMON BAY (PLAGE DE LA BAIE DES CITRONS)

• Soak away your cares in this beautiful sheltered bay. A beautiful, uninterrupted view out to the pale blue waters of Lemon Bay offer a look into the carefree life of local Caledonians. Various beach-side cafe’s and restaurants can ignite your senses from fresh seafood, delicious steaks or summer salads to enjoy with a cocktail or local beer in the sun. We recommend taking the hop-on hop-off bus to travel there which you can purchase tickets to at the tourism centre (Approx AUD$15 per person) which are valid all day and stop frequently.

NOUMEA TCHOU TCHOU TRAIN

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• Do not pass by without a ride in Noumea Tchou Tchou train! Throughout the year, the Tchou Tchou Train lets you discover the most beautiful views of Noumea for 2 hours. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caledonian capital and come get your fill of scenery and local atmosphere! Ideal for a family outing, this excursion will delight young and old!

• AMEDEE ISLAND & LIGHTHOUSE TOUR

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• Enjoy an exciting private water taxi excursion to the world’s largest lagoon and second largest great barrier reef, with a personal skipper. Amedee tropical island is a must-see around Noumea where you can enjoy its pristine white sands beaches and great snorkeling. The Barrier Reef is just few minutes from the Island and you will have the opportunity to view its turquoise water and local sea life. Finish your half-day adventure by soaking up the sights on your high speed water-taxi ride back to Noumea.

• NOUMEA AQUARIUM

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• The recently renovated Aquarium of the Lagoon houses a stunning collection of living underwater species. Its treasures include the pygmy seahorse and the famous nautilus, which is one of the emblems of New Caledonia. Other notable species found in New Caledonian waters are housed here – including sea snakes, stone fish, turtles, sharks and stingrays. Only a few minutes walk from Lemon Bay, this is a must for any new visitor to the Island.

• LOCAL MARKETS AND TOURIST CENTRE

• As Noumea docks in an industrial port, you will be provided a free of charge shuttle bus which will deliver you straight to the Noumea Tourist Centre to start your day on the island. At the centre, you will find local delights at the marketplace upstairs, and various tours and day trip options from local vendors. A cafe at the centre offers french baguettes and cheese, great coffee and free wi-fi to touch base with your loved ones at home.