New Caledonia: 10 reasons this island paradise should be on your travel bucket list

Sitting in the heart of the South Pacific, New Caledonia has abundant natural wonders and stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. But there’s more to this underrated archipelago than its pristine beaches. From its rich culture to unique experiences and activities, here are 10 reasons this island paradise should be on your travel bucket list.

A French-flavoured getaway

Lying east of Australia and north of New Zealand, the idyllic archipelago was first sighted by explorer James Cook in the late 1700s. Established and populated by the French in 1853, New Caledonia became an overseas territory after World War II, its inhabitants holding French citizenship regardless of ethnicity.

What this means today, is that the island offers a unique blend of savoir-vivre (to live well and elegantly) and laid-back Pacific vibes. Think fine wine and dining, fresh produce markets, and local Melanesian culture against the backdrop of palm-lined beaches.

The land of eternal spring

This little piece of France enjoys an average temperature of 24°C. November to March are its warmest months, with temperatures reaching a high of 36°C. During its coolest months, from July to September, temperatures can drop to a cool 17°C. With its all-year-round subtropical climate, you can comfortably enjoy the great outdoors in the Land of Eternal Spring.

Direct flights with Aircalin

This one-of-a-kind getaway is less than nine hours away from Singapore with Aircalin. With six weekly direct flights to La Tontouta International Airport, Nouméa, it makes for easy planning while you get to enjoy all the amenities of a full-service airline, coupled with the warm welcome of the Pacific. After all, Aircalin means “air cuddle” in English. With your comfort as their priority, sit back and relax into its “cuddle” as you make your way to the island paradise. 

And when you book your flights from May 10 - 24, 2023, you get to fly via Aircalin at only $998, including return airfare from Singapore plus all the taxes! It’s valid for travels between May 10, 2023 and March 31, 2024, giving you enough time to plan your trip.

Get in touch with nature

With picturesque beaches, marine conservation areas, verdant reserves and parks, New Caledonia is home to over 3,000 native species, most of which are unique to the territory. Nature lovers will delight in the rich biodiversity of New Caledonia. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting finds like a “natural aquarium” formed in a rock pool on Maré Island or the symbolic “screaming” Kagu. 

Go island hopping

With three unspoiled gems steeped in nature’s beauty and tradition, you’ll find the Loyalty Islands – Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa – off the coast of New Caledonia, with each telling its own story. Appreciate the hidden gem- Kiki Beach on Lifou, visit Maré island’s limestone caves and take a hike along scenic cliffs at Ouvéa island. Accessible by flight or boat, these islands and their pristine beaches will leave you enchanted.

ALSO READ: Craving 'overseas' travel? Check out these 6 offshore islands (besides Pulau Ubin)

Immerse in the local indigenous culture

The rich and colourful Kanak culture is integral to New Caledonia’s unique identity. They are the largest cultural group in the archipelago and one of the earliest inhabitants. Many of their traditions are still preserved on The Loyalty Islands, and much of their culture is celebrated through music, art, and food.

The Kanaks have close ties with the land and sea, and you can fully experience this as you feast on the iconic Bougna (banana, meat, and vegetable stew), go fishing the traditional way, or tour the yam plantations in a tribal homestay. 

Adventure time

Take your adventures from the skies to the sea. No matter what your appetite for adventure is, there’s much to explore in New Caledonia. Drive around in a Moke car, hike or bike through the GR1 Trail at the Great South, and race to the peak of Mont-Dore!

Explore the verdant landscape on the back of a horse, or spread your wings and glide over the pristine waters in an autogyro or an ultralight aircraft. The options for that adrenaline rush are aplenty. 

Unique food and fresh produce

With New Caledonia’s vibrant culinary scene, you can wine and dine at fine French restaurants or graze your days away at local markets like Port Moselle Market to sample fresh produce, charcuterie, and cheese.

Enjoy French food with a Caledonian twist, or savour a traditional Kanak meal. The best way to discover local flavours and fresh produce though, is Tables d’hotes, a farm-to-table home-cooked meal experience in the home of local farmers.

Visit six Unesco sites at one go 

The Entrecasteaux Reefs, Great Northern Lagoon, Northeast Coastal Region, the Ouvéa and Beautemps-Beaupré atolls, the Western Coastal Region and the Great Southern Lagoon are the six marine Unesco sites that represent the abundance and beauty of New Caledonia.

Home to an amazing diversity of corals, fishes, and seagrasses, they make up one of the largest reef systems in the world. With its healthy and complete ecosystem, endangered marine species like turtles, whales, and dugongs flourish happily here. Special care is taken to preserve and protect these marine clusters, so be sure to do your part when you visit. 

Show your love

Stealing the scene right out of K-Drama Boys Over Flowers, fly your loved one to the top of the world and show them your love with the Heart of Voh (and no, you don’t have to be as rich as Gu Jun-Pyo).

This famous heart is a 4-hectare natural clearing formed by the mangroves on the lagoon’s edge. Because the area around the mangrove has little vegetation, it creates the outline of the perfect heart shape. Alternatively, a three-hour hike to the top of Katepai Mountain will reward you with a full view of the Heart of Voh.

From May 10 to May 24, 2023, book your direct flights to New Caledonia via Aircalin at only $998 (return air fare from Singapore, all taxes included). For travels from May 10, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

This article was first published in City Nomads.