New Caledonia (French:Nouvelle-Caledonie) is a dependent overseas territory of France lying in the western Pacific Ocean, in the Coral Sea, to the east of Australia and west of Vanuatu. The territory consists of the main island of Grand Terre, the archipelago of the Loyalty Islands (Iles Loyaute), and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls. New Caledonia offers stunning beaches, mountaintop fondue in chalets, camping, amazing snorkelling and diving, and fabulous French food.
Regions Map of New Caledonia New Caledonia includes:
The main tourist destinations are:
Cities
Ports and harbors
UnderstandThe people of New Caledonia are split into three major groups:
There is a general move towards independence in New Caledonia and it was decided in the Nouméa Accord that the territorial Congress will have the right to call for a referendum on independence after 2014, at a time of its choosing. HistorySettled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. The islands have been an overseas territory of France since 1956. The 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French law. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s seems to have dissipated. A referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new referendum is scheduled for 2014. New Caledonia has a national holiday for Bastille Day on 14 July (1789) ClimateNew Caledonia has a tropical climate, modified by southeast trade winds. It is hot and humid. The islands are subject to tropical cyclones, most frequent from November to March. GeographyThe main island of New Caledonia is one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean and its terrain consist of coastal plains with interior mountains. The highest point is Mont Panie (1,628 m). Grand Terre is rich in minerals, and is an important source of many ores. There is a mountainous interior green with subtropial foliage. The outlying islands are coral based, and have stunning white sand, and sport palm trees. EconomyNew Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In recent years, the economy has suffered because of depressed international demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, the substantial financial support from France and tourism are keys to the health of the economy. The situation in 1998 was clouded by the spillover of financial problems in East Asia and by lower prices for nickel. Nickel prices jumped in 1999-2000, and large additions were made to capacity. Strikes in the building industry in 2001, which lasted four months, adversely affected many other sectors of the economy. French Government interests in the New Caledonian nickel industry are being transferred to local ownership. Get inBy planeAir France provides direct flights from Paris. Regular flights are available from Tokyo, as New Caledonia is very popular with the Japanese. There are also flights from various Pacific nations, New Zealand, Australia, and SouthEast Asia. However, there aren't many flights overall, so beware of availability. There is little or no competition on routes, so be very wary of high flight prices. By boatNoumea is a popular port of call for people sailing around the Pacific. Though most dare not sail during cyclone season.
See
Do
TalkThe official language is French, and it is difficult to find English speakers outside of Noumea. In Noumea, French, English, and Japanese are widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and shops. To enjoy a place like this, you should really endeavour to learn some French. BuyThe cartoon series La Brousse en Folie and Le Sentier Des Hommes by Bernard Berger will give you an insight in the local culture and tradition. The comics are written in French, the former imitating the local accent and grammar (or lack thereof) Other than that, plenty of conventional souvenirs shops may be found throughout Noumea. CostsNew Caledonia is very expensive, since much of the food needs to be imported. There is no culture of bargaining either and attempting such might cause offence. Eat
Buy food from local markets, which are common to almost every town. Restaurants are expensive. You can eat quite well for about 10EUR at a couple of joints opposite the library in town. For travellers on a budget, you'll need to observe what the Kanaks do for the best deals. DrinkTry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava You can recognise a Kava bar by a red light outside and dim lighting inside. It is about 100CFP compared to 500CFP for a beer, so about a fifth of the price. You drink the Kava immediately once you've purchased it and then go off to a dark bench to chill. SleepThere is only one affordable hostel in town. Get aroundRent a carCheapest are:
Catch a busThe buses aren't too bad and go pretty much everywhere, but they aren't frequent. HitchingIt is possible, but not advised. Around celebrations there are many drunk drivers on the roads. WorkVoluntary serviceVolontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). Conditions: you must be French or from another EU-member state or a country belonging to the European Economic Area. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences. Stay safeNew Caledonia is fairly safe.
Stay healthyIodine or a similar disinfectant is invaluable to fight off small infections, which quite commonly occur in most sores and scratches. Some mosquitoes carry the dengue fever virus. There is no vaccination for this. Consult a doctor for more information, and see the Wikitravel article. RespectContact
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