The Grotte de la Reine Hortense is located in the northern part of the Île des Pins. To get to Île des Pins from Nouméa, you can choose between air and sea. The airline Air Calédonie operates daily flights from Nouméa-Magenta domestic airport. Flight time is around 30 minutes. Boats from the Betico company make the crossing once or twice a week between Grande Terre and Île des Pins, taking 2h30. Once there, you’ll need to rent a vehicle (car or scooter) to reach the cave, or book a guided day trip. The Grotte de la Reine Hortense site is a 10-minute drive from the Moué airport.
From exotic vegetation to legend, find out how to make the most of your visit to the cave!
1. A lush trail

Prepare for a journey deep into the bosom of vibrant tropical greenery, where a babbling stream weaves through the landscape and limestone tubules punctuate the scenery – this is the magical realm of Queen Hortense’s grotto. Follow the delightful path that leads you to this tucked-away wonderland. A quirky blend of tree ferns, heliconias, and jaw-dropping bird-of-paradise specimens (don’t worry, it’s a plant!) create a unique blend of lush vegetation. And as you delve into the remarkable tales of Queen Hortense, the daughter of the legendary Chief Kaoua, those welcome sentiments of peace will wrap around you like a warm embrace.
2. Admire the giant stalactites
As soon as you enter the cave and along the way, take the time to look up: bats stir discreetly while stalactites line the cavern’s heights. The atmosphere becomes increasingly mysterious…
3. Discover the cave's secret room


There’s more to come! As you go deeper into the cave, you’ll come across a well of light invaded by the roots of a banyan tree. A mystical ambiance guaranteed as you cross the cave by torchlight!
4. Immerse yourself in the history of Reine Hortense

The grotte d’Oumagne has been made famous thanks to the legend surrounding it. The place is said to have served as a refuge for the daughter of the great chief Kaoua Vendégou, the young Kanedjo from her Kanak name, later christened Hortense in homage to the mother of Napoleon III. It was here, then, that Hortense found refuge during certain conflicts between tribes, her relatives fearing for her safety. It is also said that this brilliant queen was the first Melanesian to speak and write French. So symbolic is this place for the Kuniés that they have even erected a small temple in the Queen’s memory within the depths of the cave.
5. Take a guided tour to learn more
Don’t hesitate to include a visit to the Grotte de la Reine Hortense as part of a full- or half-day guided tour of the Île des Pins. There’s nothing like hearing the legend and history of the place from a native of the island!

